Employee Spotlight – Amelia May

Interview conducted by: Brooke Davidson

A Senior Engagement Specialist, Amelia recently transitioned to her role as a Guided Living Voice Care Alignment Coordinator, continuing to support the needs of our clients. Before joining Vital Decisions in 2016, Amelia was a teacher, then stay-at-home Mom of three. Amelia returned to school at Rowan University for a Master’s in Counseling in the educational setting, becoming a NJ state certified School Counselor. She has taken on roles such as a case manager in a supportive housing social service setting, worked in an alternative high school program for at risk youth and an ESY autism program.

 What brought you to Vital Decisions?

I was seeking satisfaction in the workplace and wanted to feel useful. Supporting those dealing with complex illnesses and the ability to focus on continued growth development was very appealing to me.

What makes Vital Decisions different from any other organization you’ve been a part of?

The flexibility and understanding. The organization listens, hears, and supports you both professionally and personally. The support I’ve had from colleagues has been incredible. Also, this work gives you a sense you’re making a difference in a person’s journey.

How do you find meaning in your work?

As an empathic person I am drawn to support and guide others in challenging situations. My mom is in the late stages of dementia and my father is her 24/7 caregiver. I often imagine speaking to and listening to him and that motivates me. This work has also allowed for conversation with my father – including the more challenging aspects of Advance Care Planning conversations – which has been a gift in a way, to do that together.

What advice would you give to colleagues looking to progress at Vital Decisions?

Be kind to yourself in whatever role you’re in. Keep focus on our clients and how you can make their life a little bit better no matter your role in the company. Be open to opportunities and flexible in trying and learning new things. Also advocate for yourself if you want to go in a certain direction.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment in your career? What do you hope to achieve in your career?

Working and getting my Master’s at night while raising 3 children. One of my children has special needs. I didn’t sleep for 4 years.

Steve Gramiak, GLV Supervisor

Amelia has a warmth to all that she does. Whether it’s a client she is reaching over the phone, or a colleague in need of support, she shows up in such a special way with them. Amelia is somebody you can rely on to bring people together through thoughtful team building exercises or food. She always treated our team to her exceptional baking.

Amelia is amazing! She is consistent, caring, creative, and courageous. She has been a gift to the Cherry Hill office and now to the company as a whole. She values and fosters relationships and connections with her co-workers and her clients. We all learn something new about ourselves and others when she takes the lead and guides us. Thank you Amelia for your generosity and countless contributions.

- Irene Dougherty, Specialist

- Alexa Wichert, Specialist

So many amazing things to say about Amelia! She is someone I truly admire as a coworker and friend; she has always taken time to listen and support me through our careers at Vital Decisions and that is something that I value so much. She is always professional, hardworking and works so well with her clients. They are lucky to work with her! She gives her time in meetings and other activities to support everyone here and has always been a valued teammate of mine!

Amelia is an actual ray of sunshine. I’m so grateful to have come through onboarding with her; her grace and kindness shine through everything she does. Taking walks with her at lunchtime during onboarding was a surefire way to brighten my day and glean new perspectives. She’s a natural leader and an asset to those she connects with on the phone.

- Natalie Sloane, Marketing Coordinator

- Elizabeth Pfeifer, GLV Supervisor

Amelia is such an asset to Vital Decisions and her clients! From the moment I started working with her, Amelia’s strong clinical skills, compassion, and professionalism stood out immediately. Amelia is always willing to contribute to the organization and steps up readily to encourage her own learning and growth as well as the learning and growth of her peers. She is a true team player and an outstanding clinician!

Amelia is such a gem at Vital Decisions and her positive energy is infectious. She brings a warmth and intention to her work that is grounded in her personal experiences, which allows her impact to be felt both on and off the phone. Her contributions at team meetings through creative team building activities as well as her mentorship as an Ambassador largely contributes to our positive workforce culture. As a Senior Specialist, Amelia’s passion for clinical quality shined bright and led to a professional development opportunity where she was able to learn various aspects of the supervisory role. Following this opportunity, Amelia has since been responsible for co-authoring our Industry Newsletter. These contributions and more all speak to Amelia’s passion for our work and her desire to spread joy to others. It has been an honor to work alongside Amelia in both our Living Well Program and Guided Living Voice. She is a valued team member and very much so deserves this employee spotlight.

- Markita Billups, VP Clinical Operations