Amanda Hester

Amanda Hester has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Amanda is currently the Director of Operations and Business Development at Mindful, a position they have held since January 2020. Prior to that, they served as Vice President of Operations at Mindful from December 2019 to March 2023. Amanda also worked as a Video Producer at Mindful from February 2020 to March 2023, where they directed and produced curriculum for online video courses and workshops, managed projects across departments, and edited video and audio files.

Before joining Mindful, Amanda worked at Saint Mary's University in multiple roles. Amanda was a Part-time Instructor and Criminology Instructor starting in September 2019. Amanda also served as a Research Assistant from August 2018 to January 2020 and as a Teaching Assistant from September 2015 to January 2020.

Amanda's previous experiences include working as a Copyeditor in 2018 and as a Teacher for the upper school at Shambhala School from 2010 to 2020. Their role at Shambhala School involved developing curriculum, leading workshops, and substitute teaching various subjects. Amanda also worked as an Assistant Director at the Shambhala Office of Culture and Decorum from January 2011 to March 2016.

In the past, Amanda held positions at Shambhala International, where they served as the Director of Travel and Security from an unspecified date until August 2013. Amanda also worked at Shambhala.org as a Facilitator, Assistant Director, and Instructor from 2006 until 2013, teaching workshops and training seminars on contemplative leadership development, meditation, and peaceful communication.

Amanda's work experience also includes being a Teaching Assistant at Dalhousie University from September 2009 to December 2010, a Cafe Manager at Steve'o'Reno's Cappucino from an unspecified date until 2009, and a Consultant for the Green Party of Nova Scotia from April 2008 to July 2008.

Amanda Hester has a diverse education history. Amanda started their educational journey in 1994 and graduated from the Shambhala School. In 1999, they obtained their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of King's College with an Honour's major in political science and English. During their time there, they also participated in the Halifax Dance Intensive Training Program from 1990 to 2000.

In 2002, Amanda completed a training course at the Vajradhatu Buddhist Seminary, focusing on psychology and religious studies. Amanda then pursued further studies at Dalhousie University, where they obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science and International Relations from 2005 to 2011.

In 2014, Amanda enrolled in the Prison Mindfulness Institute, earning a Path of Freedom Course Certification in Counselling and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Amanda continued their education at Saint Mary's University, completing a Master's Degree in Criminology from 2015 to 2017. Amanda further extended their studies at the same institution, earning a second Master's degree in Criminology from 2016 to 2019.

Additionally, Amanda has an ongoing educational commitment, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and Government at the University of King's College, although the specific start and end dates are not provided.