Hi there! My name is Amanda Russo and I’m the clinical director of Balanced Life Solutions. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I’ve lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area my whole life. I went to The University of Texas in Dallas and obtained a Bachelor’s in Child Learning and Development and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. During undergrad, I entered an internship working with autistic children, which spurred my love for working with the neurodivergent community. I then went on to study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was during my time at UTSW that I discovered my passion for neuropsychological and educational assessment where I worked for both the UTSW Psychological Services Department and the Parkland Trauma Unit. After school, I went on to work in several private practices, local community mental health clinics and public schools. In addition to being a counselor, I’m also a certified teacher in elementary education, special education, and school counseling. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with special needs. After working for the schools, I did neuroscience research and treatment for divergent social cognition with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Brain Performance Institute. There, I utilized technology to provide treatment in an online interface, focusing on improving childrens’ ability to understand other peoples’ thoughts and implicit social information. Additionally, I gave presentations around the DFW metroplex focusing on how educators and parents could help foster social cognition. I have expertise in neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, ADHD, and learning differences including gifted learners. Additionally, I have a strong passion for working with neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals as they are chronically under- and misdiagnosed due to their presentation of symptoms. When I’m not counseling, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy singing, traveling, and reading books, especially on the topics of neuroscience and psychology.