December 29, 2025
When Amber Lihs talks about her work, it’s clear that her role as Life Enrichment Manager at The Landing is more than a job: it’s a calling. With more than a decade of experience in senior care and a passion for advocacy, Amber brings heart, vision, and innovation to everything she does.
A journey rooted in family and purpose
Amber’s journey into senior living began in high school when her grandmother moved into a long-term care community. Witnessing her grandmother’s emotional transition and the compassionate care she received inspired Amber to pursue her nursing assistant license. Over time, she found her true calling in life enrichment, a field that allows her to foster meaningful connections and enhance the quality of life for residents.
“I just fell in love with the process,” Amber said. “Watching my grandma thrive because of the care teams made me realize how powerful this work can be.”
After spending nearly 10 years in long-term care, Amber sought broader experience and was introduced to Immanuel. She joined The Landing, an Immanuel Signature Community in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she’s been for over two and a half years.
“Immanuel just does things differently,” she said. “The investments they make in life enrichment is unlike anything I’ve seen.”
The human side of the work
Something Amber has come to know and appreciate is that direct care teams have the greatest impact on the quality of life for a resident or participant at Immanuel. Beyond department tasks and job titles, she believes there’s a human side to the work: where we connect with and honor individuals’ personhood. Amber’s approach to life enrichment is rooted in this belief, and it shows in the way she leads her team and engages with residents.
“I try to show what’s possible with the resources we have,” she said. “Outside of our walls, I work to shift perceptions, about aging, about care work, and about the value of community.”
Her advocacy work includes participating in a congressional briefing through the Nebraska Healthcare Association and helping to coordinate Nebraska’s involvement in the docu-series People Worth Caring About, which highlights the dedication of direct care teams across Nebraska.
Cameo Rogers, Immanuel’s Corporate Life Enrichment Manager, called Amber “driven.” She noted Amber’s passion for her work and her advocacy for the dignity of aging and aging services.
“She is creative and has built a fantastic life enrichment team at The Landing. She is focused on each resident’s story,” Cameo said. “Amber creates a real sense of community and lifelong learning opportunities.”
Curiosity as a catalyst for change
Amber’s drive for advocacy intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were doing everything right, but it didn’t feel right,” she recalled. “Residents were declining. Not from illness, but from isolation.”
That experience led her to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. There with the Nebraska Healthcare Association for a congressional briefing, she connected with other passionate leaders and gained a broader perspective on the senior care industry.
“It sparked something in me. I realized that to make a real difference, I had to think beyond my day-to-day work.”
Amber’s commitment to staying curious is a key part of how she continues to make an impact, not just at The Landing, but across the industry. She attends conferences, participates in think tanks, and builds a network of passionate individuals from all walks of life. In the fall of 2025, she traveled to Okinawa, Japan, to explore how that population is aging well and is being supported.
Champion of Innovation
Amber was honored with the 2025 Champion of Innovation Award from the Nebraska Healthcare Association, in part for her work on the People Worth Caring About docu-series.
“I had no idea I was getting it,” she said. “But it was such a meaningful project, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
Carol Schulte, Executive Director at The Landing, spoke highly of Amber’s impact; not just at the Lincoln retirement community, but across the entire aging services industry.
“The award celebrates Amber's remarkable work on a project that extends beyond our own community, showcasing her creativity, leadership, and passion for enriching lives,” Carole said. “Her ability to think outside the box and bring people together through meaningful engagement is truly inspiring. We are fortunate to have such a talented and compassionate leader on our team!”
Moments that matter
Amber shares two powerful memories that continue to shape her perspective. One involves a resident who spent time near a bulletin board – not to read it, but to feel part of the community. When Amber asked if she’d be visiting family for the holidays, the resident replied: “Why would I? All of you are my family.”
Another memory involves a resident who was hospitalized and asked for Amber and the chaplain to be by her side.
“We didn’t help her make decisions, we were just there,” Amber said. “It reminded me how deeply we matter to the people we serve.”
‘What you do matters’
Amber encourages others in the field to take advantage of local organizations that support professional growth. She’s a proud recipient of National Health Care Association scholarships, one that allowed her to attend a Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. Another funded her education to become a licensed assisted living administrator. These opportunities have opened doors to projects like the docu-series and even excerpts in published books.
Her message is clear: Stay curious. Stay inspired. Get involved.
“What you do matters,” she said.
The heart of the work: connection
Amber lives in Wahoo, Nebraska, with her husband (her middle school sweetheart) and their two children. She’s a nature lover, photographer, and kayaker who thrives on life’s experiences.
At the end of the day, what matters most to Amber is connection. Whether it’s helping a new resident find their place or supporting someone with dementia, she finds joy in breaking through barriers and building relationships.
“There’s nothing better than connecting with someone in a meaningful way,” she said. “It’s what I love most.”
