A Natural Caregiver: Ali Montgomery’s Path of Compassion
At just 19 years old, Ali Montgomery may be one of the youngest team members at Butterfield Trail Village, but she’s already found a place whereshe feels at home – and where she is making a meaningful difference. An integral part of the Health Care Center team in just a short time, Ali’s special blend of compassion, dedication, sense of humor and a genuine interest in connecting with others has made her a favorite with residents and staff alike.
Ali joined Butterfield less than a year ago after learning about the senior community from her boyfriend’s sister, a former employee. “She told me there was a gym and a pool, and I thought, ‘Ooh, that sounds fancy!’” she says with a laugh. What started as curiosity about the campus soon transformed into a personal challenge once she applied to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Desiring to push her own boundaries and gain new skills, Ali believed an environment like Butterfield could present not just a career opportunity, but be a chance to build her self-esteem. “I felt like it was more of a challenge,” she explains. “And when I got hired, it made me believe I really could try harder and do harder things.”
Ali’s service-driven spirit has inspirational roots that originate with family. Her mother has been a CNA for over a decade, and Ali grew up seeing firsthand the care and commitment required of the profession. “I used to be her practice dummy when I was little,” Ali remembers with a smile. “My mom would practice putting the gait belt on me, take my blood pressure and work on other things she needed to learn for her certification test.” These early “training sessions” weren’t just lessons in patient care – they were precious bonding moments with her mom, who often worked nights. It was a natural progression for Ali to follow in her footsteps, earning her own CNA certification in just four short weeks after graduating high school.
Ali finds fulfillment in the relationships she’s building with fellow staff members, Butterfield residents and their families. “It’s so much easier when you have friends around you. The day goes by faster,” she says. “But I also really like getting to talk with residents. It’s not just about doing my work. Every person has a different story, and you can learn so much by listening.”
While the CNA coursework and training gave her the basics, Ali says the real learning happens on the job – especially when it comes to the emotional side of caregiving. Her natural empathy hasn’t gone unnoticed. “It means a lot when someone says I’m patient or good at what I do,” Ali says. “When people tell me they’ve heard good things about me, it just makes me want to work harder.” The responsibilities that come with being a CNA mean some days can be tough, but Ali knows that navigating the role from a place of kindness and compassion can make difficult things so much easier for everyone.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, often going swimming during the summer and on outings with her mother. “I love to go hiking with my mom,” she says, noting how these walks provide a special time for them to connect. Looking ahead, Ali has big dreams. She’s already saving to buy and furnish her own home. And, while she briefly considered becoming a pharmacy technician, her heart remains in direct patient care. She aspires to work in a hospital setting one day, ideally supporting women. Ali’s story is an excellent reminder that compassion knows no age – and that it’s never too early to discover your purpose.
