For Amy Zimmerman, Vandalia has always been more than just home—it’s a community she’s devoted her life to serving. From her role at Vandalia Schools to her outreach efforts through the Family Worship Center, Amy’s work reflects a quiet determination to uplift those around her.

Amy’s journey began in Vandalia, where she spent her childhood before leaving as a teenager following her mother’s death several years earlier. Moving to Texas to live with her brother—a pastor, she found stability and a sense of purpose that shaped her future. “At 14, I knew I needed a change,” she recalls. Years later, after starting a family and living in Washington, D.C., Amy and her husband returned to Vandalia in 1991 to raise their children in a small-town setting.

The move was the start of a lifelong commitment to the community. Amy worked for more than 20 years with Mid State Special Education, where she saw firsthand the challenges and triumphs of students with unique needs. “My heart has always been with kids who need extra support, whether due to their environment or other challenges,” she says. This work ultimately brought her to Vandalia Schools, where she now serves as executive secretary to Dr. Garrison, District Superintendent—a role that goes far beyond administrative tasks.

Amy is a friendly face in the halls, greeting students with a smile or offering encouragement when she senses someone is having a tough day. “A simple hello can make a difference,” she says. Her dedication to fostering a positive environment is central to her work, both in the school and the broader community.

Beyond her role in education, Amy has spent nearly two decades leading the Family Worship Center with her husband. Together, they’ve organized food pantries, clothing drives, and Thanksgiving meal programs for local families in need. “You wear a lot of hats when starting a church, but it’s worth it to see the impact on the community,” she explains.

Her work at the church mirrors her philosophy in education: meeting people where they are and helping them succeed. Whether through school, ministry, or her own family, Amy’s focus has always been on lifting others up. Her four children—Megan, Mitchell, Macy, and Marcus—reflect this commitment, thriving in careers ranging from nursing to education. Marcus, now studying to be a teacher, dreams of returning to Vandalia one day.

Amy sees Vandalia as a town where people rally around one another, something she’s witnessed in both personal and professional capacities. “This community has a way of showing up for its people,” she says, recalling the support her family received when her son played sports or when she organized local events.

Through all of this, Amy’s motivation stems from her own experiences. Losing her mother at an early age left a void but also fueled her drive to make a difference. “That loss shaped me,” she reflects. “It made me want to pour into others what I wished I’d had.”

Whether offering encouragement to a student, organizing a community outreach program, or supporting a family member, Amy embodies the values of service, resilience, and connection that define Vandalia. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of quiet, steadfast dedication. Through life’s twists and turns, we do our best to find our way, but what Amy’s reflections paint clearly is that it truly does take a village, and we are certainly blessed to have her among ours.