Michele Harris joins our staff as a human resources generalist

Michele Harris found her fit when she discovered the field of human resources.

“When I had the opportunity to go into HR, I really enjoyed the interactions with the employees,” Michelle said. “It’s something I have really grown passionate about. I want to be an advocate for staff and help them enjoy their day-to-day work lives.”

Michelle joined the staff of Rolla Presbyterian Manor in April as a human resources generalist.

Before transitioning into an HR role at Kindred Care, a home care provider, Michele worked as a staffing coordinator. Prior to that, she was in sales for Lincare.

Though all employees have difficult moments, as an HR professional, Michele believes work “shouldn’t be more difficult than it needs to be.”

It was hard to leave a job she really enjoyed, but Michele said she felt that working at Presbyterian Manor was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down.

“I am so, so glad I made the decision,” she said. “I am overwhelmed with the positive welcome from management and the team members. And everyone has been kind and patient to the new girl.”

A Rolla native, Michele has been married to her husband Brad for 33 years. They have a 21-year-old son, Zachary. The family loves the outdoors and spends lots of time together camping and fishing.

Michele never planned to have a career in home care, but “once I got into it, I didn’t want to leave it,” she said.

Her career has helped Michele better care for her parents. Her father was ill for many years and received care in his home before he passed.

“My work with Lincare helped me to understand his disease and be able to help him with treatment,” Michele said.

Michele’s mother lives with her, a situation that aligns with the services offered by Kindred Care.

Michele said working at Presbyterian Manor has comforted her, because she knows her mother would receive quality and compassionate care if she needs it.

“Now that I’m here, I feel so good about the type of care that the residents are getting here,” she said. “Everything I’ve been through in my career has run parallel to my own life. Everything I’ve learned in these fields, I’ve applied in my own life.”