Amy Potter
Describe your current stage of life.
2025 marks 25 years of marriage, 25 years working as an occupational therapist, 20 years being a mom, 15 years of homeschooling, 20 years living in Rochester and almost, but not quite, 50 years of life. I am married to Jon and we have 3 children, Isaac (19), Hannah (16), and Rose (13). I work supplemental as an occupational therapist at St. Mary’s, working roughly one weekend a month while homeschooling my kids.
Share a core childhood memory and a bit about your younger years and places you’ve lived.
My parents both grew up in large families on dairy farms near Fountain City and Arcadia, WI. I was born while they were living in Fountain City, but we moved to Owatonna for my dad’s work just before I started kindergarten. In my early years, we spent almost every weekend in WI visiting family. I have fond memories of playing with my cousins on the farm, climbing high on hay bales in the barn, running around the barn during milking time, and swimming in the ‘crick’ out in the pasture, sometimes alongside the cows! Another core memory as I got older was spending time at the lake with my cousins, swimming, tubing, water-skiing, and playing games. I attended Wartburg College and then went on to Washington University in St. Louis for graduate school where Jon and I met. We were married the summer after we graduated and both found jobs in Chicago. We were living in Evanston and knew we didn’t want to raise a family there, so after Isaac was born, Jon started looking for jobs and landed one at Mayo Clinic. I was thrilled to be moving back to MN and closer to my family. Calvary has been our church home since we moved to Rochester.
What is your favorite bible verse?
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” This verse reminds that God is always on His throne, that He is sovereign over everything, and in control even when things feel out of control and life is hard. It reminds me that I am to be still and rest in His presence in the midst of all the ups and downs of life on earth.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Walking and hiking. I like taking walks around the neighborhood with a friend or one of my kids. It’s a great time to catch up. We also like to go hiking at state parks. My sister inspired me to get a hiking club book last summer, so I’m looking forward to doing more hikes with her family and mine. We’ve also enjoyed many beautiful hikes at National Parks on several family vacations.
What is a favorite memory you have from high school?
My favorite memory from high school was being a part of the band – concert band, jazz band, marching band, and pep band. My closest friends were all in band and marching band trips were the best. We travelled to Florida to play at Disney World one year and we marched in the 4th of July parade in Washington DC another year. Pep band was my favorite and it was especially fun my freshman year when our boy’s basketball team made it to the state tournament.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it?
Last summer, I played pickleball and went line dancing for the first time. Both were challenging, great exercise, and also lots of fun! My kids are much better at both activities than me, but I’m working on improving my skills.
