Staff Spotlight: Amber Hammond

Get to know Amber!

Amber is one of our PTA (Physical Therapy Assistants). We are thankful for her friendly attitude and her dedication to her job. We learned a little more about her below:

​Ashley: Let's start with your newest addition...
your puppy! 
Amber: His name is Leo and he's a miniature dachshund. A patient contacted the clinic after finding him online. I've had him for 2 weeks and he is 9 months old. Leo is very sweet and likes to sleep on his back; but he hates the rain. 

Ashley: He is so cute! Ok, speaking of new additions, I hear you are going to be an Aunt soon. 
Amber: Yes, my sister is expecting a baby in May and my sister-in-law and step brother are expecting a baby in August! I'm excited about being an Aunt! 

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Ashley: Tell us about your education background, and when you knew you wanted to go into Physical Therapy. 
Amber: I went to Cordova High School for 9th grade, then to Ovredo High School (in Florida) for 10th through 12th grade. I went to Northwest Community College for 2 years on a full ride band scholarship, then onto Ole Miss for the last 2 years, majoring in Exercise Science. My PTA degree was from Southwest (the Union Campus).
There were tons of occupations that I wanted to do (college math professor, pilot, storm chaser, race car driver, etc). I knew I wanted to be a therapist my 10th grade year, after a 200 pound file cabinet fell off a wall and onto my Mom. It crushed the top of her foot, giving her nerve disorder. After seeing what she had to go through, it made me want to be able to have a career that could help people in those type situations. 

Ashley: I didn't know that you had a musical background! And I also didn't know about the accident with your Mom. That explains why you have such a tender heart towards people who are hurting. Outside of work, what hobbies do you enjoy?
Amber: I enjoy making baby quilts at the moment for my future niece or nephew. I love playing ultimate frisbee, rafting, hiking on vacations, cycling, and hopefully I'll be getting back into running soon. I like to fish (even though I don't like to take the fish off the hook or put the worm on the hook). I like going to the gun range with my Dad or friends to target practice. 

Ashley: What was it like growing up as the daughter of a Firefighter? 
Amber: I loved it! It is nice knowing my Dad is helping the community and saving people's lives. As a child I won a safety poster contest and I got to ride on top of the fire truck with my Dad in the Collierville parade. It's one of my favorite memories as a child with my Dad. And my Dad is the best cook! 

Ashley: Speaking of cooking, do you have any favorite recipes or favorite foods?
Amber: I love to make Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies and cake batter cookies. My favorite thing to eat is my Dad's mac & cheese! Favorite restaurant is Chickfila.