Her Story
About Amy
Amy Hooyer serves as the Director of the West Michigan Parkinson's Support Center, a nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their families. A respected leader in Parkinson's advocacy and community wellness, she pioneered Rock Steady Boxing in Michigan more than 13 years ago, becoming the first to introduce the nationally recognized, non-contact boxing program to the state. The evidence-based program is designed to help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease through targeted exercise and physical activity. As Owner and Head Coach of Rock Steady Boxing West MI, Hooyer leads a comprehensive portfolio of wellness initiatives, including cardio drumming, Urban Poling, yoga, ballroom dancing, and other specialized exercise programs that promote strength, balance, mobility, and independence. Under her leadership, the organization also provides a medical equipment lending closet, caregiver support groups, educational resources, and a lending library, ensuring individuals and families receive comprehensive support throughout their Parkinson's journey.
In addition to her work in Parkinson's care, Hooyer is the Founder of Grief Boxing LLC and a Certified Grief Coach, where she empowers individuals to transform loss into resilience through movement, coaching, and compassionate support. Guided by the philosophy of being "constructive, not destructive," she has developed an innovative approach that fosters emotional healing while building physical strength and confidence. Before transitioning into nonprofit leadership, Hooyer worked as an administrative assistant, where she cultivated the organizational, operational, and leadership skills that continue to support her success. She is also an ACSM certified fitness professional, applying evidence-based practices to develop safe, effective wellness programs that improve the lives of individuals with chronic health conditions.
Beyond her professional leadership, Hooyer serves as a volunteer with the County Sheriff's Department Victim Advocate Unit, providing compassionate guidance and critical resources to families coping with unexpected loss. She attributes her success to determination, believing that perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others have been the foundation of her career. The most valuable career advice she has received is to never give up and to trust her instincts, wisdom that continues to shape her leadership and decision making. She encourages young women entering the profession to believe in themselves, trust their intuition, and never allow self-doubt or the opinions of others to define their potential. Recognizing that increasing public awareness of community programs and securing grant funding remain significant challenges for nonprofit organizations, Hooyer is committed to expanding outreach, cultivating strategic partnerships, and ensuring that individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease and grief have access to exceptional programs, resources, and compassionate support.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination. It has been the driving force behind my ability to overcome challenges, remain focused on my goals, and continue growing both personally and professionally. I believe that persistence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous improvement have enabled me to achieve meaningful results, even in the face of obstacles. Determination keeps me motivated to learn, adapt, and consistently strive for excellence in everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never give up and to trust my instincts. Throughout my career, people have consistently encouraged me to rely on my judgment, recognizing that I have strong instincts. That advice has given me the confidence to make thoughtful decisions, navigate challenges with resilience, and remain true to my values. Trusting my instincts, combined with perseverance, has been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never give up and never let anyone discourage you from pursuing your goals—including yourself. Believe in your abilities, trust your instincts, and have confidence in your decisions. There will always be challenges and moments of doubt, but staying true to your vision and following your gut can lead to meaningful opportunities and long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is increasing awareness of the programs and services we provide. While there is a significant need for our work, reaching the right audiences and ensuring they know these resources are available remains an ongoing effort. Another major challenge is securing grant funding, particularly in our specific market, where competition for limited resources is intense. At the same time, these challenges present an opportunity to build stronger community partnerships, expand outreach efforts, and develop innovative strategies that increase visibility and support for our mission.
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