Made for this Work

Amy Blackwood’s calling to care, celebrate, and serve at Ridgeview Health Services

Words by Linley Allred | Images by Justin Hunter

Amy Blackwood embraces every celebration, especially if it involves a costume. And there is never any question about whether her heart is in her work.

Amy’s path to becoming the Director of Activities at Ridgeview Health Services began in her hometown of Decatur, Alabama. Growing up, her mother was often in poor health. Amy’s aunt, her mother’s sister, was a registered nurse, and watching her care for others sparked Amy’s desire to help people.

After graduating from East Lawrence High School, Amy faced the loss of both of her parents at an early age. She went on to become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and began working at Hendrix Health and Rehab in Double Springs, Alabama.

During this time, Amy married her husband, Rodney. The couple has been married for 34 years and has three children: Kayla, Hunter, and Mackenzie. Kayla’s decision to become a CNA at Ridgeview ultimately led Amy to work there as well.

“All three of my kids have worked in healthcare in some capacity. But Kayla’s being here is what initially made me interested in making a move,” Amy says. While Kayla has since moved on, Amy is now in her 13th year at Ridgeview.

One day, while performing her daily CNA duties, Amy made up a song to help herself remember her tasks. “I was always doing things like that. It is just my nature,” she says. Kara Holland and Erin White, who were the respective administrator and human resources manager at the time, noticed. They asked Amy about her day and about the meaning behind the singing. “I figured they thought it was silly.” They did not think that at all. In fact, they were already thinking about Amy’s future.

The very next day, Kara and Erin asked Amy to meet with them about becoming a mentor to other CNAs. Amy was excited about the opportunity, but she barely had time to process it before another conversation followed.

Soon after, Kara and Erin called Amy in again and asked her to step into the role of Activities Assistant, which later led to Activities Director. “While I was surprised at the offer, I was also extremely interested. I said yes, and I have been doing it ever since,” Amy says.

Amy’s ability to adapt quickly and consistently put others’ needs before her own has proven to be a tremendous asset in her role. “This is not a job where you can be in it for the accolades; you really must have a heart for it. Helping every resident have a little brighter day and for them to have activities to look forward to is especially important to me,” she says.

A special part of Amy’s heart belongs to the residents in the facility’s dementia wing. She continues to train and further her education to better engage those residents and meet their unique needs.

Since working at Ridgeview, Amy has also gotten her Medication Assistant Certification, which allows her to be more hands-on with patient care. “ I appreciate the opportunities I have had to continue learning and doing new things. Joette Kelley Brown ( President of Ridgeview Health Services) has always been very supportive and she encourages me to continue training for new things,” she says.

When asked about her favorite memory on the job, Amy immediately mentions a day many residents still talk about: water day. “We had so much participation at our first water day - employees, residents, everyone. Even people who normally stayed in their rooms and were not as likely to engage in our silliness came out that day. Seeing someone throw a water balloon and smile, it was the best.”

Amy also brings her love of costumes, the sillier the better, along with her DJ skills and a passion for decorating for all holidays. Creating moments of joy is something she takes seriously.

Some challenges come with the job, including one no one could have anticipated: the COVID pandemic. Throughout that period, Amy and the Ridgeview staff rose to the challenge, working to keep spirits high with as many safe and creative activities as possible. “That was a tough time, and losing so many people I considered family changed how I look at my job.

“That is what keeps me coming back, this is my home, not just a job. The residents and the other employees are my family,” says Amy.

And what a family it is. 78