Meet Amanda Cruikshank, LCSW

Our IPA is proud to work alongside dedicated professionals who bring heart, skill and lived experience to the families they serve. One such person is Amanda Cruikshank, an OLP who specializes in individual and family therapy. Her passion for helping children and families is rooted in her own inspiring journey.

Raised in Ilion, NY, Amanda always knew that education was her key to a brighter future. “Growing up, we didn’t have a lot,” she recalls. “But I knew if I did well in school, I could create a better life. Not just for myself, but for others too.” As the first person in her family to graduate from high school and then college, she did exactly that.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from SUNY Oneonta, she pursued her Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, MA. Over the past two decades, she has built a meaningful career around supporting children and families, with the last 12 years dedicated specifically to social work.

Currently serving as a School Social Worker in local elementary schools in Herkimer County, she works with ICAN’s Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) and Kids Herkimer. She thrives in this flexible and team-oriented environment, where every day brings something new and every challenge is met collaboratively.

“What I love most is meeting people where they are,” she says. “Helping families problem-solve, supporting kids through tough moments, and showing people the strengths they don’t always see in themselves. That’s what drives me.”

Though she doesn’t point to a single “defining moment” in her career, her impact is felt every day in quiet victories, kind words, and the trust she builds with those she serves. Her approach is rooted in empathy and resilience, shaped by her own life and a strong desire to be the person she once needed as a child.

Outside of work, Amanda brings that same warmth and curiosity to the world around her. An avid reader and fan of discovering “little libraries,” she also enjoys making homemade greeting cards and exploring the outdoors - especially lakes, beaches and anywhere with a scenic view. Her two dogs, Murphy (12) and Apollo (3), proudly serve as the self-appointed President and Vice President of the neighborhood watch, making sure their home is safe and their voices are heard, Just ask them, they love to talk about it (awhoooooo woooooo!!) 

At ICAN, we believe in building a strong, supportive community and IPA Providers like Amanda help make that possible.