Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Amy Monzingo helps Best Care EAP provide The Meaning of Care through counseling

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care. To explore career opportunities at Methodist, visit bestcare.org/jobs.

Amy Monzingo, MS, LMHP, LMHC
Counselor
Best Care EAP

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve been a counselor with Best Care EAP since March 1999 – 26 years! I’m a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) in the state of Nebraska, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Iowa and a national certified counselor (NCC).

I have two daughters and a son-in-law whom I enjoy spending time with. I am active in my church, Rejoice! Lutheran Church. I direct an adult and a youth handbell choir and also play in another adult handbell choir that my daughter directs. I also participate in a prayer group in which I’ve learned several different ways to pray; this has been a wonderful addition to my self-care activities.

I’m blessed with fantastic friends and family. I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing golf, watching sunsets and playing board games. 

What brought you to Methodist?

When I first came to Methodist, I was excited to work for an organization that I was already familiar with through my own health care and having had both my children at Methodist Hospital. I liked the thought of working for a health care system that had such a positive reputation. Working at Best Care EAP intrigued me partly because the focus was on short-term counseling. That meant it would be more solution-focused and I would likely be counseling people who were motivated to make changes. 

Why have you stayed?

When I started with Best Care EAP, there were several counselors here who had been here for a long time. Length of service and experience were valued and expressed as an advantage to companies that were interested in contracting for our services. When I started, I was the youngest counselor and looked to my colleagues for guidance and support as I learned from them. Now I'm on the other end of that, and I’m the one sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. I appreciate that this organization has supported that growth through the years.

Do you have any favorite Methodist memories?

When I look back at my time here with Methodist, mostly what I remember are interactions with colleagues and clients. Times that were meaningful, silly, light-hearted, heartbreaking – all the different emotions. Probably the most impactful time was in 2020 and 2021 during the height of COVID and social unrest. At Best Care EAP, we were very busy seeing clients who were struggling through all of that. We advocated for increased mental health support to the health care professionals on the front lines. We worked hard to support others while facing the same challenges ourselves. The counselors at Best Care EAP played an important role during that time, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.

What should people know about Methodist?

Methodist – and, more specifically, Best Care EAP – keeps its focus on caring for others. We have highly educated, experienced and caring people providing the best care for our community. We enjoy the work we do and the part we play in making Methodist truly The Meaning of Care.