This is the first in a series of podcasts talking with key people in the region to understand the challenges posed by trafficking, all forms of slavery and with the work being done to support survivors. Amanda has covered so many of the crucial areas of need in her career and what The Opening Lotus provides reflects the depth of her experience.

We talked of many social care and safeguarding concerns facing those in the Caribbean and Amanda set the scene by taking me through the great variety of work she supported or initiated over the years. Her aim has always been to support the vulnerable, especially those experiencing traumatic events in their life.

These headings that came within our conversation reflect the range of her knowledge and understanding that all those experiencing trauma need careful assessment and possibly extensive support. This also includes the voluntary and statutory workers coping with high levels of stress and challenge.

Amanda's depth of experience is truly extensive and she provides an excellent opening interview on safeguarding in the Caribbean region.

*Consultant, Women’s Prison *Led restorative practices for residents and officers.(2023–Present) 

*Project Coordinator, *Developed youth rehabilitation programmes, 

*Consultant Social Worker, UNDP TRIP Designed psychosocial programs, coordinated fieldwork (2019–2020) 

*Director, The Opening Lotus MAMANDA Mediator • Mental Health Practitioner• Advocate for Justice & Healing.   

To leverage expertise in Psychology and Mediation alongside practical experience in Mental Health Interventions,

Child Protection, Restorative Justice, and Sustainable Human Development, within a collaborative work environment.

2001 to Present (24 years professional experience) National

Officer, UN Development Programme ( UNDP) CariSECURE

Mental health, mediation, youth justice programmes (2018–Present) 

*Manager & Team Lead, Children’s Authority of Trinidad &Tobago * Led child protection interventions 

*Counsellor & Trainer, Rape Crisis Society Provided trauma counselling, training, outreach(2010–2015) 

*Teacher (Various Secondary Schools) English, Literature, Social Studies (2002–20

 

Qualificatons  Education MSc. Mediation Studies (Distinction), University of the West Indies (2012–2016)Thesis: Surviving Acquaintance Rape and Exploring Victim-Offender Mediation BSc. Psychology (Hons.), UWI (2005–2009)

Her current position as CEO of The Opening Lots incorporates all the following initiatives

The Opening Lotus – the vision, purpose, and scope of the company and its work in psychosocial wellness, trauma-informed care, and restorative practices.Caring for the Carers – Supporting emotional sustainability and burnout prevention for frontline practitioners.Collaboration v/s Competition – Building solidarity and peer support among social care professionals.The Hidden Shame – Destigmatizing personal crises among crisis responders.Permission to Be Human – Balancing professionalism with authenticity in mental health and social care.The Grateful Ache Podcast – its inspiration and the role of storytelling in normalizing conversations around motherhood.Restorative Circles and Justice Work – their value in community healing, conflict resolution, and social care.Messaging to Perpetrators of Crime – the importance of education, deterrence, and pathways to access help and rehabilitation.The Use of the Steelpan in Psychosocial Interventions – as a culturally grounded tool for connection, regulation, and emotional expression.Interconnected Issues in Mental Health and Social Care – such as practitioner wellbeing, trauma literacy, and collaborative care approaches.

 

• Amanda's Linktree page with all social media links https://linktr.ee/theopeninglotus