This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Amanda Trimpey – UPMC South-West Supervisor

Amanda (Urban) started as a Service Coordinator in January of 2019. She was promoted to Lead Service Coordinator in April of 2020 and then to Service Coordinator Supervisor in November of 2020. Originally from Berlin but now lives in Rockwood, Pa.

Amanda is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Amanda is a newlywed as of July 29th. She lives with her husband, Justin, her step son, Killian, her two dogs, Gracie Mae & Winnie Lou, and a cat, Hollie.

Some of the things that Amanda likes to do, is go to the bike trails, spending time taking walks with her dogs. She also enjoys going “thrifting”, baking, visiting wineries & breweries, and last but not least, binge watching reality television.

One of Amanda’s personal goals are to create a life that she doesn’t have to take breaks from, be more present in the happy moments, be more grateful for the challenges that make her grow.

Amanda says that the most challenging part of service coordination is meeting the participants where they are, and reminding herself that she can’t want the success and independence more than they do.

Amanda has revealed the most rewarding part of her job is being able to see the daily behind-the-scenes work make life more enjoyable, independent, and healthier for her participants. “Hearing that I made a difference in their (participants) lives and seeing how the work I do positively impacts their lives keeps me motivated in this position.”

The most challenging case I have worked on was: I recently had to advocate strongly for a client who was being exploited and isolated from her family, by her spouse to be removed from her spouse’s care as quickly and as safely as possible. The participant was successfully removed from the environment and is now thriving in her new living situation.

 

This month for our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Caitlin McCoy – AmeriHealth Service Coordinator Lead

I have been a Service Coordinator with AUCP since 10/12/2021  and a Lead Staff since 9/12/2022. Before this job, I spent 11 years working for Child Protective Services, so the elderly clientele is quite a change of pace for me. I have lived in Shippensburg, Pa. for the last five years; however, I am originally from Chambersburg which is a quick drive away from where I currently live. I live on a quiet street with a lot of elderly people, which is the best, because my grandparents love me, and they are my favorite too. I went to College at the University of Shippensburg because it was a short drive from my home, and I wanted a reputable school that I could commute to while taking care of my elderly grandparents. I fell in love with all the small-town events, shops, and the community while I was in college; Shippensburg is like our very own Stars Hallow! It was pretty easy talking my husband into buying our house in Ship because he was from the area too, and well… he typically does what tell him to…. Sometimes.

What is the most challenging part of your job at AUCP?
It is trying to help others who do not see their own, potential or do not think they deserve to be helped out of a hard situation. To me is one of the most heartbreaking situations those in social work can face.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at AUCP?
is when I can have a hard conversation with someone and we can walk away with mutual respect, and I have earned their trust; especially if it is a participant who has been deemed “difficult” I pride myself in being empathetic, honest, and treating others how I would want my family members to be treated.