Employee Spotlight: Denise Hamilton, Environmental Services, A.G. Rhodes Cobb
Denise Hamilton has been a dedicated and compassionate member of the A.G. Rhodes Cobb team for 26 years. She currently works in Environmental Services on the third-floor Memory Care unit, bringing a warm smile to every interaction. While she’s known for her cheerfulness, her journey is one of courage and acceptance.
Growing up in Marietta, Denise faced early challenges. In kindergarten, she struggled to keep up in class, leading to testing and eventual placement in special education. She remembers feeling singled out but credits her teachers for pushing her to succeed.
“They were tough old birds, but they were wonderful,” she said.
Denise says she was fortunate to have a supportive family, especially her late parents and grandmother, and with their help, she learned to focus on her strengths. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy from the University of West Georgia in 1997, and while in college, she was officially diagnosed with ADHD.
“It was good to finally know the reason,” she said. “Having that answer helped me understand myself.”
It was her mother and grandmother who encouraged her to apply for a position at A.G. Rhodes in 1999, and with the support of her colleagues and leaders, she has learned to see her differences as sources of empathy. And when work challenges arose, her supervisors helped her transition to a new role that better fit her strengths and life stage.
“God closes one door but opens another,” she said.
Denise admits she felt ashamed for a long time of her learning disability, speech impediment, and ADHD. But today, she uses her experiences to connect with residents, especially those living with dementia.
“When they’re struggling, I understand,” she said. “Both are mental challenges, and that gives me compassion for what they’re going through.”
A.G. Rhodes Cobb Administrator Jovonne Harvey says Denise’s experiences have contributed to her long, meaningful career at A.G. Rhodes.
“We’re proud of the way she has turned her own challenges into understanding and empathy for the elders she serves. She shows up every day ready to help wherever she’s needed, and she does it with heart.”
As October marks ADHD Awareness Month, Denise’s story highlights the value of understanding and acceptance in the workplace. She continues to look ahead toward future goals, with an interest in pursuing a CNA program to further her service to others.
“I used to be ashamed,” Denise said. “But now I want people to know that if they have a disability, it’s okay; don’t be ashamed. We may have our own special way of doing things, but we still get the job done.”
October 2025