Meet our Bethlehem Nursing & Rehab Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Gaugler as she hopes to meet you!

I was born in Shirley, NY, a town on the south shore of Long Island. I started visiting nursing homes when I was about four years old as my aunt was a DON at the time. As a child, I learned part of being human is serving others from my mother who worked at a homeless-pregnant teen shelter when I was little, adopted families who were underprivileged and started women’s/moms’ groups in our community. I was very active in church, school sports (soccer and softball) and the orchestra (I played the violin and traveled around NY performing in competitions).

I moved to Milford, NJ when I was 13. I continued in sports and church and made friends with two other girls at church, and we formed a harmonizing trio who would sing together. My first job was at the age of 14 in the culinary department of a nursing home. There I learned to cook and was promoted to cook—something my husband is very grateful for! I then worked through other departments like rehabilitation and community life and started undergraduate work at Rutgers University.

I moved to Pennsylvania through marriage. I did my graduate work at Marywood University, and when I graduated, I went to work as the Social Service Director and gained additional experience in discharge planning, admissions, ethics, behavior management and crisis management. I then moved to the Personal Care Home Administrator for a brand-new memory care facility. I transitioned to a retirement community as their Personal Care Home Administrator then becoming the Director of the entire campus. Scattered in between were opportunities with Lehigh Valley Bereavement department and earning a thanatology certificate.

Now at Country Meadows, I am proud to be here and serve our residents and support our co-workers. When I am not at work, you can find me at the gym I own with my husband, Michael in bookkeeping, business development, marketing and nutrition/lifestyle coaching. I started writing for a local paper, began a blog and am now in the process of developing my podcast. And when I am home, you can find me snuggling with my two dogs, watching sports or visiting with friends and family.

I hope I have the opportunity to work alongside and support you. It would be my privilege.

Sincerely,

Michelle