Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.
Amanda Zamara, Marysville
I would like to nominate my amazing wife, Amanda, for the 2022 Unsung Hero Award.
Together we share two children, Archer, 5, and Aurelia, 3. Being the super mom and advocate that she is, Amanda recognized the developmental differences in our kids very early on. She got them enrolled in an Early Intervention program and subsequently diagnosed with autism by the time they were both 3 years old.
Amanda and I were just as scared and overwhelmed by our firstborn’s new diagnosis as any other parents. Regardless, Amanda threw her energy into learning more about autism, advocacy work and seeking resources for children with intellectual disabilities and their families. She became a member of our local ARC chapter, where she leaned on and learned from other mothers of children with disabilities.
Most inspiring, even though Amanda spends every waking moment being a mom, and also acting as teacher, therapist, advocate, nurse, chauffeur, cook and playmate to our kids with significant additional needs, she finds the time and energy to give back to our community by volunteering as a Helping Parent, providing emotional support and guidance to other moms of newly diagnosed children.
She sits on the Special Ed Parent Advisory Council for our son’s school, has participated in a UW workshop designing autism-friendly libraries, and has recently contributed to a round table with Congressman Rick Larsen advocating for families of children with disabilities. She may not be considered a hero to many, but she sure is a hero to me.
Nominator: Mitch Zamara
Unsung Heroes from 2021:
Cristal Moreno stays positive despite fire and other challenges
Mercer Island mom uses storytelling skills to make world a more inclusive place
Everett mom discovered how powerful her voice could be
Shrounda Selivanoff is a kinship caregiver, a role model and a force for change
