Alumni / Amy Spieker: Class of 2017

written by Beth Spieker, Amy's mother

Success is measured in different ways. To some, it means achieving great wealth or notoriety. To those in the special needs community, it often means being able to live independently, work, and love those God has placed in our lives.  Amy Spieker, in my opinion, is a success. This is her story. 

Amy graduated from Shepherds College in June of 2017. Her future looked bright. She was well-prepared for work in her chosen field of Culinary Arts. Motivated to find a job, she began searching. She accepted a part-time job at an assisted living facility as a server that August.  Wishing to be employed full-time, Amy accepted another part-time job at a different assisted living facility. As one can imagine, managing two schedules became difficult so she proactively asked her boss at her favored job if she could get more hours, allowing her to work at one place of employment. In October, Amy’s request was granted, and she went full-time as a server at Brookdale Senior Living. 

At Shepherds College, Amy met a wonderful young man named David Moran. They started dating in the first week of their first year at school. For three years following their graduation Amy and David continued their relationship from a distance. As often as their job schedules would allow, they would make the trip from Ohio to Michigan or vice versa to spend special time together.  Their love for each other and for the Lord grew, making their separation more difficult. In December of 2019, David proposed to Amy, who immediately accepted! They picked their wedding date, and the planning began. One big question loomed: where should they live - Michigan where David worked or Ohio where Amy worked? 

Amy announced her engagement at Brookdale as soon as she arrived home from Michigan. After continuing to work for several months, Amy’s boss asked her where she’d be living after they married. Amy replied that she didn’t know because it depended on where she and David could both get jobs. Jerry, Amy’s boss, said, “I can’t afford to lose you, so I will give David a job here.” That was a definite answer to many prayers! 

On September 5, 2020, Amy became Mrs. David Moran.  They have their own apartment, a car, and the ability to care for themselves. In the eyes of all who know and love them, they are successful.