Amanda lives in Owensboro and is an assistant professor of social work at Brescia University. She has been involved with the Association since 2010.
In what way(s) do you volunteer?
I co-chair the Owensboro Walk to End Alzheimer’s, serve as a guest speaker for our local support group, attend fundraisers, coordinate telehealth collaboration with the Association and UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging to host remote educational programs at Brescia.
Why do you support the Association? How has Alzheimer’s disease personally affected you?
I have both a professional and personal why. I served as a social worker in long-term care for several years during my professional practice. I also directed a specialized dementia care unit. I built relationships with both individuals living with the disease, seeking to improve their quality of life and care, as well as with their families. Personally, I walk in honor of my in-laws and in memory of my husband’s grandmother. I watched my in-laws care for his grandmother in their home and then in a nursing center. I want a world without this disease that causes continual grief and loss.
What impact do you feel your work with the Alzheimer’s Association has on the community?
By supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, we help to fund the 24/7 Helpline, local caregivers support group, and local educational programming for both families and professionals. Most recently, my field practicum student, Aaliyah Rodgers, and I received a High Impact Practice grant from Brescia University to coordinate a self-care session for the local caregivers support group. We were also able to provide a massage therapist contracted through Owensboro Health to give massages to the caregivers who were interested. We wanted to give back to those who so lovingly and sacrificially provide care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
What else are you involved in within your community?
My husband is the head football coach at Owensboro Catholic High School, so we support his school and team. We also serve with our church in areas of children’s ministry and I lead a weekly Bible study group.
Why would you encourage others to support the Association?
I encourage others to support the Association because it fulfills community needs. Serving others also gives a personal reward to know you’re giving of your time and talents.
Is there anything else you would like us to include or know about you?
I feel incredibly blessed to work for an organization that not only values service, but promotes and calls us to live a life of servant leadership. My husband’s employer also supports our involvement and volunteer work with the Association and we are grateful for that as well. Without the support and contributions of those around us we couldn’t successfully do what we do, so thank you to the city of Owensboro for acknowledging the need to end Alzheimer’s and for serving with us.