From Bright Start to Shining Light

Posted on July 13, 2023

Fourteen years ago, Amanda Tilberg was a pregnant single mother. She became a client of Bright Start, a nurse home visitation program for first-time moms. Amanda and her baby thrived in the program.

“It was so important to have someone who never made me feel ashamed for having a bad day, who was always reminding me of my potential as a mom and that I wasn’t alone,” Amanda says. “Just knowing that someone believed in me and my abilities.”

The nurse made a strong impression on Amanda at a critical moment in her life. “At the time, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. Through working with her, I thought, ‘I think I want to be a nurse—and then I someday want to be a nurse in the Bright Start program.’”

Amanda started attending college, earned her associate’s degree and then her bachelor’s. Eventually she returned to school and earned a

master’s degree. She worked in a wide variety of roles in hospitals and clinics, becoming a nurse practitioner in women’s health. By chance, she learned of a rare opening for a Bright Start nurse and joined the team in April 2022.

“I didn’t know if it was going to happen or not, but by the grace of God, here I am,” Amanda says. “So I feel very, very, very lucky, very fortunate.”

“I felt like it was meant to be. I love what I do. I value the people that I get to work with, and they make me better, too. Every day I wake up and I’m excited to do my job. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done.”

What Amanda’s Clients Say

“Being a first-time mom, with no support, she has absolutely and positively impacted my life. I lost my mom and my dad four years ago, making my situation 10 times more difficult…On the days when I was overwhelmed with anxiety and fear, Amanda would be there to help me through tough phone calls, and doctor appointments for my unborn baby and myself. She helped me get the medication I needed when I didn’t have a way to pick it up. When I was wrongfully fired from my job, Amanda helped me write a letter to get my job back. And it worked—I got my job back! The days we meet are good days.”

“You’re like an angel. You’ve been helping me out so much, and you’re there for me a lot.”

“You’re the best, Amanda. Really. The best support ever.”

“You are super awesome, and it’s been a pleasure having your help throughout my pregnancy and now the birth of my son! I’ve learned lots from you and have felt supported and understood.”

“The best thing about my pregnancy was the program; the most helpful thing was you as my nurse. I don’t know how I’d be this far if it weren’t for you… You go above and beyond, just because you care.”

“From the first time we met I automatically felt at ease. I had a very stressful pregnancy due to being high risk… Amanda helped so much it’s hard to put to words. She calmed my anxiety by helping me learn about everything I was scared of, helping me with community resources and pushing me to achieve my goals. I will forever be grateful for what Amanda has done for me. I look forward to the next two years I have with her to help me learn and be the best mother I can be.”