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“My name is Amanda Dee ‘Mandee’ Montoya-Cuellar. I’m the  founder and Executive Director of W.I.N.G.S. Specialized Services,  LLC. WINGS Specialized Services is  a company that provides unique mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. I was born in Laredo, TX. I’m the oldest of two, and I am proud of my Hispanic culture and traditions. My parents strongly encouraged me to pursue an education and taught me the value of overcoming challenges.

Since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to make a positive difference in the world and make it a better place. As a teenager, my dream was to create an organization or program that was different. However, I wasn't sure exactly which direction to take at the time. As a teenager and young adult,  I was impacted by my own personal experiences and struggled with severe anxiety. So, I worked hard to overcome my own trials and tribulations through counseling, practicing meditation and creating a healthy support system. I followed in the footsteps of those who I considered my role-models and mentors. I was told many times  at different points in my life ‘You can't make it. You won't be able to do it.’ But I saw that as an opportunity to prove those people wrong.

I attended Texas A&M International University and was granted a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. One of my first jobs was working for a nonprofit organization in Laredo, Texas. I worked as an office assistant and eventually started providing direct care services to at-risk youth with mental health illness. I also volunteered for the rape crisis center where I gained knowledge in the field while learning the effects of trauma.

As my exploration for change continued, I moved to San Antonio and pursued a master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). During this time, I was hired to work for a private residential treatment facility. Then I transitioned to working full time as a YES (Youth Empowerment services) wraparound facilitator and team lead for the Local Mental Health Authority. I fell in love with what the program had to offer to the clients, families, and our community. I learned that mental health went beyond just traditional counseling services and I thought about how I can make my dream become a reality.

Upon earning my master’s degree, I was offered the opportunity to become a CLS (Community Living Support) provider with a contracting company in San Antonio. My current mentor and friend, Laura Robertson LPC-S, assisted me in opening a new door, which helped me build a platform to provide more resources to communities. I began my own contracting company, Working to Inspire the Next Generation of Success (W.I.N.G.S.). Some people ask me, ‘Why a humming bird as your logo?’ I have always admired the resilience, playfulness, optimism and independence of hummingbirds. I was inspired and decided that the hummingbird would be a good representation of what I want to offer, Hope.

I am certainly appreciative for being taught and supervised by some of the most amazing people through this journey. Additionally, I am truly grateful for those that took me under their wing through difficult times. We shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. My goal is to continue to grow and offer more services to communities in need. We hire highly trained professionals who help shape our communities and guide our clients to learn how to fly. My favorite quote 'Be the Change You Wish to See in the World' by Mahatma Gandhi."

- Amanda Dee "Mandee" Montoya-Cuellar, Founder