Passionate Laboratory Supervisor Named Fire Starter of the Month
February 27, 2025, MORRIS, IL- When Pontiac resident Amber Prendergast graduated from high school, she was uncertain about her career path. She explored different industries through job shadowing before accepting a secretary position in the Emergency Department at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, IL, despite having no prior experience in healthcare. Little did she know, working alongside doctors and nurses would ignite a passion that would lead her to a fulfilling career.
Over the past nine years, Prendergast has become a dedicated team player and an invaluable resource in the Laboratory at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. In recognition of her vast contributions, she has been selected as the February Fire Starter of the Month.
Morris Hospital Laboratory Director Kimberly Wolfer describes Prendergast as an exemplary employee who consistently goes above and beyond to support both colleagues and patients. “Amber is always working hard to ensure patients have a great experience,” Wolfer says. “She’s constantly looking for ways to improve the Laboratory, and she keeps a close eye on blood inventory to ensure we have compatible blood available for those in need.”
Prendergast’s first exposure to the Laboratory came while working at Carle BroMenn. A coworker’s mother worked in the Lab and offered Prendergast the opportunity to job shadow. That experience helped her realize she wanted a career in healthcare.
“What I really liked about the Lab was seeing all the different aspects that go into it,” Prendergast says. “I knew I wanted to help patients, and working in the Lab allowed me to do that in a different way.”
Determined to pursue her newfound passion, Prendergast earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a focus in Clinical Laboratory Science from Illinois State University. During her clinical internship at Morris Hospital in 2005, she immediately felt at home. “The experiences I gained during my internship helped prepare me for the next stage of my career,” she says. “Everyone I worked with made me feel like part of the team and capable of doing an excellent job.”
For Prendergast, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing she’s making a difference. “I love coming into work every day, not knowing what challenges the day will bring,” she says. “When I think about the patients I help, I think about my own family. Everyone deserves great care, and I always strive to go above and beyond—just as I would want someone to do for my loved ones.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,400 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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