Whether I’m kneading bread, sketching before dawn or piping icing onto a cake, creating gives me calm and purpose. I just like making things for people I care about. 

I started college as an art major, but I realized that a traditional academic path wasn’t for me. I come from a long line of makers. My grandmother had a kiln. My grandfather could play any string instrument. Both my parents are excellent cooks. I followed in their footsteps and found my creative outlet in a bakery, decorating cakes. 

After a decade in bakeries and food service — plus a passion for nutrition — I joined UVM Health. What began as a line-chef role led to recruiting for nutrition services, which I love. It keeps me close to food and nutrition. 

When my daughters started dance lessons, art returned. I’d sketch in the early mornings and while they practiced, post my work online. Commissions followed, and in 2022, Seven Days named me Best Illustrator. 

My older daughter danced her way to Sugar Plum Fairy before switching to field hockey and college. My younger daughter competed in dance and eventually left that hobby in favor of volleyball and lacrosse. But she always tagged along to art shows. Art became her safe space, too. 

Eventually, commissions wore me down. Everyone wanted dog portraits — 10 hours each — and I couldn’t turn off the self-critique. I wanted to get back to creating for the joy of it. 

Now, to satisfy my creative needs, I volunteer wherever I can: Project Grad, athletic boosters, Art Hop. Every Christmas, I try a new craft: finger-knitted blankets, family cookbooks and more. I’ve made balloon arches, ribbon leis and digital posters. My family teases me for never saying no, but I like giving without expectations. 

Whether I’m cooking mac and cheese for 200 high school seniors or sketching before sunrise, it’s all the same at heart — using my hands to bring people together.

Amanda Brunell is a recruiting and outreach coordinator for UVM Health Nutrition Services. She has been with us for six years.