Hi, I’m Amanda

Incoming Interim Head of School

Amanda Morin is a renowned neurodiversity advocate, PBS Difference Maker Honoree, award-winning author, and nationally recognized speaker whose work has profoundly impacted inclusive education. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Amanda is a California multi-subject credentialed teacher and certified behavioral specialist with deep expertise in learning and child development, special education, mental health, and school culture.

As an educational leader, she is committed to creating learning environments where all students feel valued, supported, and capable of success.

Amanda first joined Compass High School as the Director of Academic Services, overseeing academic programming, instructional and student support, professional learning, and schoolwide initiatives designed to foster belonging and learner success. Her leadership combines a systems-level perspective with hands-on classroom experience, allowing her to bridge strategic vision with practical implementation.

Prior to joining Compass High School, Amanda played an integral role in launching Understood.org in 2014 and later served as its Director of Thought Leadership and Expertise. Throughout her career, she has partnered with schools, nonprofits, and educational organizations to develop innovative approaches that support diverse learners and strengthen inclusive educational communities. She has also served as a subject matter expert for the Developing & Using Critical Comprehension (DUCC) Project through the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University.

Amanda currently serves on several national advisory boards and expert panels, including Digital Promise’s Learner Variability Project, Matan’s Professional Advisory Board, and the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media & Youth Mental Health Technical Expert Panel. She is trained in special education advocacy through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and holds a Universal Design for Learning credential from the UDL Implementation and Research Network.

Amanda is the author of six books, including Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported (2025), Adulting Made Easy, What Is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids, On-the-Go Fun for Kids, The Everything Kids’ Learning Activities Book, and The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education.