 Scorsone felt Shepherd was more prepared now that she had experienced parenting Leo and fellow addict Betty in the previous two seasons, as well as her articulating the loss of her son Christopher aloud.The sixteenth season sees Amelia in a healthier, happier place.Scorsone felt that the character had come into her “authentic self”, with her career, community and support of sisters Meredith and Maggie Pierce portrayed by Kelly McCreary.