Amanda Kent

Q&A with Amanda

• What do you do at LifeLong?

  When I started at LifeLong I was an Adoptive Parent Coordinator and then became an Assistant Director. I currently work in our admissions department, meeting with families that are just starting their adoption journey, helping to walk them through the process and answer their questions.

• When did you join the LifeLong team?

  June of 2019

• What motivates you to get up and go to work?

  My motivation comes from different things every day, but the two most important motivators are my love for adoption and the families I work with, as well as my family. I have four beautiful children and they are my driving force each and every day!

• What is your favorite inspirational, motivational, or positive-thinking quote?

  There are two quotes that I live by everyday: 1. A problem is a chance to do your best. 2. If it doesn't challenge you, it will never change you.

• What's your personal connection to adoption?

  Adoption became something personal to me when I saw my sister in law struggle to grow a family the traditional way. She was able to grow her family through the beauty of adoption and now has two beautiful boys. Getting to see firsthand the struggles of expectant mothers as well as the challenges and obstacles of adoptive parents ignited a passion to want to help support families through adoption.

• What advice do you have for our waiting families?

  Trust the process! There will be many unknowns and unanswered questions, but at the end of it all when you are holding the baby that was meant for your family, everything will make sense. You will realize in that moment the reason everything worked out the way it did.

• When are you happiest?

  I am the happiest when I am with my family enjoying life together. This is one of the reasons I am so passionate about being a part of helping families grow.

• What are you passionate about?

  Besides my family, I am so passionate about helping others. I have always been someone who’s looked after others and wanted to help people rather than just helping myself. I love leading and supporting people as they work to achieve their goals.

• What’s the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?

  One of the biggest challenges in my life was parenting and going through life without my husband for three years. While he was a recruiter for the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked from 6am to 10pm every night, seven days a week. I had to adapt to the change in our family, and with four kids that was not always a challenge I wanted to accept. I learned so much about myself throughout those three years. Not only how much I depended on my husband, but also how strong I was. My kids and I made the best of those three years as I was lucky enough to not work during that time. We traveled, had sleepovers in my room, made new traditions, and found unique ways to sneak in time with dad when we could. It also fueled the fire in me to get my Psychology degree and do something for myself, which led me to my career with Angel Adoption.

• What do you like to do on your days off?

  On my days off I love to make memories. Traveling with people I love, hiking, and anything that consists of amazing people and fun times of being outside.

• What is one thing you cannot resist?

  CAKE! I cannot resist cake or cupcakes. My five-year-old shares this weakness as well. I do not know what it is about frosting and cake that I cannot resist, but if it is offered I will always say YES! Life is too short anyway...eat the cake, right?

• What books are at your bedside?

  My family devotional journal. I found an amazing book years ago that helps me be a more intentional wife and parent. There are so many quotes, activities, and reflections in this book that challenge me to be my best every day!

• What music is on your most-played list?

  If anyone actually looked at my playlist they would laugh. I have country, hip hop, Disney songs, Top hits and some oldies. It depends on what mood I am in. Do I need a song that will make me feel like I can take on the world? Do I want to have a sing-along with the kids in the car? Or do I want to just chill by the fire with some country songs? I love music!

• What's your favorite TV show to binge-watch?

  My guilty pleasure is Real Housewives. I like all the branches, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Orange County, etc. I do not watch much TV, but when I do this is what I watch.

• What's your favorite movie quote?

  There is no place like home- Wizard of OZ.