Amanda Lankford: From front desk clerk to regional director

by | Jan 2026

OVER THE past 10 years, Amanda Lankford’s career in home health has evolved from scheduling appointments at the front desk to working in human resources and managing the weekly payroll. Her dedication to the clients of Arosa Care, the nation’s largest provider of home care and care management services, led to two promotions. First as assistant area director, and then, in June 2025, she was named regional director. For Lankford, this isn’t just a title — it’s the realization of a long-held dream, built on years of hard work and dedication to clients and their families.

“Each step has taught me new lessons that shape how I operate as a regional director and leader in the company. This has been an exciting transition, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with Arosa Care while supporting our teams and clients across the region. Taking on this role allows me to impact a larger territory of the company, which means I can support more families in need,” Lankford said.

The Shelbyville branch of Family Staffing Solutions opened in 1999. Although it was purchased by Arosa Care in 2021, its mission has remained consistent: to help individuals maintain their independence while providing compassionate in-home care as a licensed personal support services agency. They offer nonmedical assistance, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and companionship. What truly sets them apart is their care management model. Licensed social workers and nurses make up the team of incredible care managers who help families navigate the aging journey.

With a mission to keep clients “independent, at home, and in charge,” Arosa serves as a trusted partner for families seeking reliable care for loved ones, and offers meaningful employment opportunities for caregivers who want to make a lasting impact in our community.

Photos submitted by Amanda Lankford

“One of Arosa’s core values is, ‘Walk a mile to build relationships.’ Our team does this each and every day. This drew me to stay through the transition, along with the opportunity to grow professionally while maintaining a strong focus on client care,” Lankford said. “What keeps me inspired every day in my role as regional director is the incredible team I get to work with, the meaningful connections I’ve built across the company, and the relationships we’ve formed with our clients and referral partners. Being part of an organization that truly values both its people and its mission continues to motivate me.”

Through it all, the most rewarding part of Lankford’s journey has been seeing the difference she and others make in the lives of people in our community. As a Shelbyville native who graduated from Community High School and who now lives in Wartrace with her husband and three children, Lankford has deep roots throughout Bedford County. Many clients are the parents and grandparents of longtime friends, neighbors, or family members. As stories continue to emerge about the differences made in these clients’ lives, a sense of pride fills Lankford and those who work alongside her at Arosa.

“Whether it’s a caregiver bringing joy to a client who’s feeling isolated, or a care manager helping a family navigate a difficult decision, those moments of impact are what make this work meaningful,” she said. “One such situation was an Arosa care manager who went above and beyond to support a client and their family through the end-of-life process — even helping plan the funeral and burial to ensure every detail was handled with dignity and genuine care.”

The first step in offering exceptional care starts with listening and understanding each unique situation. “Many families feel overwhelmed or uncertain, so I focus on providing clarity, education, and compassionate guidance. We walk them through care options, help set realistic expectations, and connect them with the right resources. Most importantly, we’re there every step of the way — not just for the client, but for the whole family — ensuring they feel supported, informed, and confident in the decisions they make.”

Photos submitted by Amanda Lankford

According to Lankford, a typical day working for Arosa is anything but typical. “Every client has unique needs and personalities, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding. Caregivers might assist with daily living activities, but they also provide companionship, emotional support, and a sense of connection. Some days, they may take a client on a drive, share a favorite hobby, or simply be there to listen. It’s a role that requires flexibility, compassion, and patience, and at the end of the day, caregivers know they’ve made a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

She continued, “We’ve also had caregivers who brought joy back into clients’ lives by making someone laugh who had been feeling sad and missing the life they once had, or taking clients on drives simply because they didn’t have family nearby. These moments may seem small, but they truly reflect what Arosa is all about — compassion, connection, and making a meaningful difference every single day.”

Arosa takes a genuine interest in enhancing the quality of life for clients while also supporting the whole person. This goes beyond meeting immediate needs. “We’re here to support clients and families every step of the way — whether it’s with in-home care, care management, or community resources. Our team is passionate about making life for seniors meaningful, comfortable, and full of connection. Every client and family has a story, and being part of those stories is what makes our work so rewarding.”

If you’d like to provide compassionate care through Arosa, Lankford said, “We are always hiring caregivers — the more caregivers we have, the more clients we can support.” GN

For more information, go to www.arosacare.com.

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