Last month, Michelle Winder celebrated two milestones: she turned 40 and celebrated her 20-year anniversary at Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

“I have been here half my life, which just sounds crazy to me,” Michelle said. “When I started, I told myself that I would only work here for five years, then I would move on as I really wanted to work in obstetrics.

“The residents stole my heart, and here I am. I absolutely love the elderly and can’t imagine being in a different field of nursing.”

When she joined the Presbyterian Manor staff, Michelle’s only work experience was from Scotch Fabric Cleaners and Godfather’s Pizza. She was 19 years old and her first job here was as a certified nursing assistant.

Michelle received her licensed practical nurse degree from Kaw Area Technical College in 2002, and studied to be a registered nurse at Manhattan Area Technical School, where she graduated in 2010.

“I chose nursing because I wanted to be able to help people,” Michelle said. “I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life.”

As the nurse case manager, Michelle helps plan admissions and discharges. She is also in charge of the restorative program, which means that she works with therapy and the restorative aide to ensure that residents are getting the appropriate programs they need.

Between her first role and her current one, Michelle has also served as a charge nurse, health services supervisor and interim director of nursing.

Michelle has two sons. The oldest is 21 and used to work in the dining services department at Presbyterian Manor. Her younger son is 17 and is a current dining services aide here. She has been married to her husband for 13 years, though the couple has been together for 18.

In her free time, Michelle likes to spend time with her family, which includes two brothers and her parents. She and her husband enjoy taking motorcycle trips when they can.

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