“It doesn’t mater how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.”

- Confucius

Meet Amanda

I often get the question of how I started my journey in mindfulness and like many things in life, it found me! I attended a doctoral program with the intention of continuing my research in women's health, particularly postpartum depression. Then one day I happened to take a class with an amazing professor who was also an inspiring mindfulness teacher. I distinctly remember sitting in a lecture, and she had asked the class, "how can you teach mindfulness, if you don't practice yourself? You need to be able to talk with people about how truly difficult it can be to ‘live in the moment’”. I decided to take my first 8 week mindfulness class.

Fast forward to my postdoctoral training, and a colleague was attending an extended silent meditation retreat, and I was saying how intimidated I was by the longer retreats, and how much I admired her courage. She looked right at me and said, “now you have to sign up”! I did! I attended my first 9 day silent meditation retreat, and a whole new personal and professional path opened up. It takes just one person to believe in you, and I had two amazing mindfulness mentors with many additional teachers guiding my path. Mindfulness based therapy, in my opinion, is about connected humanity, increased awareness, and kindness.

Learn more at: Psychology Today

Education

Dr. Skowron Romano received both her Masters and Doctoral degree from the APA-Accredited clinical psychology program at La Salle University in Philadelphia where she served as Chief Extern. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh where her training focused on stress management techniques. Dr. Skowron Romano graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology and sociology.

Publications

Published Dissertation: The Role of Assertiveness and Cognitive Flexibility in the Development of Postpartum Depression.

Publication: Skowron, A., Clark, C., Sadovsky, N., & Wisner, K. (2012). Giving Voice to Adolescent Mothers’ Challenges. Qualitative Health Research 3, 27-34.

Training Sites

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh

  • Predoctoral Internship (APA-Accredited Internship): Towson University

  • Chief Clinical Extern: Center for Anxiety and Stress Management at La Salle Community Psychological Services

  • Chief Clinical Extern: Mood Disorders Treatment and Research Specialty Clinic at La Salle Community Psychological Services

  • Psychology externship: Drexel University Student Counseling Center, Center City Hahnemann Campus

  • Psychology externship: University of Pennsylvania Counseling and Psychological Services

Work Experience

Presentations

  • Mind Body Health – Arlington, VA – Licensed Clinical Psychologist: In addition to providing Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy, Dr. Skowron Romano helped to develop the mindfulness programming within this private group practice consisting of psychologists and dieticians. This included providing wellness classes and consulting with clinicians training in mindfulness-based therapies.

  • The Mindfulness Center - Bethesda, MD - Community Director & Clinical Psychologist: Dr. Skowron Romano oversaw all of the community contracts and programs at this non-profit organization, including workplace wellness, mindfulness in schools, and reducing burnout in healthcare professionals. Dr. Skowron Romano created online mindfulness trainings as well as provided individual therapy and wellness classes.

  • Casey Health Institute (CHI Health Care) - Gaithersburg, MD – Licensed Clinical Psychologist – Dr. Skowron Romano developed the behavioral health department at this integrative primary care office. Her work at the integrative center helped clients better understand the interplay of one’s physical and mental well-being. Dr. Skowron Romano ran the entire Mindfulness program.

  • University of Maryland - The Founding Campus - Baltimore, MD - Licensed Clinical Psychologist – Dr. Skowron Romano provided individual, group, and couples therapy to a graduate student population and concentrated on prevention efforts for a student population.

  • Ernst & Young - Presentation: Uncertainty- How to Cope

  • Council for Professional Recognition - Presentation: Mindfulness, Eating, and Mental Health

  • Ullico, Inc - Presentation: Learning and Implementing a Meditation Practice

  • Sheetz - Presentation: Mindfulness Program focusing on Interpersonal Development

  • Women’s Conference: Mind, Body, and Spiritual Healing - Presentation: The Importance of a Healthy Mind

  • Leading Authorities, Inc - Presentation: Stress Management Seminar

  • Grossman Law, LLC - Biweekly meditation classes; Presentation: Stress Management Seminar

  • APA Accredited Continuing Education Program - Mind-Body Medicine: Understanding How Mindfulness Impacts the Body

  • APA Accredited Continuing Education Program - Mind-Body Medicine: Integrating Psychology & Yoga

  • Mid-Atlantic Dental Meeting - Presentation: A Mindful Approach to Self Care

  • American Association for Clinical Chemistry - Presentation: A Mindful Approach to Self Care

  • Association of Legal Administrators Capital Chapter - Presentation: A Mindful Approach to Self Care

  • Shulman Rogers Law Firm -Presentation: Stress Reduction throughout the day

  • Greater Washington Academy of Women Dentists (GWAWD) -Presentation: Stress Reduction throughout the Day

  • Maryland Academy of Family Physicians - Presentation: Stress Reduction Throughout Health Care

  • Asbury Methodist Village - Presentation: Mental Health Planning and Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness and Acceptance Based Interventions

What is it?

Mindfulness based interventions are a type of psychotherapy that focuses on learning how to be more aware of thoughts, feelings, emotions, and situations, in order to reduce reactivity and increase intentional responding.

What does it treat?

Mindfulness-based therapy can treat various physical and mental health conditions and improve overall daily functioning and quality of life. Additionally, it can be used along with other interventions as a way to help cope with the side effects of medical conditions.

What are the benefits?

Mindfulness and acceptance based interventions utilize elements of cognitive therapy, mindfulness, and values work to help you gain awareness of thought patterns and reactions, in order to live an intentional life in accordance with one’s own values.