About Amanda
First, Why Do I Do This?
I first found my interest in Estate Planning and Elder Law while I was in law school. I attended the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover. One of my required classes was Wills and Trusts, and I soon found that I enjoyed the coursework more than any other classes I had taken before. The next semester, I jumped at the opportunity to take Aging and the Law as an elective. Again, I found that I loved the course and the work that came with it. From that time on, it became my goal to work in this field and find a job that would allow me to pursue my passion in these fields. I also believe that I am drawn to this work because it resonates with my own life experiences.
Though I didn’t realize it when I was younger, estate planning has always played an important role in my life. I learned at an early age that having a well-drafted estate plan is imperative. My father died when I was young, my mother always stressed the importance of having her own affairs in order so that my sister and I would be provided for if anything were to happen to her. As I grew older, I watched as loved ones became caretakers to people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. I saw firsthand how much relief came from knowing there was a proper estate plan in place. Having an estate plan provided peace of mind for both the elderly and their loved ones. I’m passionate about my work since I’ve been given the incredible gift of helping people care for their families and friends, even after they are gone.
Favorite Part Of My Job
My favorite part of my job is helping people! I know how hard it can be to contemplate your own passing or to deal with the passing of a loved one. I appreciate the opportunity to help clients deal with these issues in a way that can bring them some peace of mind and comfort.
Fun Facts
The coolest place I ever traveled to was Orvieto, Italy. I spent two summers as an undergraduate there working on an archaeological excavation through the college. The city itself was incredible to explore during the workweek, and I had the freedom to explore all of Italy over the weekends. It is a really unique experience to hold an artifact in your hands that’s been buried in the earth for hundreds or thousands of years! Probably my most fun fact is that I’ve been on the excavation.
On the weekends, I like to keep it simple—I spend time with my husband, Keith, my dogs, Elwood and Penny, and my cat, Raja. In my spare time, I love to read mysteries, historical fiction, and classical literature. Jane Austen is my favorite author and if I ever have a daughter I wanted to name her Emma, but now I am rethinking that idea since everyone is named Emma lately! I also love the TV show Fraiser. I watch it all the way through at least once a year! I enjoy the witty humor, but I especially love the character development and changing family dynamic that you witness throughout the seasons.
My family has always been close and we spent a lot of time together. I remember making biscotti and having tea parties with my Noni, spending time with my Grampy on his boat, making a fort and wrapping Christmas presents with my Grandma Pat, and frosting gingerbread cookies with my Grandma.
Education
I went to Westfield High School in Westfield, MA, and graduated in 2008. I attended Saint Anselm College from 2008-2012. I graduated magna cum laude with my BA in Classics and a certificate in Gender Studies. I attended the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover from 2017-2020. I once again graduated magna cum laude, this time while also working full time as a Legal Assistant. I was sworn into the Massachusetts Bar in January 2021.