Directing Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson Medical Center

As the Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson, Amy Taylor oversees a vital team of nearly 200 active volunteers, consistently

seeking dedicated individuals who wish to give back to the community.

Her department supports several key programs:

• Daily Volunteers: Commit to a weekly four-hour shift, handling essential tasks like escorting patients and visitors, restocking supplies, and supporting the surgery waiting area.
• Unit Volunteers: College students pursuing careers in medicine who commit to a year-long, weekly four-hour shift, gaining direct experience working with nurses and healthcare technicians.
• Pastoral Care: Volunteers who partner with the Chaplain to offer spiritual comfort.
• Pet Therapy: Rigorously trained volunteers and their dogs providing comfort to staff, patients, and visitors during stressful moments.
• Junior Volunteers: Local high school students who participate each summer to gain an introduction to healthcare service.

Amy emphasizes that working with people who are so committed to helping others is the best part of her job, citing the recognition of volunteer Jerry Nichols as a Richardson Real Hero as a defining, meaningful moment.

A cheerful group of attendees celebrating at the recent magazine event, showcasing the fun and vibrant spirit of the Richardson community.

Richardson Roots and Career Path

A true local, Amy was born and raised in Richardson and is a proud RHS graduate. She holds a degree from Texas A&M and initially pursued marketing and promotions in radio and cable TV (working with networks like HBO/Cinemax and Oxygen).

Her path shifted toward community involvement when she joined the Eisemann Center, which eventually led her to the Director of Volunteer Services position at Methodist Richardson. She describes the role as a “perfect fit” that allows her to help people directly within a healthcare setting.

Deep Community Involvement in Richardson and Plano

Amy’s commitment extends far beyond the hospital. She is highly involved in community leadership and the arts:

• Cultural Arts Commission: She actively serves here, helping to review public art submissions (including the new artwork at the Richardson Animal Shelter) and participating in the annual nonprofit arts grant process.
• Leadership Richardson: A proud member of Class 32, she is actively involved in the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and maintains strong ties with her classmates.
• Richardson Chamber: An active member, supporting local business and community development.

As her family is zoned to Plano ISD, Amy is also involved with Leadership Plano and the Vines High School Band Booster Committee and PTA, demonstrating her wide-ranging commitment to the local education system across both Richardson and Plano.

Dedication in action: Volunteers and staff pose in front of the festive holiday tree, recognizing their commitment to service and community support throughout the year.

Personal Life and Holiday Traditions

Amy lives in the area, maintaining a small but close family unit. Her daughter is an aviation major at the University of Oklahoma, and her son is a percussionist at Vines High School. The family also includes two rescue dogs, Argo and Indie (Indie adopted from the Richardson Animal Shelter).

In her free time, Amy enjoys local volunteering, attending concerts (like the annual Wildflower! festival), and traveling to warm destinations. For the holidays, her family keeps it simple: attending a Christmas Eve service followed by lasagna and Uno at her house, then gathering at her parents’ home on Christmas Day.

The Johnson family (Left to Right: Bill, Martha, Sarah, Emily, Jacob, and Anne) enjoying the stunning views at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone during their summer travels.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Methodist Richardson Volunteer Services to learn more about their programs.