Employee Relations Specialist Amanda Brown embodies our core values through her unwavering advocacy and compassion for our staff and the individuals we serve with developmental disabilities. With a background in hospitality and a passion for justice, she has dedicated her career to supporting others.

A Passion for Fostering Positive Relationships

Amanda began her journey as a housekeeper in the hospitality industry before transitioning to an HR coordinator role, where she quickly discovered her passion for fostering positive employee relations. After a brief hiatus to focus on her family, she explored various HR positions across sectors like aerospace, healthcare and legal services, ultimately finding her home at Quest, Inc.

“I always believed HR’s role is to support employees, and I’m always trying to help others,” Amanda says. “Quest stood out to me because it serves a community near and dear to my heart.”

Personal Experience Fuels Advocacy of Quest’s Mission

After her son was diagnosed as level three non-speaking autistic, Amanda directly experienced the challenges families face while navigating the complexities of autism. This journey not only led to her own diagnosis and her daughter’s but also opened her eyes to the diverse needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. It fueled her passion for advocating Quest’s mission, emphasizing what individuals can achieve rather than defining them by their differences.

“Our President and CEO, John Gill, frequently emphasizes our mission to ensure our clients live full lives,” Amanda explains. “While society recognizes the existence of individuals with disabilities, accessibility and participation in everyday activities often remain limited.”

Amanda believes organizations like Quest are essential in ensuring ongoing improvements and providing access to training centers, community life and other opportunities that offer hope and empowerment. She recognizes that Quest’s dedicated staff are crucial to achieving this mission, especially as caregiving can be demanding and familial support may wane due to various circumstances. As such, she diligently fosters a positive environment for our staff.

Prioritizing Employee Engagement and Retention

From the moment they attend orientation, Amanda consciously engages new employees, setting the tone for their entire career at Quest. She frequently joins program team meetings, visits program locations and volunteers at events to establish trust with employees. She builds those relationships because she believes HR can’t help solve problems if people are afraid to talk.

“My main priorities are employee engagement and retention,” she emphasizes. “I want to be a resource for employees, guiding them through policies and addressing their concerns without fear. Their issues will always be my top priority.”

Amanda’s dedication extends beyond workplace policy. She remains actively involved with local advocacy groups and nonprofits to stay informed about the policies and resources relevant to staff and the individuals we serve. By staying updated, Amanda can anticipate questions and concerns from employees. She can also offer assistance to those who may have loved ones with developmental disabilities and are seeking resources and information.

Her commitment to empowerment reflects her firm belief that acceptance and education foster a more inclusive world. We appreciate Amanda’s steadfast commitment to advocacy, compassion and support for our employees. She inspires us all to keep creating a culture of understanding, respect and acceptance.

Join Us in Making a Difference

If you are also passionate about making a difference, discover exciting career opportunities at Quest. We value our team members as much as we value our mission.