Difference Maker:
Amy Peters
I would describe a difference-maker as a person who embraces their fears and hesitations to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. A difference maker is a passionate individual who can’t just sit by and hope someone else sees the need and takes the initiative. Above all, a difference maker is somebody who takes action and does the work, no matter how hard or scary it might be. When I think of these attributes, I think of Amy Peters.
Amy Peters is a Quincy Native who graduated from Quincy High School in 2010. She graduated from Western Illinois University in 2013 with her bachelor’s in social work and spent the next five years working for community non-profits, including Quanda, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and Cheerful Home, while obtaining a master’s in social work from Mizzou.
While each of these roles helped Amy grow her skill set, her goal was to work with children in an educational setting. To make this goal a reality, Amy obtained her Professional Educator License with an emphasis in School Social Work in 2019 from the University of Illinois. Amy spent the next three years working as a school social worker for Quincy Public Schools. Not only is the above an accomplishment on its own, but she did all of this while growing from a family of two to a family of seven and while bringing Quincy Children’s Museum to fruition. In 2022, Amy was able to step away from the public school system and focus her efforts on the development and future of Quincy Children’s Museum.
Quincy Children’s Museum is a true sweet spot for Amy as she can utilize her knowledge and background as a social worker, mom, and educator to create the ultimate atmosphere for young children. Amy states that childhood experiences matter and shape who one grows up to be. “It is safe to say many if not all, children have been exposed to trauma, stress, and just a lot, especially over the past four years. It is my hope that in having a place for children and families to connect, learn, and play, I have done my part to try to tip the scales for kiddos in our region”. If those aren’t the words of a difference-maker, then I don’t know what is.
Amy is not only a civil servant and educator, but she is also a wife, a mom, a child of God, and the Executive Director of the Quincy Children’s Museum (QCM). While she had plans to relocate out of the area shortly after high school, God had other plans when she met Jake, her now husband of over 10 years. They married in 2012, and both knew they wanted a family right away. It was on their heart to start their parenting journey through Fostering and Adoption. They became licensed on Amy’s 21st birthday and would quickly start a family both through foster placement and pregnancy. I met Amy in 2015 when I was working at a pediatrician’s office. As you can imagine caring for multiple children can lead to multiple doctor’s appointments. Amy quickly became a routine visitor, and it was evident right away that her children were her priority. She was friendly, easy to talk to, patient, and always tried to remain positive regardless of challenges.
Amy states her drive and passion come from the Lord. She admits she has been blessed with supportive family, friends, and community. Amy describes herself as the class clown type, but she states she has always had a calling to serve others and to work with kids. Amy stated, “Becoming a mom (5x now) has solidified this calling for me. My kiddos are my world, and their joy means everything to me.” Amy further states her career steps, along with motherhood and a super supportive husband, are the driving force behind where she is today.
I personally am in awe of Amy and her tenacity and grit. She is a true example of perseverance and the no-excuses mentality in order to get the job done. Our community is so lucky to have her and her passion. Amy is building a legacy that will remain in Quincy for decades to come, and that is a true testament of a difference-maker.
Story Submitted by Allison Housewright
For more on the Quincy Children’s Museum please visit quincychildrensmuseum.org