Talent Tribute: Amanda Schwegman

Our Talent Tribute Monthly Feature is designed to celebrate the phenomenal staff that serve our Members.

Amanda began her VALLEYLIFE journey in 2015 as a Lead Tech, bringing with her five years of prior experience in the caregiving field and a lifelong passion for helping others. Her dedication and leadership quickly set her apart, leading to a series of well-earned promotions. In 2018, she became Supervisor of the Kussell Group Home, followed by a promotion to Senior Supervisor of both the Kussell and Voltaire Group Homes in 2022. She continued her growth with VALLEYLIFE as an Assistant Program Manager in 2024 and now proudly serves as a Residential Program Manager after her promotion in 2025.

Originally from Kansas, Amanda moved to Arizona in 2005 and has built both her career and her life in the Valley. She finds great fulfillment in supporting both Members and staff, and she remains deeply committed to ensuring quality care and positive outcomes across the residential programs she oversees. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, including her fiancé and his two children, one of whom attends DTA 8. She also loves going on outings and vacations, getting lost in a good book, and relaxing at home with her dog.

We sat down and asked Amanda about her VALLEYLIFE experience as a whole, and this is what she had to say.

1. How would you describe your ideal day at VALLEYLIFE?

My Ideal day at VALLEYLIFE would be one where I’d be able to get all my work done and be able to help my Members out. I love visiting my homes and being able to be in the Members’ lives, letting them know that I’m available for them. I also try to stay in communication with my staff and supervisors to make sure they know and understand that I’m there for them to be able to support them in any way they need.

2. What has your time at VALLEYLIFE taught you over the years?

My time at VALLEYLIFE has taught me a lot. I started out as what is now an assistant supervisor, so I’ve built my leadership skills throughout the years, as well as the caring and respect it takes to be there for not only the Members, but the staff.

3. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about interacting with Members?

I enjoy going on outings with the Members and making sure that they’re happy. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when we treat them for Christmas and birthdays and making cakes with them. Putting a smile on their face is the best thing ever.

4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in your position?

To be successful in this role, you’d really need to have good time management skills as well as organizational skills. You have to be a leader and be able to support your supervisors and teach them so that they’re able to teach their staff. I’d say communication is probably one of the biggest things that you would need to be able to stay in touch with your peers, supervisors, and their staff.

5. Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish or learn in your future at VALLEYLIFE?

So, I’ve been learning more about the DDD part of the role, like onboarding new Members, as well as just learning more about my role as Program Manager. At the moment, I’m trying to learn more about dementia, as I have a few Members who have dementia, so I’m doing a lot of extensive research into dementia.