For Abby Harrison, Newton Presbyterian Manor is family

Working at Newton Presbyterian Manor for the past 15 years, Abby Harrison has developed both a successful career and rewarding personal relationships with coworkers she now considers family.

Abby began working at the community as an evening cook in 2005 and was immediately inspired by what she saw in her fellow employees

“Working in dietary, I was able to see the care and compassion the staff showed the residents and their families, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Abby.

As a result, Abby utilized scholarships provided by the PMMA Employee Education Assistance Program to obtain her CNA, CMA, LPN and associates degree. She began her nursing career at Presbyterian Manor in the community’s long-term memory care neighborhood, Haury Place, before being offered the position of medical records coordinator.

Now a fixture in the community, Abby appreciates the close-knit nature of the Presbyterian Manor team now more than ever before.

“Being a Manor employee, you become close—like family—with those you work with,” said Abby. “Marc (Kessinger, executive director) is kind of like a dad to all of us. He encourages us and supports us.”

According to Abby, a perfect example of that support can be seen in how the management has reacted during the current pandemic.

“Even with all of the COVID-19 things going on, management is still doing what they can to show appreciation for the staff,” said Abby. “In the time I’ve been here, I’ve worked with a lot of amazing people.”

But not all members of the Newton Presbyterian Manor team feel like family, some actually are—Abby’s daughter, Emilie is the community’s restorative aide.

“Working with Emilie brings the whole ‘being a family’ aspect full circle,” said Abby. “We have several employees who are family members and work here together, as well as staff who have/had family members who have resided here.”

Our campus is truly all about family.