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 Author Susan Liberman says, “By building relations we create a source of love, personal pride and belonging that makes living in a chaotic world easier.” Amy Fellers, Goodman Cottage Milieu Coordinator, radiates a sense of compassion and caring as she helps create a safe atmosphere of belonging for the youth of Cunningham Children’s Home.
When a child arrives they are greeted with a clean bedroom and a specially selected welcome basket. A child’s birthday is an important day of celebration at Goodman Cottage. Amy listens and takes birthday gift requests very seriously. When it is time for the child to move on, going away parties are more than a nice fare-thee-well. These events are an opportunity to focus on the child’s accomplishments. Amy and her team organize going away celebrations in a manner that says to each youth, “you matter and you are a part of us.”
Amy’s sense of compassion and fondness for the kids of Cunningham comes through in her conversations with other staff. She understands that the behaviors do not define our children, and she works diligently to understand how the underlying clinical issues affect each individual child. A tough day for a kid is just that: a tough day. Amy doesn’t care about the child any less and does not let frustration get the best of her. She has an unconditional regard for each child and the kids understand this about her.
While Amy sets firm limits with each client, she also has a strong sense of obligation to their care and compassion for their mental health issues. Amy genuinely likes every child and sees strengths in each of them.
Amy is there for the kids and the staff, no matter what. She maintains a strong presence on the milieu. Her physical presence indicates that she wants to spend time with kids and staff and that she values her daily interactions with them.
Kids know they can go to Amy with their concerns and she will listen to them. Amy enjoys the lighter moments with the kids and is able to bring appropriate humor to many situations. Kids feel accepted by Amy and they know that she will keep them safe.
To some people, Amy may appear quiet and serious. But for those who know her, she is sensitive, funny, competent and extremely committed to the kids of Cunningham. When our kids hurt, she hurts. Amy does not tolerate mediocrity and would do anything for our children. Amy Fellers is a steady, reliable and safe presence in the lives of the children she serves.
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