Meet Amber King | Outreach & Special Projects – Foundry Steamboat

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
To me, giving up is not an option. Sometimes goals must be refined or adjusted, but if you have a dream or a goal, it still has the potential to happen. Dreams do come true if we are willing to work for them. My viewpoint is also the same on failure. One only fails when one gives up or stops trying. I have made many mistakes in my life and still carry some of that shame with me today. We do not have to let our mistakes define us. We can rise above our mistakes to create and better future.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Over the last eight years working in behavioral healthcare, I have worked at all levels of care, starting as a case manager. The various roles have taught me how to identify gaps in care and stay solution focused. My current role, the focus is to help expand brand awareness, access to services and resources, and expansion.

I am proud of my hard work and never giving up on my dreams, and I am proud of myself for the skill set I have developed in the industry by always being willing to jump in, learn new things, and help out.

I am also a student working on a double major in business and psychology to expand my knowledge and expertise in the industry. I aim to help improve the industry by providing quality care and respect to all clients entering treatment.

I have had my experience working with some outstanding programs and people, and others not so much. The road has been long and bumpy. Giving up on the industry has crossed my mind over the years, but I could not find it in me to give up on being a part of the positive change for those that need it most. The individuals and families who seek safety and places to trust mean a lot to me because I needed a glimmer of hope at one point in my life.

A couple of excellent mentors taught me to always stand up for what is right and to protect the people we care for. It is because of people like them that I never gave up. I would advocate for change and provide data and solutions for improvement. I overcame challenges in my career by seeking the advice of those with more experience and something I wanted to develop in my life.

The moral of my story is if something doesn’t feel or sound right, ask for advice and stand up for what you believe. If you seek feedback from those you respect and ask for guidance they will help you. Knowledge is meant to be shared; All you have to do is ask.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For downtown, I would say Improper City, Mister Oso’s, Happy Camper, Annie’s, Pete’s Cafe, Wonder Press, Denver Poke, MeowWolf Aquarium, Eliches, Denver Art Museum, and walking around to see all the street art. Casa Bonita when it reopens!!!

North Metro Area, Lazy Dog, First Watch, Doug’s, Butterfly Pavilion, and Adventure Golf

If you have a family, Dave & Busters, Lava Island, Urban Air, and Children’s Museum

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I would shout out to my best friend, Kelsey, and my parents, Rick and Marcie. They have seen me through my darkest places in life and never gave up hope that I would find my way into the life I now live. My grandmother Cynthia always taught me to think outside the box and try new things. My grandfather Richard who is no longer with us, taught me that I could do and learn anything; all I had to do was try. My grandmother Ann, who is no longer with us, taught me to live with grace for others and see the beauty in things.

Second would be the people that guided me in the early stages of my life-changing for the better and helped me to learn to keep fighting and never give up hope. Thank you for being a light in my life over the years, Patricia, Janella, Mawana, Teri, Sarah, Christopher C., Nicholas, Christopher K, and Jolene.

Third, to my professional mentors and friends over the years, I appreciate you all for helping me grow into the person I am today in my career. You all have helped me so much with your friendship, guidance, and feedback. I don’t know where I would be without the time spent with each of you. Tino, Judy, Amy, Bree, Sharol, Keenan, Bill, Tami, and Mark.

To my current team at Foundry Steamboat, thank you all for believing in me and allowing me to continue my growth with this fantastic team. Tom, Amanda, Alex, Alexander, Dr. Barnes, Ben, and Jasmine, you all are the best.

Finally, to my family, my husband Colton, thank you for always having my back and encouraging me to chase my dreams. To my daughter Mackenzie, you are the light of my life. I work so hard to be a good mom, colleague, and student to show you one day that anything is possible and to fight for your dreams. I love you both so much.

Website: https://www.forgingnewlives.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amking36/