Amanda Jillson discovered her passion for working with seniors when she began her first job out of social work school as director of social services for a nursing home in Burlington, VT. “I immediately loved it,” Amanda said. “I’m acutely aware of the challenges of getting older, particularly in our society, and I always felt driven to help and positively impact that. It wasn’t just about working with seniors, it was also about advocating for them.”
That same passion and drive ultimately led Amanda to Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua, where she now serves as Executive Director after amassing nearly four decades of senior services experience, including previous positions as Director of Admissions and then joint Community Relations Director and Program Director at EPOCH Memory Care Assisted Living of Weston.
Though Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua is currently under construction, Amanda and her Director of Community Relations, Lisa Beckwith, are busy getting ready for the community’s opening in August 2016. “We’re thrilled to bring a team of professionals together to deliver high-quality care and services to memory care residents and their families,” Amanda said. “It’s an exciting opportunity.”
A longtime Alzheimer’s support group leader, Amanda is also excited to begin leading monthly educational presentations and support groups for Nashua-area families, caregivers and spouses of those living with memory loss. After residing in New Hampshire for many years, she is excited to work in the area she lives in and make a direct impact on her community.
For Amanda, what makes her job fulfilling is that it allows her to simultaneously pursue two of her biggest passions: managing a team of professionals and working with memory care residents. “I’ve always had such an affinity for people with memory impairment. They’re incredibly sweet, but authentic in a way that most of us are not. They say what’s on their mind and they are excellent observers. I love spending time with them—conversing, listening to their experiences, being in their world. I thrive on it.”
We know Amanda will continue to do an outstanding job as Executive Director once Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua opens, and we are happy to count her as a member of our team.