Marcie Hippensteel: Dedicated Finance Paralegal at Presbyterian Senior Living, Committed to Team Support and Lifelong Learning

For the past eight years, Marcie Hippensteel has been an essential part of Presbyterian Senior Living’s (PSL) finance and legal team. Beginning her journey as a coordinator, Marcie’s role has evolved significantly, and she now serves as a Finance Paralegal. Her journey reflects her commitment to learning and growing within PSL and her dedication to providing excellent support to the organization’s communities.

A Journey from Coordinator to Paralegal

When Marcie joined PSL, she started as a coordinator working in collections and supporting other coordinators with their accounts. As time passed, she found herself increasingly drawn to the legal side of her work, which prompted her to pursue a paralegal degree. “It was challenging working full-time and going back to school,” she recalls, “but I made it!” With the encouragement of her supervisor, Nicole Bowser, an attorney at PSL, Marcie completed her degree in 2020. Nicole’s support was instrumental, as she always encouraged Marcie to pursue her interests. “She told me, ‘If you want to do this, go for it. We’ll support you,’” Marcie remembers.

Today, as a Finance Paralegal, Marcie’s work encompasses various legal aspects across PSL’s communities. Her role includes assisting with billing questions, handling contracts for residents and vendors, and fielding legal requests from multiple PSL communities. “We’re always busy, and there’s never a dull moment,” she says with a laugh. “With so many communities, there are always requests coming in, which keeps you on your toes.”

Embracing a New Population

Marcie’s career shift to senior care was a departure from her previous work in the finance department at a local college, where she interacted primarily with young adults. Moving to PSL gave her the opportunity to work with an older population, which she’s found to be uniquely rewarding. “I really enjoy working with older people,” she says. “Both generations are wonderful, but there’s something special about working with seniors.”

Being part of the senior care and housing sector has given Marcie a renewed sense of purpose. She values the opportunity to support PSL’s mission, which prioritizes compassionate care for seniors. Whether she’s working on contracts, helping with billing questions, or assisting with other legal matters, Marcie feels fulfilled knowing her work directly impacts the well-being of PSL’s residents and communities.

A Supportive Team and a Strong Work Culture

One of the highlights of Marcie’s time at PSL has been the supportive and close-knit team she works with. Her colleagues, including Nicole and the recently hired legal counsel, Megan Strait, collaborate closely to ensure that projects are completed efficiently. “We’re like family, which makes it so nice,” Marcie shares. The team’s weekly Zoom calls allow them to catch up on projects, discuss any challenges, and lend a helping hand when needed. “If there’s ever a problem or we’re feeling overwhelmed, we know we can count on each other.”

The supportive culture at PSL extends beyond her immediate team. Marcie appreciates PSL’s emphasis on personal and professional growth, as well as the organization’s commitment to helping employees develop their skills. Her own journey from coordinator to paralegal is a testament to PSL’s encouragement and willingness to invest in its team members’ aspirations. Reflecting on her experience, Marcie says, “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. They’ve been instrumental in helping me reach my goals.”

Professional Growth and Development

For Marcie, transitioning from a coordinator role to becoming a paralegal was both challenging and rewarding. Going back to school to earn her paralegal degree required dedication and hard work, especially while maintaining a full-time job. “I wish I would have started my college degree much earlier,” she reflects. “If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say to start earlier if you find something you enjoy.”

Despite the challenges, Marcie feels proud of her journey. She credits PSL for supporting her decision to pursue further education and Nicole for being an encouraging mentor throughout the process. “Nicole is such a good mentor,” Marcie says. “She’s very patient, and she never makes you feel like you have dumb questions. I feel like I learn something new every day working with her.”

Marcie also mentors others by sharing her own experiences, helping new team members feel welcomed and encouraging them to embrace growth opportunities at PSL. Through her journey, Marcie has seen firsthand how PSL fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, helping employees reach their full potential.

A Busy Day as a Finance Paralegal

In her role as a Finance Paralegal, Marcie handles various responsibilities that ensure PSL’s communities operate smoothly. Her day-to-day work is filled with assisting with billing issues, managing contracts, and answering legal questions. “We assist all the communities with their legal aspects,” she explains. “With so many communities and requests constantly coming in, it’s always a busy day.”

Recently, the legal team expanded with the addition of Megan Strait, a new legal counsel. The team’s workload is now shared more efficiently, allowing Marcie, Nicole, and Megan to coordinate and tackle projects together. Marcie’s typical week involves addressing different legal requests from PSL’s communities, ensuring that each project is completed accurately and on time. “We’re always coordinating so things get done right,” she says. “It keeps you busy, but it’s also very rewarding.”

Staying Well with PSL’s Wellness Programs

One of Marcie’s favorite aspects of working at PSL is participating in the wellness programs, particularly the Call to Health initiative. “I sit all day long, and some days it feels like I’m attached to my chair,” Marcie jokes. Through Call to Health, she can engage in various physical and wellness activities that help her stay active and manage stress. The program offers tips for desk exercises, stretching, and other wellness practices that Marcie finds helpful.

“There are all sorts of little tips in the Call to Health program,” she explains. “It keeps you on track physically and mentally.” The program also provides rewards and incentives for reaching certain goals, allowing Marcie and her spouse to earn gift cards and other benefits for participating. “It’s nice to have something that encourages you to stay healthy, even while working a desk job,” she adds.

Balancing Work and Family

Outside of work, Marcie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters. “They’re awesome,” she says, her pride evident. At ages four and ten, her granddaughters keep her busy with their energy and enthusiasm. Marcie loves taking them on adventures, whether it’s a trip to the park or an outing to explore nature.

In addition to family time, Marcie and her husband share a love for the outdoors. Together, they enjoy hiking, boating, and taking long walks in nature. Marcie also has a passion for reading, which provides a peaceful way to unwind after a busy day. “We’re big on the outdoors,” she says. “It’s a great way to relax and connect with each other.”

Reflecting on Her Journey and Looking Ahead

As she reflects on her eight years with PSL, Marcie feels a sense of gratitude for the opportunities she’s had to grow both personally and professionally. Her journey from coordinator to paralegal was filled with challenges, but with the support of her mentors and teammates, she achieved her goals. She feels proud to be part of an organization that values its employees, invests in their development, and upholds a mission of compassionate care.

Marcie looks forward to many more years at PSL, where she continues to make a difference in the lives of residents and colleagues alike. “I’m so happy to be part of PSL,” she says. “It’s been a wonderful place to work, and I feel lucky to be part of such a supportive team.”

In Marcie’s words, “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. They’ve helped me every step of the way, and I’m grateful to be here.” Her dedication to PSL’s mission and her commitment to personal growth serve as an inspiration to all who work with her.