MILES CITY, MONTANA: deAmbra Coleman’s story doesn’t start in one hometown—it starts everywhere. Born in Taiwan and raised across much of the southern United States, Germany, and beyond, her childhood was shaped by frequent moves as part of a military family. That early exposure to different places, people, and cultures helped foster the adaptability and openness she now brings into her work as Nursing Faculty at Miles Community College.
Her connection to MCC runs deep. deAmbra was a student at Miles from 2002 to 2005, where she earned her Associate of Science in Nursing. Years later, she returned as a CRRN in 2017, continued serving as a CNA instructor even while working elsewhere, and officially came back full time in January 2025. In many ways, her professional journey has come full circle—rooted in the same institution that helped launch her nursing career.
A typical day for deAmbra begins with connection. Before heading to her office, she makes a point to check in and say good morning to colleagues, setting the tone for the day ahead. Her week is structured around teaching, grading, emails, and preparation. Mondays and Tuesdays are filled with lectures, while Wednesdays and Thursdays focus on supporting students behind the scenes. Fridays are reserved for tying up loose ends and making sure nothing—and no one—gets overlooked.
“What I love most about working at Miles Community College is the smiles," says deAmbra. "That’s not something you see everywhere. Having lived and worked in so many different places, I can honestly say this is unique, and it means a lot to me.”
This semester, deAmbra teaches both Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Mental Health Nursing—two courses she enjoys equally for different reasons. Her background as an OB nurse naturally draws her to maternal and newborn care, while mental health nursing fuels her curiosity about the mind and its complexities. That curiosity extends beyond the classroom and into her personal life as well.
When asked to describe herself, deAmbra points to her CliftonStrengths results: a lifelong learner, a thoughtful arranger, a genuine relator, an individualizer who sees what makes each person unique, and a developer who takes pride in helping others reach their full potential. Those strengths show up not only in her teaching but also in how she approaches life.
Her advice reflects that mindset: worry more about being present than being perfect. It’s a philosophy shaped by experience, growth, and perspective—especially when she reflects on what she considers her greatest achievement. While she acknowledges that every year brings new accomplishments, being a mom stands above all the rest.
Outside of work, deAmbra enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors whenever possible. Gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and bow hunting with her husband all bring her joy. She also loves learning new crafts, constantly exploring creative outlets simply for the satisfaction of learning something new.
When imagining an adventure still on her list, she dreams of Alaska—either a fishing trip or a cruise—or a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. For now, though, she feels a strong sense of belonging right where she is. After years of roles that felt like preparation, deAmbra says she has finally settled into herself and into her work at Miles Community College, with no plans to be anywhere else anytime soon.
