Nov 24, 2025

Employee Spotlight: Amanda Kitchka

Tax Program Coordinator
Years of service: 8

Eight years ago, Amanda Kitchka joined Goodwill Industries of West Michigan as a receptionist, beginning a new chapter in her life. After growing into the role of Program Assistant, she now serves as our Tax Program Coordinator, helping individuals navigate important financial steps with patience and care.

Amanda’s path hasn’t been easy. Before Goodwill, she battled substance abuse, legal challenges, and trauma from an abusive relationship. Two mentors—Carl Lewis and Lori Springstead—became pivotal in her healing and professional growth. “They took me under their wing and helped elevate me,” she says. Their support shaped the compassionate leader she is today.

Driven by empathy, Amanda is passionate about helping people through struggles she understands firsthand. “Sometimes people just need to see proof that they can make it to the other side,” she shares. “I want to be that inspiration.”

Her advice is simple and grounded: take things one day or one task at a time, do what you can, and let that be enough. And always make room for joy. “Laugh as much as you can, be silly, be goofy, be authentically you.”

Two quotes guide her:
“Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it.”
“No matter where you go, there you are.”

Amanda believes strongly in the power of love and community—“two of the greatest superpowers in the universe.” She also believes in the everyday magic found in people’s unique talents.

Her guilty pleasures include binge-watching Dexter, Criminal Minds, and fantasy series like The Wheel of Time and A Discovery of Witches—with plenty of ice cream on the side.

Outside of work, Amanda spends most of her time with her kids and family, who bring her joy and motivation.

“I feel blessed to be at Goodwill,” she says. “Working with great people and connecting with the clients we serve is one of the best parts of my life.”

Amanda’s story is one of resilience and hope—proof that with support, strength, and compassion, anyone can rise.