Staff Spotlight – Michelle Harvey

Michelle Harvey, Case Manager at Turning Point House (TPH) loves challenges. She has been described as positive, upbeat, and a problem-solver. While she is all of those things, she’s also quite busy. Currently, she’s going to school for her Associates in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling at Jamestown Community College. Each day, she remains incredibly enthusiastic, a trait her coworkers greatly appreciate. “I don’t have time for negativity,” she said with a smile.

In her two years at TPH, she has become an integral part of the team. “We have a great sense of working together,” Michelle said of her fellow TPH employees. “Any one of us would go above and beyond to help.” She and her team are making a major difference in the lives of their residents. In fact, seeing former residents succeed in different, less-intensive levels of care is something that Michelle loves. “They’re so appreciative.”

Developing positive and helpful working relationships is one of the things that Michelle does best. She often communicates with local doctors’ offices and since she’s always so positive, everyone around her is willing to help out. One particular connection at a doctor’s office is in constant communication with Michelle and sends her required information for TPH’s files. Thanks to Michelle’s diligence and networking, Turning Point House recently received a glowing review regarding medical documentation from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Michelle hopes to set up a group at Turning Point House focused specifically on health. She recalled that a new resident who had diabetes was completely unaware of how to manage his condition. Now, after getting tips and pointers from Michelle, he’s well on his way to being healthy. Having a site-wide group about health would help residents assume responsibility for their own care. They would also learn a skill they would be able to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

With all Michelle has going on, she still takes time to engage in self-care. She visits one of her sons in North Carolina regularly, and she likes to get her nails done. “It’s an hour of me-time and it’s very therapeutic,” she said. Michelle often shares uplifting and great advice with residents and coworkers. “You have to appreciate life,” she recently said. There’s no doubt that Michelle does.