Kathy Amaral: a bright and beautiful spirit

BROOKLINE, MA — Meet Kathy Amaral, a loving mom, proud grandma, talented singer, dedicated SHI staff member, and a truly radiant soul. We recently had the pleasure of checking in with Kathy to hear about her incredible life, the unique path that brought her to our team, and her inspiring perspective on working with house members throughout our community. Enjoy our conversation, below.

You have a special connection to SHI. Could you tell us the story about how you came to work with Specialized Housing?

At the beginning of January 2023, my daughter-in-law, Maribeth McTernan, a program manager with Specialized Housing, asked if I might be interested in a “live-in” position that was opening up in Brookline, MA within the company. I was very interested, and she said she’d let me know when and where to send my resume. We spoke of the position a few more times, but the construction on the apartment continued. In September of 2023, I sent my resume and was contacted for an interview with Katie and Christine. 

I was informed at my interview that someone within the company applied for and would be hired for the live-in position I was interviewing for. I was hired to work as relief staff until another live-in position opened up. Leaving the interview, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would get the live-in position anyway. A few weeks later, I was contacted because another, unexpected live-in position had become available and I became the live-in staff member at 769 Washington Street, Specialized Housing’s first and most prestigious home. 

You are working as a live-in staff member at our first house, but you also help out in some of our other communities. What drew you to branch out beyond your primary house community?

Initially, it was to get me more hours. I’ve now worked in five of SHI’s houses and find pleasure in all. The different personalities keep me on my toes, and I enjoy having variety in my days. Each house has its own vibe and you never know what’s going to happen. That makes every day an adventure waiting to happen — and I love an adventure!

What have you learned about the folks you work with that you didn’t expect?

I continue to be amazed that each house is a home, and within each home, there is a family — a family that has unconditional love for each other and for those who work with them to assist them in their daily lives. As the live-in at 769, I am a part of the family and take this responsibility quite seriously, and am honored to fill such an important role. The residents of this home accept me for who I am. They don’t ask for change or something different. Even when my patience is short, they forgive, they love. I wish more neurotypical people had the abilities that I find come so naturally to the residents I work with. The world would be a better place.

What is the most inspiring part of your work at SHI?

I’m inspired not only by the residents that live in each of the SHI houses, but also by the staff. I’ve met clinical directors, house managers, live-ins and relief staff who all play an integral part in making SHI the place that it is. I’ve learned so much about the community and various disabilities; I’ve learned techniques for dealing with different personalities, and I’ve also learned that sometimes, it’s best to just walk away. I’ve always been able to speak with anyone and the greatest lesson I’ve learned from working with the residents of SHI is to listen more. I am amazed daily by the pearls of wisdom I receive.

It gives me great satisfaction to brighten people’s days; to make things fun and entertaining. I choose happiness every day and try to always see the bright side and the good in people. I’ve spent time on mindfulness and meditation with some of the residents of 769 and I also focus on keeping things positive. I see eyes light up when I arrive and it immediately makes my day, which makes me want to lift them as much as they lift me up! What’s more inspiring than a roomful of happy people, ready for anything?

How has being part of this community impacted you?

What I didn’t know until I arrived at SHI is that professional caretaking is a career and it was my calling! SHI came to me at the perfect time in my life and I believe all of it was meant to be. I have never been more at peace or happy in my work. My days are filled with wonderful people who are always happy to see me and if I can brighten their days, I am happy.

When I first arrived at 769, I was in transition in my own life and honestly, it was the residents that showed me the ropes. They took me to Star Market to get a Charlie Card. They taught me how to ride the T again, as I hadn’t done it in over 40 years! I learned where all the coffee places were and where the senior center was located. I also learned how well-known and well-liked the residents of 769 are by the community. Coffee shop and bank employees in the area know each resident by name! These wonderfully accomplished and proud residents of 769 accepted me into their family and made sure I landed, safe and sound. I derive pleasure in returning that favor whenever I can.

We heard that if we needed a quality singing quartet, you’re the person to talk to. Would you be willing to share with us a bit about your vocal talents?

It was in a piano bar that a woman approached me and suggested I attend a rehearsal for a chorus that her daughter-in-law was in. I reached out to her D-I-L and in 1998, I joined a Sweet Adeline’s International chorus. I’ve now sung in the organization for 24 years. I’ve won 9 first place Regional and 4 International Top 10 medals with my chorus, Coastline Show Chorus; and Regional medals with my former quartets, Insongniacs and Vocal Mischief. Recently, I joined a new quartet called Phoenix Rising and we’re currently in rehearsals for a competition in the spring. We’d be thrilled to sing for y’all once we have a few songs under our belt!

Music has been my passion since the day I sang Delta Dawn in a piano bar called The 1280 located at 1280 Beacon Street right here in Brookline, MA at 13 years old. My dad sang there frequently and I had my first taste of applause and was hooked! Five of my six sisters and I frequently sang with our dad throughout our adult lives until he passed in 2022. He was the “Leader of the Band” — well, our band — and he is greatly missed. I sang this song during my interview with Katie and Christine when one of them said something like, “Someone singing a song in an interview would make it the BEST interview ever!” The gauntlet was thrown; I had to do it!

We’re curious about your other interests and hobbies. Would you tell us a little about them?

Music is my #2 passion. My #1 passion is family and I am proud to say my 6 siblings and I were raised by parents who taught us about unconditional love, faith, and resilience. I am the mother of 4 kids, who each have found wonderful partners; 2 stepkids, also with amazing partners; and Nunna to 8 grandchildren — Jackson (15), Harrison (7), Veda (5), Mirabelle (4), Oakley (3), Warren (3), Sylvan (2), and Freya (1).

They cure any ache or pain that comes my way. They are all remarkable individuals in their own right and are my pride and joy. I am so wonderfully blessed. In my free time I sing, meditate, exercise, eat well (mostly), knit, and hang with family and friends. Life is a gift, and I don’t plan on missing a thing!