Meet the Heart Behind Root Awakenings
Amanda Manzer M.A., LPC-S, CFTP, NCC
Hi! I’m Amanda, owner and therapist at Root Awakenings. I’m a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, KAP (Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) provider, and Reiki practitioner. I’ve spent just about half of my life walking alongside children, adults, couples, and families—always returning to the same truth: healing is sacred, nonlinear, and deeply personal.
Root Awakenings was born from my belief that people need people: to survive, to thrive, and find their way back to themselves. Whether we’re engaging in talk therapy, exploring expanded states, or working with energy through Reiki, I hold space with presence, compassion, and curiosity. My approach is trauma-informed, systems-oriented, and guided by relationship.
In addition to therapy, I supervise interns and pre-licensed professionals, honoring the parallel process between clinician and client, guide and learner. I meet you where you are, so we can move toward where you’re meant to be—gently, honestly, and at your pace.
Jillian Gubler
Hi, my name is Jillian Gubler, an Associate Professional Counselor under the supervision of Amanda Manzer at Root Awakenings. My counseling ideology is rooted in the belief that healing is not something we do alone—it’s something we discover in connection, in presence, and in shared journeying.
I feel called to walk beside individuals who are seeking not only relief from pain, but also a deeper connection to themselves and their spirituality. To me, healing is both sacred and spiritual, interconnected with mind, body, and soul. In our work together, I honor the wholeness of who you are while holding space for the parts of you still tender, uncertain, or searching.
My approach is collaborative and holistic, integrating core client values from their personal spirituality, culture, and experiences with principles from counseling modalities such as CBT, SFT, and DBT. I lean into the power of relationship, spiritual exploration, and compassionate curiosity as we move together toward greater clarity, balance, and peace. Whether you’re navigating grief, transitions, or a longing to reconnect with your spirit, I will meet you where you are—with openness, gentleness, and respect for your unique path.
Counseling is a shared journey, and I would be honored to walk beside you as you remember your own strength, wisdom, and light.
Lori Maestas M.A., LAC, NCC
Hi, I’m Lori. I’m so glad you’re here!
I know reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. You may be carrying more than you can manage alone, and that’s okay. Therapy is a place where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you take the first step toward healing and connection.
My ideal client is someone feeling overwhelmed by past trauma, anxiety, or significant life transitions. You may feel stuck in unhealthy patterns, struggle with identity, or face relationship and family challenges. Many of the clients I work with want to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, establish healthier boundaries, and achieve emotional balance.
I work with children, teens, adults, and couples with compassion and a sense of curiosity. Whether you’re navigating grief, parenting stress, or personal growth, I offer a safe space to heal, explore, and reconnect with yourself and others. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy, including family, religious, and childhood trauma, and use CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, art/play therapy, and visual desensitization techniques to build coping skills, support emotional regulation, and create lasting change.
Join the team!
While Root Awakenings is currently a solo practice, we are thoughtfully growing. I provide clinical supervision to interns and pre-licensed professionals who are passionate about trauma-informed, integrative healing.
Supervision here is relational, collaborative, and rooted in the same values I bring to therapy: authenticity, clarity, and care. We explore parallel process, build clinical skill, and hold space for the growth that happens behind the scenes.
If you’re an intern or associate therapist looking for supervision in a space that honors both the art and science of healing, I’d love to connect.