Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Di Dio.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never planned on working in municipal social services, but looking back, every step of my career quietly pointed me here. I began as a music therapist, working with individuals navigating brain injuries, mental health challenges, and major life transitions. Sitting with people during some of their hardest moments taught me that healing is about far more than treatment plans. It is about dignity, connection, and feeling like you still matter.
Over time, my work shifted into leadership roles across behavioral health, rehabilitation, and senior living. I saw firsthand how systems can support people well, and how easily individuals can be overlooked when those systems fall short. That realization pushed me toward community-based work, where I could help shape programs that truly meet people where they are.
Today, I have the privilege of serving as Director of Social Services for the City of Katy, working out of the Fussell Senior Citizen Center. The center is designed specifically for independent older adults, providing a safe and welcoming environment where they can participate in activities, socialize, and continue living full, active lives. One of the most meaningful moments in this role was hearing a senior share that they had not laughed since the passing of their spouse, but since finding the center, they were enjoying life again. Moments like that stay with you.
There is something incredibly special about watching seniors rediscover joy. Whether it is learning a new skill, revisiting an activity they loved in their youth, or simply sharing a laugh with friends, these moments remind me that growth, curiosity, and connection do not stop with age.
Another powerful part of this work is supporting families. We connect them with resources that help preserve their loved one’s dignity and independence, and we provide a space where independent seniors can safely engage in social opportunities, giving families peace of mind. The center also hosts caregiver support groups for individuals supporting loved ones with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other conditions, and watching caregivers realize they are not alone is incredibly moving.
The City of Katy’s commitment to its senior population makes all of this possible. Seniors are valued here, and that belief is reflected in the support, resources, and trust given to the center and our team. It is deeply rewarding to provide a place where independent older adults can safely engage, form friendships, and continue living with dignity, while families know their loved ones are cared for and connected.
Some of the most unexpected joy comes from the relationships formed beyond programming. The seniors at the center have welcomed my family with open arms, treating my children like their own grandchildren. Outside of the center, I balance my life as a wife, a mom, and a dog lover, enjoying trying new restaurants, staying active, playing guitar, and reading. Those pieces of my life keep me grounded and remind me that the sense of community and fulfillment we foster for older adults is something we can carry into all aspects of life.
If there is one thing I hope people take away from my story, it is that aging should still be full of laughter, dignity, and opportunity. With the right support and community, later life can be one of the most meaningful chapters of all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges in my work is helping seniors stay socially and physically engaged when transportation is limited. Even though Katy is part of a major metropolitan area, getting around can be difficult for older adults. County transit can be confusing or hard to access, even for medical appointments, grocery shopping, or simply coming to the senior center. We have partnered with local caregiving organizations to help seniors get where they need to go, and we hope to develop a volunteer transportation program in the coming years.
Another ongoing challenge is addressing food and housing insecurity among our aging population. We have built partnerships with local churches and nonprofit food banks to ensure seniors can access nutritious meals when needed. We have also created a network of home improvement professionals willing to provide simple pro-bono services such as changing lightbulbs, cleaning gutters, repairing a clogged sink, or hanging a door, which help seniors maintain independence safely in their own homes.
The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have also presented challenges. Some seniors stopped attending activities out of fear of getting sick, and regaining their confidence has taken time. To help, we provide masks for those who prefer them and maintain rigorous cleaning of tables, chairs, and common areas. These experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, creativity, and flexibility, and they continue to inspire me to find ways to meet the unique needs of the seniors we serve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Director of Social Services for the City of Katy, I have the privilege of overseeing programs that support independent older adults and their families. My work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for seniors to stay socially, mentally, and physically engaged while providing resources that help maintain their independence and dignity. At the Fussell Senior Citizen Center, I work with a dedicated team to plan activities, educational programs, and events that encourage connection, learning, and fun.
We also provide guidance and support to families, connecting them with resources ranging from food and home maintenance assistance to caregiving networks. Part of my role is building partnerships with local nonprofits, churches, and community professionals to ensure seniors have access to services they need to live safely and confidently in their homes. Additionally, I work closely with local, state, and federal policymakers to advocate for programs and policies that benefit the senior population, helping ensure that the needs of older adults are represented and supported at every level.
Every day, I am inspired by the moments of laughter, curiosity, and renewed confidence I see in the seniors we serve. What makes this work especially rewarding is the relationships that form along the way. Seeing seniors develop friendships, pursue new interests, and embrace life fully is a constant reminder of why this work matters and why community support is so essential.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Livingston, Texas, in a family that valued hard work, empathy, and service. My parents were both educators. My mom eventually became a high school counselor and my dad an elementary school principal. They were deeply committed to their careers, but they always made time for my younger sister and me. From an early age, they modeled helping others. I remember we used to pick up an elderly man walking to church, even though he was unkempt, teaching me that everyone deserves kindness no matter their circumstances.
One Easter stands out vividly. My sister and I had collected more eggs than we could carry during an egg hunt before church. Just as the service was about to begin, a young family arrived, and the girls looked crestfallen to see the egg hunt was over. My dad quietly set aside some of our eggs and hid them for the newcomers. I was upset at the time, but he explained that helping others, giving when we can, and not judging is more important than our own pride. Lessons like this, along with watching my mom work with students facing challenges beyond their control, taught me the value of compassion, listening, and small acts of care.
Growing up, I stayed very active. I participated in band, color guard, basketball, track, volleyball, academic competitions, theater, and swim team. Staying busy taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of prioritizing what matters. I have always loved music, both for how it made me feel and for the way it helped me connect with people. Discovering music therapy allowed me to combine my passions for music and helping others, setting the foundation for the career I have today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cityofkaty.com/government/city-departments/senior-services
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FussellSeniorCenter
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagdidio/
Image Credits
Headshot: Kelly Richman – Lifetime of Clicks Photography
