Amanda Jernigan, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, clinical supervision, and workforce development. As a Regional Clinical Director at Gaudenzia, Inc., Amanda provides strategic clinical leadership for a wide range of behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) programs, supporting multiple ASAM Levels of Care.
Throughout her career, Amanda has held senior leadership roles overseeing clinical services, outpatient programs, residential treatment, and the implementation of evidence‑based treatment models across diverse care settings. Her work emphasizes high‑quality, person‑centered care and system-wide clinical excellence.
In addition to her leadership role, Amanda serves as an adjunct faculty member with the Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State University, where she teaches coursework in addiction, adolescent development, and counseling practices. She is also a frequent presenter at state and national behavioral health conferences, sharing expertise on emerging trends in addiction treatment, adolescent behavioral health, and integrated care.
Amanda has extensive clinical experience working with adolescents, individuals with substance use disorders, justice‑involved populations, first responders, and medical professionals, bringing a deep understanding of trauma‑informed care and the unique needs of specialized populations.
Why I Work at Gaudenzia:
“I have dedicated 26 years to the behavioral health field because I believe deeply in the power of recovery, compassion, and second chances. At Gaudenzia, I’m able to live those values every day by supporting individuals through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Our mission aligns with my commitment to dignity, respect, and meaningful, person‑centered care. I am continually inspired by the resilience of the people we serve—and by the unwavering dedication of the teams who walk beside them on their journey to healing.“