Amanda Hinrichs, Director
My sister and I accompanied our mom all throughout our childhood into homes and hospitals seeing our mom care for loved ones struggling with their health, mental health, or sometimes just life circumstances, as we all do at one time or another. Witnessing my mom’s unfailing love for people inspired me to want to be the same way. At 17 I got my first job at Arby’s restaurant where I met the love of my life, Brandon. I then followed my mom’s footsteps and started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, which I loved. During that time Brandon and I had our daughter, Ava, our bright little sassy pants. In 2011 I was accepted into the Nursing Program at Walla Walla Community College. Right before entering the program Ava got sick with Kawasaki’s disease, this was one of the scariest times of our life. Thankfully she received the treatment needed and came out a pretty healthy girl. During our time in the Children’s Hospital we met families and staff members that really showed us what love, hope and perseverance look like, sometimes in what seemed to be the worst of circumstances. After this experience I knew I wanted to work with children, yet my heart was still torn because I love the geriatric population as well. Thankfully God knew my heart and has provided me with opportunities to work with both. We had our son, Parley, our sweet little wild child, right after nursing school. The experiences and lessons I learned working with families in all different types of situations have been so valuable. Through life, death and all that there is in between I have seen that we all need support and love from others. During the time I worked at the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health I had the privilege of working with the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network (WWVDN) and saw the incredible impact they have on families. They show up when families need them, they seek out families who don’t yet know they will need them and are always going above and beyond to meet every need presented to them. It is my honor to serve on the board of the WWVDN and help support their mission in any way I can. The staff and volunteers have hearts of gold and I believe in all of them and the families that they serve. Every life is a gift and should be honored.
