Amanda has served in nearly every role in the Title IX process, including internal investigator at a large, public university, as well as Interim Title IX Coordinator at a small, private college. She regularly counsels some of the country’s largest educational institutions on complex matters related to harassment and discrimination. She uses her breadth of experience in this area to help colleges and universities navigate sensitive allegations of misconduct amid a rapidly changing regulatory environment. Whether facing a first campus sexual misconduct hearing, an investigation with potential media scrutiny, or a complex allegation of harassment, Amanda is regularly called upon to help institutions in times of crisis. Amanda’s thorough and impartial approach has earned her a national reputation for delivering effective solutions and implementing best practices.

Title IX and Civil Rights Hearing Officer and Decision Maker

Amanda has served as a third-party, neutral hearing officer, adjudicator, and decision-maker for public and private colleges and universities across the country as they respond to reports of sexual misconduct and civil rights violations. Amanda is well-versed in conducting virtual and in-person Title IX hearings, serving as the sole decision-maker or chairing hearing panels in matters involving alleged misconduct by or against students, faculty, and staff. She helps institutions throughout the hearing process, from assisting with preparations for orderly and efficient proceedings to drafting thorough and reasoned written determinations. Amanda also advises institutions and trains Title IX professionals on conducting impartial sexual misconduct hearings, with an emphasis on implementing best practices and ensuring compliance while also focusing on equity and trauma-informed practices.

External Misconduct Investigator

Amanda regularly conducts external, neutral investigations for a wide range of institutions, including colleges and universities, private and independent schools, government agencies, and workplaces. Amanda approaches sensitive issues of employee, student, and faculty misconduct with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring fairness, respect, and impartiality for all participants. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual assault, harassment, discrimination, and domestic violence, Amanda has developed a reputation for handling challenging investigations with empathy and professionalism. Amanda is skilled at conducting thorough virtual or in-person investigations and drafting clear investigative reports supported by collected evidence.

Trusted Consultant and Advisor

Amanda has served as acting and interim Title IX Coordinator for public and private education institutions, filling this critical role during employment transitions or in matters involving internal conflicts of interest. She has assisted institutions with drafting and revising sexual misconduct policies and procedures and communicating these processes to the campus community. Amanda has helped higher ed institutions and independent schools develop and implement compliance and risk management systems and has trained administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and student groups on sexual misconduct policies and prevention. Amanda enjoys working with schools facing complex situations to find innovative and effective solutions that are consistent with campus and community values.

Additional Experience

• Providing advice and counsel to public and private universities on a wide range of matters, including issues related to student conduct, crisis management, academic freedom, Title IX, Title VII, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Clery Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and accreditation

• Advising independent schools regarding risk management, policies, and procedures

• Serving as an appointed advisor to parties to Title IX hearings

• Handling complex civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts across the country

Select Presentations and Publications

• Workshop Presenter (Co-Presenting with Kai McGintee), “Confidently Navigating Title IX Change: Identifying and Applying Best Practices in Times of Legal and Regulatory Upheaval“, Solving the Campus Sexual Assault and Dating Violence Puzzle Conference (December 2022)

• Workshop Presenter, “Where Do We Start? Confidently Preparing for Efficient and Equitable Hearings,” ATIXA Annual Conference (October 2021)

• Article, “Be Nimble: Considerations for Implementing the Cardona Decision at Your Institution,” Lexology (September 2021)

• Article, “Lessons Learned in the First Year of the 2020 Title IX Regulations,” National Law Review (August 2021)

• Article, “U.S. Department of Education Says Title IX Protects LGBTQ Students,” National Law Review (June 2021)

• Article, “Supreme Court’s Skepticism of NCAA’s Arguments Could Lead to Win for Student-Athletes, Changes in Antitrust Law,” National Law Review (April 2021)

• Workshop Presenter, “Conducting Title IX Hearings: the technology, the process, and the personnel,” 7th Annual Solving the Campus Sexual Assault & Dating Violence Puzzle International Conference; NC State University Counseling Center (December 2020)

• Article, “Supreme Court Opens Door to Legalized Sports Betting,” National Law Review (May 2018)

• Featured in Article, “Virginia School Discipline Project expands to Petersburg,” Daily Progress (September 2018)

Education

JD, Washington University in St. Louis

BS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Admitted to Practice

• Commonwealth of Virginia

• District of Columbia 

• State of Illinois (inactive)

• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia

• U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia