Amber Lihs
Wahoo,NE
Summary
Purpose-driven leader with 20+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, and team leadership. Recognized for supporting organizational priorities through strategic planning, budget oversight, clear communication, and collaborative leadership.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Life Enrichment Manager
The Landing, Immanuel Signature Community
Lincoln, NE
02.2023 - Current
- Developed inclusive programs that increased engagement, dignity, and joy for older adults.
- Provided community education on dementia, championing person-centered care to enhance quality of life for older adults.
- Led diverse team to foster culture of growth, shared ownership, and innovation.
- Built cross-functional partnerships to support advocacy, equity, and visibility in elder care.
- Engaged in state-level policy work advocating for funding of compassionate aging services.
Owner & Photographer
Amber Lihs Photography
Wahoo, NE
08.2015 - Current
- Managed daily operations, balancing creative and business logistics to ensure seamless project execution.
- Edit photos using Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance quality while preserving natural expression and dignity.
- Created visual media that challenged ageism and amplified elder voices. to challenge ageism and elevate elder voices.
- Partnered with Dreamweaver Foundation to honor lives of older adults through compassionate support, honoring their lives and creating memories through their Dream program.
Life Enrichment Coordinator
South Haven, Vetter Senior Living
Wahoo, NE
01.2017 - 02.2023
- Developed programs based on resident passions and histories to enhance engagement.
- Coordinated outreach events and family-centered celebrations to strengthen intergenerational connections.
- Managed budgets while mentoring multidisciplinary team, including chaplain staff, to ensure collaborative success.
Accounts Receivable & Payable
Saunders Medical Center
Wahoo, NE
11.2010 - 01.2016
- Managed patient/vendor accounts and payments, ensuring accuracy and fostering positive relationships.
- Partnered with leadership to streamline operational processes enhancing direct care delivery.
- Managed daily accounting activities such as accounts receivable and payable, cash receipts, general ledger, payroll and utilities.
- Generated monthly reports that tracked accounts receivable and payable activity.
- Prepared monthly financial statements to track accounts receivable and payable activity.
Education
Nebraska Assisted Living Administrator Training -
Nebraska Health Care Association
Lincoln01-2024
Certificate - Gerontology
Southeast Community College Ed2Go
Lincoln, NE01-2023
Skills
- Person-centered care
- Community engagement initiatives
- Community outreach
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Culture alignment
Volunteer Experience
Project Coordinator, People Worth Caring About Docuseries
- Coordinated outreach, participant engagement, and project logistics for a documentary series highlighting diverse communities, team members, and stories that promoted aging services as a meaningful place to live and work.
Alzheimer's Association – Lincoln Walk Committee
- Coordinated volunteer activities and supported event planning for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, contributing to a well-organized, engaging experience for participants and volunteers.
Certificates And Awards
- Certified Dementia Practitioner
- Montessori Dementia Practitioner
- Dementia Support Group Facilitator
- Nebraska Activity Professional
- SingFit Certified
- Congressional Briefing Scholarship, NHCA, 2022
- Assisted Living Administrator Scholarship, NHCA, 2023
- Elected Advisory Council Member, Vetter Senior Living, 2022
- Leader First Graduate, Immanuel, 2023
- LEAD Class VII, NHCA, 2024
- NHCA Champion of Innovation Award, 2025
- Inspire, Women in Leadership Award Nominee, 2026
Timeline
Life Enrichment Manager
The Landing, Immanuel Signature Community
02.2023 - Current
Life Enrichment Coordinator
South Haven, Vetter Senior Living
01.2017 - 02.2023
Owner & Photographer
Amber Lihs Photography
08.2015 - Current
Accounts Receivable & Payable
Saunders Medical Center
11.2010 - 01.2016
Nebraska Assisted Living Administrator Training -
Nebraska Health Care Association
Certificate - Gerontology
Southeast Community College Ed2Go