How Emily Montgomery’s journey led her to Social Work
At Bethany Children’s Health Center, our employees truly are the heartbeat that drives the organization. Every day, through the care and service they provide, they live our mission of maximizing the potential of every child and exemplify our core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, service and stewardship. We hope you enjoy getting to know our amazing employees through our Heartbeat profiles.
We recognize our team of Social Workers each year during the month of March. They provide invaluable support to our patient families and leave a lasting impression that can truly shape a child’s future.
For Social Worker, Emily Montgomery, her role at Bethany Children’s Health Center is so much more than a job. “Life is a journey. We step into other people’s journeys during their difficult times to provide support and hope. There is no greater joy than to make a difference in someone’s life,” she says.
Emily’s personal journey gives her a unique perspective on helping patients and their families at Bethany Children’s. Emily and her younger brother were born in South Korea. When their mother passed, cultural taboos at the time prevented relatives from raising the two young children. They stayed in three different orphanages, the last of which cared for children with disabilities. Emily’s brother had polio and wore a full leg brace so he could walk. In 1974, when Emily was eight, she and her brother were adopted by Noel and Dixie Blum. Their new parents had only seen pictures of the children and adopted them before meeting them in person and bringing them to Idaho.
Emily’s experience inspired her to become a social worker. “A social worker played a huge role with my adoption, and I have a passion for helping others,” she says. She also recalls that Shriner’s Hospital was a big part of her brother’s childhood.
When Emily came to Bethany Children’s in 2018, the organization’s rich history resonated with her. “From the first moment I stepped foot into the hospital, I knew it was a special place,” she admits. Seeing patients laugh and smile is the most rewarding part of her work.
She is also grateful for her co-workers, saying, “My co-workers deserve a shout out. They do an awesome job of showing compassion and meeting families in their time of need. Thanks for all you do!”
Emily knows that big journeys begin with small steps, and she believes from her own experience that children are resilient, and whatever their current situation, it doesn’t define who they are.
“My passion for children and families, along with my work history and values have prepared me to be here at Bethany Children’s Health Center,” she shares. “I feel like I have come full circle, personally and professionally.”
Fun Facts:
Something you might not know: “Back in August, I signed up for a Newbie 5K training. I have NEVER been a runner. I have completed a 5K and a 10K and now I am training for the OKC Memorial half marathon.”
Childhood goal: “I wanted to be a gymnast. I learned how to do backflips and cartwheels on the playground.”
Favorite hobbies/ways to spend free time: “I enjoy spending time with family, reading a good book, trying new restaurants and seeing new places.”
Favorite TV show: “The Voice – I can’t sing so I am in awe of their talent.”
Favorite food: “Asian, Italian, Mexican…I like it all!”
Dream weekend: “Spending time with my family. I love it when my boys are home with their spouses.”
From the Bucket List: Alaskan cruise and visiting the New England area.