We stage the moments that fund the future.

I was born and raised in the Hampden Medfield area of Baltimore City. I come from a loving family. My parents have been married for over 50 years. I have an older sister and brother, each with families of their own. I don’t have children, but am very close to my five nieces and nephews and am “mommy” to a diva dog named Casey and a mischievous cat named Poe.

I really enjoyed high school. I went to NorthWestern in west Baltimore City. When I walked in on the first day, I had no idea what great opportunities I would experience. I finished ninth in the city’s Cross Country Championship as a freshman. Sadly, during an outdoor track meet that same year, I was rushed off the field in excruciating pain due to stress fractures occurring in both legs. It required months of physical therapy. In my sophomore year, I was able to run cross-country; however, no longer a champion. I suffered a deep depression over knowing I was no longer at the top of my class.

To keep me busy and out of trouble, my Cross-Country coach, who is also my life mentor, appointed me to position of manager for Boys Basketball which lifted my spirits. I assisted the team until 2004, even beyond graduation in 2001. I was part of the Community Law in Action program (CLIA) and had the opportunity to take classes at the U of MD School of Law in my junior year as well as serve as Office Assistant to my program director. I ended my high school career as a member of the Honor Society and went on to have great experiences in the workforce, meeting wonderful people of all walks of life.

I worked in a variety of industries and developed skills in customer service, sales, marketing, finance, training facilitation, and management. I especially loved spending time with my furry friends at a local doggie daycare, where I was the front desk concierge & handler. Prior to that, I owned and operated Grandview Lawn Services, mowing 25 lawns for members of my community.

I loved to volunteer. I joined the Medfield Community Association as Crime & Safety Liaison to help keep our neighborhood safe. I taught Sunday School, was on the Staff Parish Relations and Nominations committees of my church located in the Hereford zone of Baltimore County. These are just a few of the volunteer positions I’ve held so far.

I led a great life until 2011 when the walls caved in on me. I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and had symptoms which caused me to become unrecognizable to everyone in my life, including myself. I experienced many highs and lows and was hospitalized four times from 2011 to 2019. I even had a run-in with the law that impacted my entire family and many friends. I truly thought my life was over and contemplated ending it. I was so used to being a social butterfly, recognized almost everywhere I went. I started to isolate from fear and became a recluse between the four walls of my bedroom, now back at my parents’ house in my late 20s. At this time my addictive behavior reared it’s ugly head.

In late 2012 I didn’t feel scared anymore and wanted to share my story in hopes of helping others, and Strengthening Lives was born. Timing wasn’t good, so after five successful events, I knew it wasn’t working anymore. I decided to give up my dream to focus on getting healthy and back to my true self. Thinking I may have a second chance at my special project, I revived my company in 2021 and began planning the next event. As I neared completion, I knew there would be a lack of support and attendance due to COVID and did not go through with it.

Fast forward to 2026, with lots of help, my relationships have flourished, and I continue to make new friends. I am still in treatment for my illness including therapy and medication management, and now I also belong to and am an active member of two 12 step programs. I am building my career in finance and continue to receive opportunities of advancement. With that said, I knew something was still missing from my life, and that was to introduce Strengthening Lives to my beloved hometown of Baltimore.

Thank you for reading my story. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

Amanda Thompson — President & Founder