Michelle Essex: Administrator extraordinaire

Those Sisters who have mentored me, along with those I have cared for over the years, still influence my work today

Michelle Essex, administrator, Loretto Living Center

Michelle Essex is one of Loretto’s cherished longtime employees, having served as administrator of the Infirmary/Loretto Living Center for the past 16 years. Michelle was initially hired as a nurse’s aide in 1991 at the age of 16 by Marie Lourde Steckler SL, the Infirmary’s director of nursing. After Marie Lourde, several Sisters guided Michelle along her path, including Bea Klebba SL, who helped her study for the state registered nurse aide class; Carol Ann Ptacek SL, RN, who was the nurse supervisor at the time; and Cathy Smith SL, who encouraged her to apply for a social service assistant position. In 2001, Michelle was appointed controller when Antoinette Doyle SL retired, and worked closely with Anthony Mary Sartorius SL, Motherhouse service coordinator. Michelle was encouraged by Kay Carlew SL, Infirmary administrator during these years, to obtain a nursing home administrator’s license, which she acquired in 2008. In 2009, she was appointed administrator by Loretto President Cathy Mueller SL. Michelle’s Loretto journey has been a blessing to Michelle and the Community she serves.

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