Amber Collins, RN, MBA was born in Charleston, West Virginia. She moved to Port Charlotte, Florida when she was four where she was raised and graduated from Port Charlotte High School. After graduation, she proudly joined the United States Army where she served in the 82nd Airborne and participated in Operation Desert Shield. Upon her return home she received an Associate of Arts degree from Edison College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Harding University with plans to enter law school. However, she returned to Edison College to obtain an Associate’s degree in Nursing, subsequently working in the Open Heart Unit at Charlotte Regional Hospital for two years, followed by work in the home health care field in which she is still engaged today. Finding her passion, she obtained certifications in: wound care, diabetic wounds, sharps debridement, and ostomy care. Toward extending her professional expertise, Amber obtained a Master’s in Business Administration.
In 2016, Amber purchased and rehabilitated a historic home in Arcadia. Since then she has become actively involved in the community, including serving Veterans through membership in the American Legion; assisting with downtown rehabilitation and support of small business owners; and focusing on creative mechanisms to enable Arcadia to be a highly functioning collaborative and inclusive community.