Our Team
We have a great team at Garden Place Senior Living Columbia – guided by goodness, loyalty, faith, and fun. Contact us anytime, we would love to meet you!
Amber Kisner
Campus Director
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Amber began her journey in healthcare at the age of 16 after spending four years volunteering at a local hospital. While deciding between becoming a teacher or a nurse, that experience ultimately led her to discover her passion for caring for others.
She started her career in the dietary department before becoming a CNA and later an LPN, building more than 27 years of nursing experience. Throughout her career, Amber has served in leadership roles across skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care communities, with a passion for supporting residents, families, and team members while creating a place that truly feels like home.
Amber joined Reflections as Executive Director in February 2026. In June 2026, she was promoted to Campus Director, where she now oversees the community with a continued focus on compassionate care, teamwork, and creating an exceptional experience for residents and their families.
Originally from Troy, Missouri, Amber relocated to Illinois in 2025 with her husband and their twin boys. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, exploring caves, and hiking.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Garden Place family and looks forward to continuing to grow alongside the residents, families, and team she is proud to serve.
Amber Kisner
Campus Director
View Bio
Amber began her journey in healthcare at the age of 16 after spending four years volunteering at a local hospital. While deciding between becoming a teacher or a nurse, that experience ultimately led her to discover her passion for caring for others.
She started her career in the dietary department before becoming a CNA and later an LPN, building more than 27 years of nursing experience. Throughout her career, Amber has served in leadership roles across skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care communities, with a passion for supporting residents, families, and team members while creating a place that truly feels like home.
Amber joined Reflections as Executive Director in February 2026. In June 2026, she was promoted to Campus Director, where she now oversees the community with a continued focus on compassionate care, teamwork, and creating an exceptional experience for residents and their families.
Originally from Troy, Missouri, Amber relocated to Illinois in 2025 with her husband and their twin boys. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, exploring caves, and hiking.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Garden Place family and looks forward to continuing to grow alongside the residents, families, and team she is proud to serve.
Allison Lay
Assistant Director
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Allison started her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant working with the elderly in 2010. She then decided to further her career and went on to become a Nurse. Allison started working with Reflections at Garden Place in 2015 as a nurse where her passion for Assisted Living started. She became the Executive Director of Reflections and has decided to stay within the company and transition to Columbia Garden Place bringing her compassion and experience to touch even more lives.
On her off-time Allison enjoys camping, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities. She spends most of her time just loving and living life with her young daughter, family, and friends.
“I believe that each person deserves to feel loved, appreciated, and have a sense of purpose. It is my passion to make those that I encounter to feel that way. Growing up my grandparents were my best friends and is really where my love with working with the elderly community came from. I look forward to continuing my work with the Garden Place Communities and working with such a wonderful team!”
Pamela Sternau
Community Relations Director
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Pamela began working in long team care as a social worker in 1996 and has worked at a few local facilities over the years. She has had a love for the elderly since she was young, spending time with her grandparents and neighbors. Pamela enjoys helping people and finds it rewarding being able to make a difference. She grew up in Waterloo and currently lives in Millstadt with her two children. She is familiar with the community and looks forward to working with everyone in her new role.