Through my work at the Balkhi Foundation, I have the privilege of working with some of this generation's most talented students while creating a model of philanthropy that prioritizes the needs of students over "what's always been done".

With my children's book - One, Two, What Do I Do? : A Children's Guide to Talking Back to OCD's Intrusive Thoughts - I'm thrilled facilitate the conversation among families with young children about OCD and evidenced based treatment while showing that OCD impacts children from all around the globe.

I've been lucky to wear a lot of hats in my life - student, researcher, educator, therapist, parent, author, volunteer - and I hope to use these experiences to enhance access to opportunities for all.

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“Education is the ultimate tool to empower talented students. I'm proud to play a small part in the success of our Balkhi Foundation Scholars.”

-Amanda Balkhi

My Interests

Balkhi Foundation

I have the privilege of working with some of this generation's most talented students in my role as Executive Director of the Balkhi Foundation. It is my goal to bring strong opportunities for educational growth within reach of the students that are striving for success.

I hope to use the lessons learned in academia to facilitate talented students receiving the education and opportunities that they deserve rather than just what they can afford.

One, Two, What Do I Do?

My graduate school career was spent working with some amazing people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - many of whom had struggled since childhood without effective strategies to combat thier obsessions and compulsions.

This is why I, along with Dr. Megan Barthle-Herrera, wrote One, Two, What Do I Do? A Children's Guide to Talking Back to OCD's Intrusive Thoughts- to take evidenced based information and make it accessible and approachable for children and families.

Volunteerism

Some of my most enriching experiences have been giving back for the greater good. Whether it's mentoring a student, giving back to a charity I believe in, or helping to someone within our community, I aim to share the great mentorship and support I've received with others.

Currently, I serve as the President of the University of Florida's Psychology Advisory Board - an experience that has allowed me to continue to advocate for the amazing students, faculty, and staff who are continuing to enrich the legacy of world class education and research within the UF Department of Psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a commitment to education mean?

I believe that education has the ability to changes lives. By educating one student, we have the potential to radically change quality of life for three generations. First, by providing the student with the opportunity to succeed, second by providing their future children a stepping stone for success, and third by allowing the student to be better capable of reaching back to assist their parents later in life.

This is why I am proud of our work at the Balkhi Foundation. Since day one, we have strived to help talented students afford the educational opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. With that also comes a commitment to be more than a one time funding source for students. Every Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship is built to be renewable for up to four years, so that students have funding they can rely on throughout thier undergraduate studies.

Additionally, our family’s continued support of Cambodian Village Fund and our historical support of Pencils of Promise have allowed us to improve access to education for children in Cambodia and Guatemala. Each of these schools was built in concert with local communities and regional governments to ensure that the schools would have a lasting impact on the students of the surrounding areas.

Where can I find One, Two, What Do I Do?

One, Two, What Do I Do? A Children's Guide to Talking Back to OCD's Intrusive Thoughts is available on Amazon and other retailers. For orders of multiple copies, or for practioner discounts, you can order direct from the publisher at Imagination Inkwell.

How can I learn more about the Balkhi Foundation?

We created the Balkhi Foundation as a way to give back to our community and help students who are attaining success despite the obstacles in their way. You can read more about our mission, learn about our Scholars, and view our scholarship criteria on the Balkhi Foundation website.

Amanda Balkhi, Ph.D.