Amanda Pagley

Amanda’s academic credentials are enough to make most anyone a bit envious. She’s a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has a Master’s degree in Sociology/Criminology from Northern Illinois University. That’s after having graduated summa cum laude from Illinois State with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Elgin Community College.

Amanda’s master’s thesis was on the process in which small groups socialize around the common use of marijuana. It was a year-long process of research, field study, sleepless nights, rough draft after rough draft, institutional board review approval, and a near loss of sanity. As a result, however, she created her own niche in the world of Sociology and published the thesis with ProQuest.

Before coming to our firm, Amanda worked at Adobe Mountain School Correctional Facility with youth struggling with substance abuse. She loved working with the girls, and while it was often hard to build a rapport with them, it was very rewarding when trust developed. She’s also an animal lover who has done volunteer work with Arizona Golden Rescue. In fact, she’s a bit of a self-professed “crazy dog mom.” Some of her happiest times are spent with her dog, Addie.

All of this means that Amanda is a very empathetic person who is able to relate to our clients and understand what they’re going through. Plus, her outgoing personality puts people at ease.

In her spare time, Amanda likes to go hiking with her fiancé and dog anywhere and everywhere, or she tackles do-it-yourself projects around the house. She’s a huge Chicago White Sox fan and loves to catch a game back home when she visits family and friends. Her all-time favorite TV show is “Friends.” She’s seen the episodes so many times that she can quote most any line.

People around the office say Amanda is a go-getter they can depend on. When she’s given a task, she’ll do whatever is necessary to get it done, including taking the initiative to learn new skills and teach others those skills.