Introduction of Amanda Smith, Associate Dean of Health & Wellness

Publish Date: May 5, 2025

Crafton Hills College is pleased to welcome Amanda Smith, LCSW, as our new Associate Dean of Health & Wellness. Smith brings over 18 years of experience in mental health services, crisis intervention, wellness programming, and leadership across hospital and academic settings. Her strong commitment to equity and holistic student support aligns closely with Crafton’s mission to foster academic and personal success.

Most recently, Smith served as Director of Medical Student Support & Wellness at the UCR School of Medicine, where she developed a comprehensive mental health and resilience program. Her background also includes service as an Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker, Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator, and Section Chief Supervisor for inpatient and emergency clinical staff. Throughout her career, she has focused on supporting underserved, first-generation, and at-risk populations through trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.

Smith is a certified meditation instructor through Chopra and holds additional certifications in mindfulness, compassion fatigue, and mentoring. Her leadership is guided by a holistic philosophy that promotes emotional, physical, and social well-being.

In her new role, Smith will lead the implementation of Crafton’s Healing-Centered Practices Framework, advancing collegewide efforts to embed wellness, restorative justice, and community-building into our Health & Wellness Center and Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).