Amanda Eastern

Amanda C. Eastern, Ph.D., is currently serving as a Child and Family Development Research Associate at James Bell Associates since January 2023. Previously, Amanda worked as an Early Learning Policy Analyst at The Hunt Institute from September 2021 to January 2023, where responsibilities included synthesizing early learning policy research, creating educational materials, and supporting state advisory committees. With a strong background in research, Amanda contributed as a Graduate Researcher at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from August 2016 to August 2021, collecting data and facilitating workshops. Additional experience includes roles as an Early Childhood Assessment Specialist at Duke University and a Parent Education and Literacy Intern at the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master's degree in the same field, and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from the University of Central Florida.