Amanda Raines  is an Ohio State Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development with a focus on empowering Hardin County youth to take leadership roles in our community and live healthy, productive lives . She grew up in Hardin County and was a 10 year member of the Hardin County 4-H program.  She went to college at Ohio Northern University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Broadcasting, and Electronic Media.  After short career in radio news, Amanda realized she needed a career that would allow her to work with youth and serve her community, which lead her to back to the 4-H program she loved participating in as a youth.   She went on to earn her Master of Science in Extension and Community Education from The Ohio State University and has found her life’s calling as a 4-H Educator. 

Helping youth and the adults who work with them understand mental health and connect to resources is one of Amanda’s specializations.  She is a nationally certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid® and Youth Mental Health First Aid® and she is the co-chair of the OSU Extension Trauma Informed Care Team.  She also co-authored Your Thoughts Matter: Navigating Mental Health, the first 4-H project book on the subject.  In addition to healthy living, Amanda also serves as thee Hardin County 4-H Camp Director, and she looks forward to her favorite week of the year at 4-H Camp Ohio.  She believes that our youth are our greatest resource, and by providing opportunities for growth, leadership, and service, 4-H helps youth reach for their full potential.