Behind every milestone at Black Hills Works are the extraordinary individuals who have dedicated decades of their lives to our mission. These staff members, who have been with us for 20+ years, embody the heart and soul of our organization through their unwavering commitment to the people we support. Their stories reflect not just careers, but callings—filled with moments of challenge, triumph, growth, and profound connection. As we share these journeys, we hope they inspire each of us to see the lasting impact we can make through dedication to our shared purpose. These are the voices of experience that shape our culture and remind us why the work we do matters so deeply.
Amie Bach – Medicaid Specialist
Amie Bach has learned a lot in her 21 years at Black Hills Works. “Everyone in the agency has a role to play, and every single one is important. The direct support professionals are obviously the most important in my eyes, but we all have a piece to play. Without every role, it wouldn’t work.”
Amie works in the finance office, where she oversees participant Medicaid benefits that determine their eligibility for services and funding. If it sounds complicated, it is. But she hasn’t always been in administration.
Amie laughs about her first interview with Black Hills Works after she’d moved to Rapid City from Denver. “My friend Jessilyn Thompson suggested I apply. I didn’t know what I was getting into. I went to my interview in little pink stilettos, all dressed up, to Fir, a full-care home.”
Amie traded those stilettos for athletic shoes and spent over a decade at Fir, starting as a direct support professional and then as the home manager and service coordinator. She worked closely with Mallory Smith and Lisa Huschle in these roles.
Amie describes her relationships with the residents at Fir with enormous fondness. Being able to support them meant so much. “It was the little things, like how a person was able to put on their shoes by themselves because you showed them a few times, or making grocery lists together.”
She remembers the joy of supporting participants with vision impairment and seizure disorders when they traveled and went on camping trips, even when others didn’t think it was possible. “Those are things that are irreplaceable. It was awesome to watch them experience those things, because everyone deserves the same experiences.”
Out of the blue after years in residential, Amie received a call from Connie Hansen, former accounting manager. “I thought, ‘Oh, no, I’m in trouble. Why does she want to see me?’ But Connie thought I would be good for the finance manager position.”
Amie embraced the new challenge, although it wasn’t easy to step away from her residential role. “The hardest thing when I came into finance was not being able to see participants and be part of their everyday lives. I stopped by Fir often after work.”
Taking on an entirely new job was made easier because coworkers like Diane Flahaven Neu helped set her up for success. But Amie’s commitment to excellence also helped the transition. “With anything I do, I want to make sure it’s done on time. I want to make sure it’s done right.” Her hard work led to a certificate of appreciation from the Social Security Administration and to being recognized in the Black Hills Works Hall of Fame.
Her roles have changed over the years, but Amie says, “The focus is always brought back to the reason that I began in the first place – our participants. I love when participants stop by my office and sit and talk.”
Amie is thankful for her growth, both personal and professional, at Black Hills Works. She shares, “Working with people with disabilities, I’ve learned a lot. It’s OK if it’s not my way. Change is inevitable. Don’t get worked up when change happens, because nine times out of ten, it’s for the better. These lessons have changed my life.”
