Celebrating Diversity: Amy Stirling’s Journey with Avamere

For the past 15 years, Amy Stirling has walked through the doors of Avamere at Bethany with a kind smile and radiant positivity. Amy, who has Down Syndrome, brings joy and a sense of belonging to everyone she meets. In honor of Celebrate Diversity Month, we’re highlighting Amy’s story — a powerful reflection of inclusion, perseverance, and the strength of community.

Amy’s experience at Avamere

Amy’s hobbies reflect her vibrant personality and active lifestyle. She finds joy in reading her Bible, cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Timbers, bowling, and golfing.

Amy’s journey with Avamere began when a counselor at West View High School recognized her potential and suggested she apply. That recommendation turned into a lifelong passion. “I’ve now enjoyed 13 years of employment!” Amy proudly shares.

Before Amy became a full-time employee, she volunteered at Avamere at Bethany, marking 15 years of service with Avamere’s team and residents.

Here she thrives in a variety of roles. “I enjoy helping in the kitchen, occasionally cleaning walls, and playing games with some of the folks who reside at Avamere,” she says. “Also, I enjoy helping with Bingo.” Her willingness to jump in wherever needed makes her a versatile and beloved member of the team.

Amy reflects on how much her coworkers have taught her. “They make me laugh and make me appreciate being part of the team! They are all very kind to me, which has taught me to be kind to others.”

And it goes both ways. Amy’s co-workers are inspired by her positive attitude. She brings joy to her team, Avamere’s residents, and all those she interacts with.

Among her cherished relationships at work is her close bond with Livia Thompson, Senior Life Enrichment Director, who she describes as caring and forgiving.

“Avamere is like my own immediate family, which has a strong bond and love for one another,” Amy shares. “Avamere is truly this to me!”

Livia shares a close bond with Amy and values her contributions to Avamere at Bethany.

“It has been my privilege to work alongside Amy for more than a decade as an Activities Assistant,” Livia states. “Amy brings joy to our residents with her enthusiasm, calling bingo and visiting residents. She is diligent and dedicated in her role as a dietary team member as well. Her love for our community is obvious and reciprocated. We are so grateful to have her on our team.”

Amy’s father, Bob, and her family have seen firsthand the positive impact that working at Avamere has had on her life. “She has popped out of her shell and become much more social,” Bob says. “They have truly been kind, considerate, and supportive of Amy, which has built her confidence in interacting with others.”

To others with Down Syndrome looking to enter the workforce, Amy has this advice: “Be persistent and don’t accept no; the sky is the limit!”

As a father, Bob also has advice for family members: “Be persistent, keep learning, and pressing forward.”

Understanding Down Syndrome

Amy and Bob want the world to have a better understanding of those living with Down Syndrome.

Amy shares, “Generally, more often than not, those with Down Syndrome are very kind and caring people!”

Bob provides a valuable reminder about diversity within the Down Syndrome community.

“There are so many developmental levels – children and adults with Down Syndrome have a range of abilities, but they are not all going to be developmentally ready to have a job.”

Bob shares how some are non-verbal, hold jobs, get married, or live independently, all depending on the person and their support system.

“I think most parents want to believe their loved one will be able to do all those things. That's what I want for my daughter, but I also know she is not ready to do these things independently yet.”

Bob and Amy rely on different therapies and vocational programs to prepare Amy for a more independent lifestyle.

“She's almost 32 and has continued to amaze me and her immediate family with what she has accomplished,” Bob shared.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion

Amy is a shining example of what’s possible when inclusion, support, and kindness intersect. Her story celebrates the beautiful diversity of abilities and experiences that make up Avamere.

This Celebrate Diversity Month, we honor Amy — and so many others like her — for reminding us of the power of persistence, the joy of connection, and the importance of seeing every individual’s unique worth.