Dr. Amanda Eckhardt

Amanda Eckhardt, Ph.D. is Chief Program Officer for Urban Resource Institute, leading the Programs Division, setting the strategy and overseeing implementation of the comprehensive portfolio of trauma-informed, client-centered services for those impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. She will direct the full range of prevention, intervention, education and direct services programs.

Dr. Eckhardt is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and ensuring that staff deliver culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services. She is also committed to the professional development, growth and training of staff members. A researcher by trade, she is impact driven and leverages data analytics as a key tool of programmatic operations and excellence.

Dr. Eckhardt brings a wealth of experience and expertise to URI. She was most recently Executive Director for Restore NYC, Inc., an agency that provides client services, housing (emergency, transitional, and independent living), and economic empowerment to individuals who have experienced human trafficking, which overlaps with the issues of domestic and intimate partner violence and homelessness. She previously served as Chief Program Officer and Director of Programs for the agency.

In addition to her professional experience, Dr. Eckhardt is an adjunct faculty member of the Counseling Psychology Program of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has frequently presented research and papers in academic and professional settings on issues related to trafficking, family violence and crime victims. She holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Services, both from Lehigh University, and is a licensed Psychologist.