Born and raised in Utica, NY, Amanda came to Boston in 2001 to attend Emerson College and to pursue her passion for writing.  While studying at Emerson, Amanda worked in restaurants and developed a knack for the food service industry, and was quickly promoted to management positions.  After finishing her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications, she decided to continue in her success in restaurants and went on to help run and develop several Boston area establishments.  It was through both her education at Emerson and her management experiences that Amanda began to take an interest in social and environmental issues and soon after, was inclined to work toward a career in public policy.

In 2007, Amanda entered the Program for Women in Politics and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston.  While completing the graduate program, Amanda interned for the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters, where she gained tremendous experience in advocacy work and helped to bring attention and action to pressing environmental issues in Massachusetts.

Nathaniel Thomas currently serves as Staff Director in the office of Representative Smizik. Nathaniel was born in Boston on July 27, 1983, an only child to his delighted parents. After a move to the Cape when Nathaniel was four, he became active in sports and extracurricular activities.   In his school days he was an enthusiastic participant in Student Government and also served as Rotary Interact President. Through Rotary International Nathaniel was able to spend his Senior year abroad in Argentina: living, learning and traveling throughout South America.

While in South America, Nathaniel developed a strong interest in politics. His travels led to meaningful conversations with locals about international political climates and issues.  When he returned, Nathaniel continued to develop that interest by earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Massachusetts. As an Emergency Medical Technician he helped to pay for his education, and learned valuable life skills. In his senior year, Nathaniel again studied overseas, this time at Oxford University.

After six continents, countless lives saved, and a stint in a law firm, Nathaniel joined Representative Smizik’s office as a Legislative Aide in September 2007. With an extensive background in international relations, Nathaniel is pleased to be working with a community as aware of global issues as Brookline. He hopes to apply what he has learned at home and abroad to his labors, and to assist the citizens of Brookline with their daily issues at Beacon Hill and in the district.