Staff writer
Amanda Gardner has been working at St. Luke Living Center for almost 23 years.
She became a certified nurse’s aide in high school and worked at Marion Manor as a junior and senior and after graduating from Marion High School in 1999.
She joined the staff at St. Luke Living Center in 2000, first as a CNA, then as a restorative aide.
When the position of activity director became available in November 2019, she stepped into a new role.
Residents’ favorite activities are playing Bingo, baking a variety of food, and being part of a lunch bunch, she says. Sometimes, they enjoy potlucks with their families.
Charla Wheeler of Marion keeps up with living center activities. She was a para-educator to Amanda when she was in elementary school and became a close friend.
“I’m amazed at all the activities she leads,” Charla said. She has celebrations of one kind or another almost every day. I’m very proud of her.”
A resident named Lois had good things to say about Amanda: “She is such a wonderful person and does so much for everyone. It could be a pretty dull time for all the residents if she wasn’t around, helping and directing. Thank you, Amanda.”
“I love my job,” Amanda said. “I enjoy interacting with the residents and learning to know their preferences.”