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Mandy James,
OLY | MA | NCC | CMPC-Candidate
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern


Human first. Olympian. Counselor. Coach.
My
Commitment
At Athlete's Next Move, I care about the human underneath the role. This is a space for anyone chasing big dreams, carrying heavy pressure, or quietly wondering who they are on the other side of a major life change.
I help people move through performance anxiety, identity shifts, and the scary "what's next?" that can show up at any crossroads — in sport, in career, or in life. Whether you're pushing for your next level, rebuilding after burnout, or trying to recognize yourself again, you don't have to figure it out alone.
My goal is that you feel seen, understood, and equipped with tools that fit your real life — not just your highlight reel.

Mandy's Message
I have reinvented myself more times than I can count. I grew up in North Florida gyms, chasing big dreams that eventually took me to the 1996 Olympics, professional stages, and film sets. From the outside, it looked like a highlight reel. On the inside, I was learning how much pressure, perfectionism, and identity fusion can shape a performer's world.
I've navigated career changes, injuries, life after sport, grief, and the question so many people quietly carry: "Who am I if I'm not performing?" Those experiences are why I care so deeply about the humans inside the uniforms. My work now is about protecting your love for what you do while building a life that's bigger than any score, ranking, or roster spot.
One phrase I come back to again and again is "Your story is still being written." To me, that doesn't mean pushing through at all costs. It means honoring your limits, listening to your body and mind, and finding a way forward that fits who you are becoming. My hope is that this space gives you room to breathe, reflect, and build a future you're excited to step into — whether you're in the middle of your career, at a crossroads, or already on the other side.
My Approach
At Athlete's Next Move, I combine lived experience and professional training to support the whole person — mind, body, and identity. Through performance coaching, practical mental skills, and values-driven conversations, I help you manage pressure, restore clarity, and make choices that align with who you are becoming. Sessions are collaborative and grounded in real experience, so you leave with clear, usable strategies for sport, work, or everyday life.
Performance Enhancement
This work is for anyone who wants to perform better under pressure—athletes, performers, and high‑achieving professionals. We translate sport‑psych research into simple, repeatable skills in focus, confidence, and resilience, so you can execute when it counts without losing the parts of you that matter most.
Personal Development
Personal development is about who you are beyond any role or title. In this space, we might explore identity, values, relationships, grief and loss, life transitions, and the big “what’s next?” questions that tend to show up in different seasons of life. The focus is on helping you understand yourself more clearly, make choices that fit who you are becoming, and build a life that feels sustainable, meaningful, and genuinely yours.

A Little About My Credentials
I am a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (IMH 28555) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and National Certified Counselor (NCC) credentials. I provide counseling under the supervision of Amanda Elyse Bleak, LMHC (MH11952) at Flagler College Counseling Center. I also provide sport and performance services through The Athlete’s Next Move under the supervision of Brandi Bratek, CMPC®, and consult with a CMPC-certified mentor as I complete advanced training in performance enhancement. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and evidence-based mental performance strategies tailored to each client.