Staff Spotlight: Amra Budimlic, Social Worker

Amra joined The Emily Program four and a half years ago after relocating to the Twin Cities. She started as an eating disorder technician, and after shadowing a meal at the Anna Westin House, our residential treatment facility in St. Paul, she was hooked.

“I absolutely loved the concept of getting to be there in the moment alongside clients, supporting them as they navigated one of the most challenging times in their lives,” she said. “I am beyond honored to get the opportunity to be invited into people’s lives and some of their darkest moments and be trusted to assist. I am really proud of how brave all our clients are and cannot explain how powerful of energy it is to be part of it day in and day out.”

Amra recently stepped into a new role as a social worker. In her new position, she wears many hats, but most days she can be found coordinating care for clients and assisting them in smooth transitions in and out of the house.

She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Winona State University and went on to earn a Master’s in Social Work from Augsburg University.

Learn more about Amra and why we think she stands out!

TEP: What’s your secret to building trust with clients?

Amra: I am transparent, honest, authentic, and consistent. I think people are perceptive and have strong intuitions, so if you try to be something you are not, they can see right through you.

I think most clients who have interacted with me can say my word has a lot of worth, and that I won’t say something I don’t personally believe. I think people can see that I do have their best interests at heart and I will help in whatever way I can.

TEP: What’s one tip you can offer new clients?

Amra: It’s okay to be scared. You are doing one of the toughest things by simply reaching out for help. You deserve to feel better and you don’t have to face it alone. Just take whatever reason got you to make that call and remind yourself of it constantly because it is worth it, and remember, we will walk this road with you.

TEP: Tell me something interesting about yourself.

Amra: I was born in Bosnia, and I am obsessed with stand-up comedy. George Carlin was the best of all time.