Amber Manary enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in 2003. She spent a year in Korea, assigned to warehouse duty. While there, an accident left her with a broken back. Since then, she has managed pain from five herniated discs in her back and three degenerated discs in her neck.

Not one to retreat from pursuing life experiences because of a setback, Amber fell in love and bore her first child in 2006. Six months later, she enrolled in the Medical Assisting diploma program at Brown Mackie College – Moline. “My dad had always been involved in confined rescue, working at a nuclear power plant,” she says. “A medical career seemed like a natural fit.”

During her studies, she dealt with repeated flare-ups of pain from her injury. “I can’t sit still for long periods of time. I have to move around. When the pain really flares up, I can’t move at all. I just have to stay wherever I am until it passes,” Amber says. The pain episodes have become more and more infrequent since Amber lost weight to help alleviate the condition.

Amber enjoyed her studies at Brown Mackie College – Moline, “especially the lab work,” she says, “and taking one class a month. The instructors know their stuff. They shared their practical experience, which helped put everything in perspective.” She married while enrolled in the program, and became pregnant with her second child. “My son, Dax, was born during the school’s winter break, and I was back in class a week later,” she says. “I was determined to be on my way.”

Amber graduated in 2008 with a Diploma in Medical Assisting. She worked closely with the Career Services department at Brown Mackie College – Moline as she neared graduation. She secured employment as Billing Manager for Area Wide Foot & Ankle Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, where Amber works today. “I handle all aspects of insurance and patient billing. It is very fast-paced and I feel like I have accomplished so much at the end of the day,” she says.

Today Amber enjoys her two sons, three-year-old Alex and 18-month-old Dax, and is satisfied with her new career. “I loved the fact that if I ever had any questions or concerns during my time at Brown Mackie College – Moline, I could ask anyone. Everyone was willing to help,” she says. “I love my job. Thanks for everything Brown Mackie College – Moline!”