News

QHS Alumni Spotlight: Amy Moore ’90

By: Katie Rodemich ’02

From Quincy High’s tennis courts and journalism class to an internship at WGEM—and ultimately, to a fulfilling career in home health physical therapy, Amy Moore ’90 has followed a path shaped by purpose, resilience, and unexpected turns. Along the way, she’s navigated career changes, adapted to evolving industries, and even worked behind the scenes at some of Missoula’s biggest concerts. Yet through it all, her passion for helping others regain strength, independence, and hope has remained her guiding force.

Amy Moore first moved to Missoula, Montana, nearly two decades ago, continuing her career in a hospital setting before transitioning to skilled nursing facilities. Eventually, she found her true passion in home health care, where she helps patients regain strength and independence.

“I love it,” she says. “I travel to people’s houses, help them get better, and help them get stronger.”

Her four-day, ten-hour work schedule gives her the flexibility to take full advantage of Montana’s outdoor lifestyle. Whether she’s hiking in the mountains, running along scenic trails, or cheering on the local football team- The Montana Grizzlies, Amy has built a life deeply connected to Missoula’s community and natural beauty.

A friend once joked with her, “Amy, how long have you been here?” When she casually responded, “I don’t know—18, 19 years?” her friend laughed and said, “You’re basically the mayor of Missoula. You know everyone!” Amy just laughed, saying it all came down to being out and about running, taking part in community events, and staying engaged with the people around her.

Amy has found her stride in home health physical therapy, a career she discovered through a winding path. Now based in Missoula, Montana, she’s part of a close-knit team she truly values. “My PT’s are awesome! We balance each other—and we get people better.”

Her work allows her to build meaningful relationships with her patients. “We have a great reputation. People actually look forward to my visits.” While she was on vacation, one patient jokingly told her coworker, “We know you have to come—but when is Amy coming back? That’s not soon enough. We’re ready for her to come back!”

Amy works for Partners in Home Care, one of Missoula County’s second largest employers, which offers a full range of services including hospice and rehabilitation. “They’re even building a peaceful new hospice care facility,” she adds.

Amy’s path wasn’t straightforward. She initially pursued speech therapy, earning three degrees, but was ultimately turned away from grad school. While accompanying her brother, Joe ’94, to Quincy Medical Group, a casual conversation sparked a new direction: physical therapy. She enrolled in the PTA program at John Wood Community College, but when the program lost its accreditation, she transferred to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa to complete her degree.

Since graduating, she worked at Blessing Hospital in Quincy and later at Advance in Hannibal, MO, before ultimately finding both personal and professional fulfillment in Montana. “It’s nice to love what you do—especially when you know you’re making a difference.”

Amy graduated from QHS in 1990, a time when high school life looked quite different than it does today. She laughs as she reflects on those days, recalling a kind of freedom that’s rare now. “We had open lunch, so we could actually leave campus.” One memory still stands out: Amy and her cousin, Julie (Moore) Stratman ‘90, decided to walk to Taco John’s during lunch, only to get caught in a downpour. “Of course, we were late getting back to school—and who was waiting at the door? My uncle and Julie’s dad, Principal Dick Moore,” Amy recalls with a smile.

She also remembers just how far students would go for a fast-food fix. “This was before Quincy even had a Taco Bell. When one finally opened in Hannibal, a bunch of us drove all the way there and back just to grab food—and we barely made it to class in time.”

Amy reflects fondly on the moment she first picked up a tennis racket as a freshman. What began as a new activity quickly grew into a true passion. With hard work and dedication, she earned a varsity letter and eventually competed at the state level.

Her commitment to the sport never wavered. Whether it was practice, matches, or simply hitting balls with friends, she played every chance she got. She still remembers the thrill of match days, the competitive energy, and the strong bond she shared with her teammates. Those long afternoons on the court remain some of her favorite high school memories.

Amy reflects warmly on the teachers who influenced her and helped shape her high school experience. “One of my favorites was Señor McKinley, my Spanish teacher. I had him more in junior high, but I think I also had him in high school. Another favorite was Tom Burnett—I took his British Literature class when I was a senior. Loved, loved, loved that class so much!”

Another favorite instructor from Amy’s high school days was Betty Anders, who oversaw the Q News, the school’s student-run newspaper. Under Betty’s guidance, Amy discovered a passion for journalism and became actively involved in the publication. “We had an actual printed school newspaper back then,” she recalls.

Her experience in journalism extended beyond the classroom and opened the door to real-world media opportunities. During high school, Amy and a classmate landed an internship at WGEM, working in the sports department. “It was a semester-long internship,” she says. “We went in once a week on Saturday evenings to help get the sports coverage ready. It was pretty cool.”

Their role was simple but essential: fielding phone calls from high school coaches across the region to gather game scores and player stats for WGEM’s weekend sports broadcasts. “All the high school teams from around the area would call in with their basketball scores,” Amy explains. “We had to record the final tallies and highlight standout players. It was fast paced, but it was really cool to be part of that process.”

Amy’s journalism experience at WGEM was more than just an after-school job—it served as her first real introduction to the world of broadcasting. It offered valuable insight into how newsrooms operate, particularly within sports media. While she ultimately chose a different career path, the experience left a lasting impression and remains a fond memory.

Outside of work, Amy is deeply committed to giving back to her community, particularly through her involvement with Go Run Missoula—a leadership and fitness program for girls in grades 3 through 8. While running is a component, the program’s mission extends far beyond physical activity. “It’s so much more than a running club,” Amy explains. “We teach life skills, build confidence, and help girls develop a strong sense of self.”​

Many participants come from elementary and junior high schools with high-need populations, and for some, Go Run Missoula is their sole extracurricular activity. “It’s a safe space where they can be themselves, build friendships, and grow stronger—mentally and physically.”

The program includes races that provide the girls with the exhilarating experience of crossing a finish line. “They work so hard, and on race day, their families come out to cheer them on. Seeing their faces light up when they realize what they’ve accomplished—it’s incredible.”​

But the program offers more than just physical achievements. It also instills valuable life lessons. “The program teaches them about self-worth,” Amy explains. “They learn to stand up for themselves, to understand that they don’t have to accept bullying when they reach high school. They realize, ‘I’m strong,’ and that realization can be truly transformative.”​

In addition to her work with the youth program, Amy is an active member of the Go Run Missoula Ambassador team—a community of women committed to promoting female leadership through running and service. As an ambassador, she participates in exclusive training sessions, workshops, and community service projects, furthering her impact and reinforcing her commitment to empowering women and girls through fitness and mentorship.​

“I joined the Ambassador team because I needed that motivation and support,” Amy shares. “It’s incredibly empowering to have strong women in your life who stand by you through both the highs and the lows. In a world filled with criticism and challenges, being surrounded by women who uplift and empower you—and then go out and do the same in the world—is truly inspiring.”​

“We have women standing alongside one another, listening to challenges without feeling threatened by someone else’s success. It’s about supporting, encouraging, and helping each other grow and reach our goals. When we create an environment that’s fully accepting and inclusive, we become powerhouses. We can achieve so much more than we believe we can, and together, we can make the changes we aspire to see through this work.”

Amy’s community involvement also extends to some once-in-a-lifetime experiences—like working behind the scenes at major concerts in Missoula. One of her favorites? Pink’s unforgettable performance at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Her shift began at 7 a.m., ushering and assisting with security throughout the day. But the real surprise came before the concert even started. While stationed near the backstage area, Amy noticed a petite woman in sunglasses and a hat being escorted by security. “I looked again and realized—it was Pink herself! She’s not very tall—maybe 5’2” or 5’3”,” Amy recalls. “She walked right past me, and I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s really her.’”

That night, Pink took the stage in a performance that electrified the entire stadium. Famous for her high-energy aerial stunts, she soared above the crowd, spinning and flipping with breathtaking precision. “She does all her own stunts—it was amazing to see up close!”

Amy has always felt a profound connection to Quincy, even after moving away. Witnessing the transformation of downtown has been especially meaningful to her, as many of her cherished childhood memories are rooted in its vibrant streets.​

She fondly recalls watching movies at Washington Theater—her first being Benji. The ongoing restoration of the theater excites her. “The ceiling looks like a moon—it’s beautiful.”

Visiting Bergner’s Department Store in the Quincy Mall was another highlight of her youth. She marveled at its escalators and the elevator operated by an attendant—experiences that left a lasting impression.​

Holiday events to kick off the season, like the annual Quincy Service League Holiday Gift Show held the weekend before Thanksgiving, are other fond memories Amy holds. “That was the thing to go to. It would be freezing cold, and everyone would be bundled up in Christmas sweaters. You’d spend all day just walking around, shopping, and seeing people.”​

Christmas shopping in downtown Quincy holds a special place in Amy’s heart. “At Christmas, it was the place to be,” she recalls. For Amy’s family, shopping downtown was also about tradition. “Every year, my dad, Tom, my brother, Joe, and I would go to Quincy Steamboat to buy stocking stuffers for my mom,” she says. “We’d be in there for hours just smelling everything and trying to find the perfect gifts. I remember Rodrick P. Miller was a very popular store, and you’d be there forever just shopping, trying on clothes, and looking around.”​

Even though things have changed over the years, Amy is happy to see downtown Quincy thriving again. “It’s just great to see the investment in the community.”

From Quincy to Missoula, hers has been full of surprises—but one truth has carried her through: “the best is yet to come.”

Amy draws inspiration from an old poem called Keep Your Fork, which tells the story of a woman who always held onto her fork after dinner, knowing it meant something better was coming—like dessert or a special treat.

The poem tells the story of a woman who, near the end of her life, asks to be buried with a fork in her hand. When people ask why, she explains:

“In my life, after every meal, someone would always say, ‘Keep your fork,’ and I knew that meant something better was coming—dessert, my favorite part. So, when people see me in my casket with a fork in my hand and ask, ‘What’s with the fork?’ I want you to tell them: ‘The best is yet to come.”

That message has stuck with Amy.

“It’s a reminder that life has a way of working out. Even when things don’t go as planned, something better is always on the way.”

Missoula, in particular, is a city that balances adventure with livability, a place where outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers, and tight-knit communities come together.

Even outside of her job and volunteer work, Amy finds ways to stay engaged in the community—whether it’s working as an usher at concerts, participating in local races, or just exploring the city’s thriving downtown scene.

Amy’s journey—from Quincy, Illinois, to Missoula, Montana—has been filled with unexpected turns, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve learned that good things come to those who wait. Life has a way of working out if you just stay patient.”

And for Amy, Missoula has been the perfect place to build a career, forge deep connections, and create a life filled with purpose, adventure, and community spirit.