When Amanda Carlson graduated from Molloy University in 2015, she not only had a clear sense of direction, she had the preparation to pursue it. A double major in Criminal Justice and Spanish, Carlson combined academic rigor, hands-on experience, and strong mentorship to launch a career that has steadily advanced within the federal court system.
Today, Amanda serves as a Supervisory U.S. Pretrial Services Officer for the Eastern District of New York, where she leads staff and helps oversee the supervision of individuals charged with federal crimes. Her office monitors defendants from arrest or release through sentencing, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions and providing critical support to federal judges during the pretrial process. Though often behind the scenes, her work is essential to the fair and effective functioning of the judiciary.
Amanda’s path began at Molloy, where she maximized both classroom learning and experiential opportunities. A defining experience was her internship with Nassau County Pretrial Services, which she completed over two semesters—one through her Criminal Justice major and another through her Spanish studies. This extended exposure not only deepened her understanding of the field but also set her on the path to her current profession.
Equally important were the relationships she built with faculty and administrators. She credits mentors like Dr. John Eterno and Bob Houlihan, who was Vice President of Student Affairs at the time, with playing a pivotal role in her early career. Houlihan helped her secure her first position as a crime analyst immediately after graduation, giving her valuable professional experience. Dr. Eterno, Chairperson and graduate program director of the Criminal Justice and Legal Studies program, has remained a lasting mentor, offering guidance, recommendations, and continued connection to the Molloy community.
Reflecting on Amanda’s journey, Dr. Eterno shared, “Amanda exemplifies what we hope for all of our students—someone who takes full advantage of both academic and experiential opportunities and turns them into a meaningful career. Her commitment to public service and her growth into a leadership role are truly impressive.”
Amanda also highlights the importance of her Spanish degree, which has proven to be a significant asset. “It has helped immensely both with my job itself and with getting my job,” she explains. Working in the Eastern District of New York, she regularly interacts with a diverse population. “As you can imagine, we have a large Spanish-speaking population, so being fluent in Spanish is almost a necessity.” Her ability to communicate effectively enhances both her daily responsibilities and the broader mission of ensuring equitable access within the justice system.
Since joining U.S. Pretrial Services in 2016 as an officer, Amanda has steadily advanced—first to specialist, and now to supervisor—demonstrating leadership, expertise, and dedication. Her career trajectory reflects not only her own drive but also the strength of the foundation she built at Molloy.
From internships that lead directly to careers, to faculty mentors who remain lifelong advocates, Amanda’s story is a powerful example of how Molloy prepares students to succeed—and lead—in meaningful public service roles.
