Our DSP for this week is Amanda. She has been with Living Well for over 11 years and works at our Casey Court home in Inver Grove Heights. She has a kind heart, has built amazing relationships with the people there, and is natural caregiver at heart. Amanda is a busy working mom and is always up for having fun at work.
Ashley Spencer-Mcarthur, Program Manager at Casey, says, “Amanda is a wonderful DSP who consistently works alongside her team to ensure everyone is safe, supported, and well cared for. She truly enjoys spending time with the individuals in our home, whether that means taking them on outings or engaging with them in meaningful activities. Her compassion and dedication are evident in her actions every day. Amanda willingly takes on tasks without hesitation and completes them with a positive attitude and without complaint.”
Amanda, we appreciate your hard work and are grateful you are part of the team at Casey Court!! Good luck with your leave, we will see you again in August.
ABOUT AMANDA
Number of years/months with Living Well: 11 years 3 months
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my kids, ages 1-12, so I am basically a mom all day, every day. But I like to cook and bake, and my kids love helping me make cookies. My banana bread is also a big hit, and we grill a lot so we can spend time outside together.
Education: I didn’t love school and ended up getting my GED, and I never went back to school because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
Job Experience/History: I started as a babysitter and childcare provider and then worked as a PCA with a few clients I helped support. I also worked for Ramsey County for a bit during Covid while staying on occasionally at Casey. I worked supporting the homeless struggling with mental health and drug abuse, and it was a really cool experience. I learned a lot and got to meet and help many people, as there were around 130–140 people being assisted. I was a lead there, and we were constantly helping people get medical and housing assistance. I guess I have always been a caregiver of some sort.
Favorite part of the job: I like being able to help and give the people here something different every day. I always ask what they want to do, and they know I love to bake and bring in cookies, muffins, and other special treats to make them happy. We also enjoy getting out and trying new things together. I always want to create experiences they will enjoy.
What is your motivation for coming to work: The people. I like being able to help them, and it feels good that they are happy to see me. And the work makes me feel good. As the saying goes, ‘If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
What made you apply: I was looking on a job search site, maybe Indeed. I came across Living Well and applied. Alex Buslee, now the Manager at Poppler, hired me. She was so nice when I talked with her and I started training almost immediately.
What makes you stay: I stay because of the people and the comfort of not feeling like I am at work — it feels like family. I want to see what everyone is up to. I barely think of it as work. I feel comfortable, happy, and at home here. I drop my kids at school and come here excited.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I just told one of my friends about Living Well the other day. I said we have so many homes, locations, and people that you will feel comfortable, supported, and well-trained. I told them It is rewarding to help people, take them out, and make them happy. You will feel good in the environment and have fun. It is a great place to work.
When not at work, what do you like to do for fun: I like spending time with my kids and being outside. My older kids like to fish, we go on walks, and enjoy getting outside when the weather is nice.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: I did before my younger kids were born, but I ran out of time. Maybe again in the future.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well DSP. Special thanks to Miles and Cheri Cohen for their support of DSP of Week. Want to join them in underwriting our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Jamee Yung for sponsorship opportunities.