From her first job Amy Jennings knew what field her career would follow.
Maybe, she said, even before. Her mom was a nurse and her dad worked in longterm healthcare. For her first job, the then-Mount Markham student worked as a dietary aide at age 16.
“I found it rewarding right from the start,’’ Jennings said.
After 20 years in longterm care, Jennings runs the Waterville Residential Care Center as administrator. In April she received one of the Women of Distinction awards given by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
She juggled first high school and then studied at Utica College while continuing to learn about healthcare as she worked different jobs. Those included being a dietary supervisor and occupational therapy. She spent 12 years at Upstate Medical Center as an occupational therapist.
Jennings has three degrees from Utica College, with a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She took over the Waterville position two years ago this month.