“I just love being there for the residents,” says Amy Gursslin. After nine years at St. John’s, Gursslin says that “bringing joy into the lives of residents” keeps her feeling fulfilled.

Gursslin brought her 20 years of CNA experience to St. John’s Home in 2014. She says she always knew she would work in the health care industry.

“My mom was a nurse, even as a kid I knew it was in my blood,” says Gursslin.

Gursslin has since moved into new roles at St. John’s. “I kind of went all over — I was a CNA, a secretary, a concierge, and now I am a therapeutic recreation specialist and the dementia respite coordinator,” says Gursslin.

As a therapeutic recreation (TR) specialist, Gursslin is responsible for social programming for residents on Reservoir 6 and assisting the St. John’s TR Team in community-wide events like courtyard concerts, BBQs, and more.

In the midst of her daily TR duties, Gursslin manages St. John’s Dementia Resource Center’s (DRC) Caregiver Respite Program. “It is every Thursday, and I plan the agenda so there are engaging activities for the members.”

Gursslin’s CNA background and current role as a TR Specialist provide her with a creative and clinical perspective for the program.

“My role as the dementia respite coordinator isn’t much different than my TR role, I plan different activities weekly and focus on each participant’s strong points,” says Gursslin.

She continues saying that in both roles she is not only able to bring moments of joy to the residents and visiting family, but also “help their caregivers have moments of joy for themselves when their loved one is with me.”

“Every day, when I leave work, I feel so grateful to have this opportunity to be able to work with this population, “It is not work when you love what you do,” says Gursslin.

In her free time, Gursslin likes to go to concerts and be around her family and friends.

Luckily for Gursslin, some of her family and friends have ties to St. John’s. Gursslin’s best friend, Erica Foti is a St. John’s Home Neighborhood Secretary. The pair can often be seen taking their lunch breaks together and planning their next concert outing.

Gursslin’s mother Gail is a volunteer for the DRC Respite Program, and on occasion, Gursslin’s youngest son Miles will join her on her neighborhood and in the program.

“It is fun to have them here, and it is great for the residents and them,” says Gursslin about her family.

Gursslin’s passion for her family, friends, and work is prevalent in everything she does. From how she speaks about the residents she connects with and her loved ones to the excitement she shows when coming up with new activities for residents — Gursslin truly encapsulates what it means to embrace being fun, compassionate, innovative, responsive, and respectful.

“Being a part of St. John’s 125-year legacy makes me proud,” says Gursslin. “I have worked for St. John’s for nine years through good times and the COVID pandemic — working here is more than just a paycheck, this is my family.”