Amy Koch
Clinical Director
A little about your job…
I work with the nursing staff and the Kingsley Shores team to assure that the residents and families feel trust and secure with all areas of our community and homecare services.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
When I was 20 years old, my parents owned a Board and Lodging for the elderly and I was offered the job to manage the home, and that’s where my spark started, I spent my day taking care of people and knew that someday I would become a Nurse and remain in the same line of work. I learn so much about myself through the lives of the older population.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I did 4 years of education related to my Nursing degree.
What is the best part of your workday?
Knowing that I may have made a different in some one’s life by just being interested in them and listening to what they have to say.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I have had so many different interaction and fond memories throughout my career with senior living that it is hard to come up with just one however I hold dear to my heart the memory of a particular resident from my very first year working in a senior community. Gurtie lived in the Memory care unit, she had a known love for horses, her room was decorated with horse memorabilia and so many pictures of her childhood horse. I often found myself talking to Gurtie about the photos hanging on the walls of her room and getting the biggest of smiles in return, Gurtie was nonverbal and had not spoken in several years but had a look in her eye and a smile always letting me know she too enjoyed our brief conversation about her horse “lucky”. One spring day the community had a petting zoo for the residents, and I had the honor to escort Gurtie to the activity by wheelchair as Gurtie’s little frame had worn out at age 98 and she no longer could walk or stand for any period. We followed the line of residents as we passed by the group of animals, rabbits, goats, piglets, chickens, and other animals you would find on a farm. Gurtie had a smile throughout the whole ride past the animals, but when we came up to the last animal, there stood a very large beautiful dark
brown and white spotted horse, when Gurtie’s eyes meet the horse, the reaction was more than I could have ever imagined, she tried as hard as she could to reach for the horse and that horse must have known that Gurtie needed to touch him, the horse walked over to the edge of the temporary fence and leaned down and far as he could to allow Gurtie to wrap her arms around his neck, she embraced the neck of that horse as if she was taken back to one of her favorite memories of being a young girl and her horse. The smile on Gurtie’s face was truly priceless and in a very soft voice, Gurtie said, “I’ve missed you
Lucky” at that very moment my heart was full of overwhelming joy for Gurtie and the pure love she was receiving from a horse at the end of the walk.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
We have a great team who are here for all the right reasons and want to make a difference in the lives of people we care for.
More About Amy…
I am number 6 of 7 children. I was Born on April, 4, 1967, I am 54 years old. I graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1986. I have been blessed to share my life with my best friend and husband Den. Together we have 6 Adult children and 5 adorable Grandchildren. I live on a Farm in the country on the edge of Lakeville. In my free time I enjoy finding Furniture that needs repurposing and painting to give it a new look.
Favorite Movie?
Bridges of Madison County
Favorite Book?
The Notebook.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Bethlehem Academy Cardinals because that’s where my kids played sports.
Favorite bands?
Journey
Top travel destination on your list?
Fiji
Do you have any pets?
2 dogs
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Rewinding time, so I could always take back the times I may have hurt someone.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
The smell of Blood makes me sick.
