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Presbyterian Senior Living | Team Members
At Presbyterian Senior Living, our team members are the heart of everything we do. They bring purpose, passion, and a commitment to compassionate care each and every day. In this edition of our Team Member Spotlight, we're thrilled to introduce Ashley Harlacher, Health Center Administrator at Kirkland.
A Career Built on Purpose
Ashley joined PSL in August 2023, bringing with her 16 years of experience in the senior living industry. As a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, she oversees the Health Center at Kirkland, ensuring that residents receive the highest quality of care in a supportive, person-centered care environment.
"I had always known Kirkland as a respected community, but the more I learned about Presbyterian Senior Living, the more I wanted to be a part of it. Landing this role has been incredibly rewarding because the mission, vision, and values truly align with what I believe in - providing exceptional care for our residents while also investing in supporting the people who make the care possible."
Leading with Visibility and Heart
Ask Ashley to describe a typical day, and she'll tell you — there's no such thing. But one thing remains constant: her commitment to being present on the floor.
"My biggest priority is visibility — making sure that I am seeing real-time, hands-on care and in-person interactions. And that's not just on day shift, that's on evenings, that's on nights. You can't understand what's happening if you're not present for those shifts as well."
This hands-on approach allows Ashley to solve problems in real time, connect with residents and families, and support her team in meaningful ways.
Building a Culture of Trust and Collaboration
When Ashley stepped into her role at Kirkland, she knew that building a strong team culture would be essential. She has worked tirelessly to foster an environment where every voice matters.
"I've really emphasized the importance of nothing that anybody says is dumb or wrong. I think it's healthy for us to challenge each other. When you allow everybody to understand that their roles have value and that their voice is important, it allows for those really sticky situations to not feel so sticky."
Under Ashley's leadership, the team has built a culture of psychological safety where team members can admit mistakes, ask for help, and engage in honest, professional conversations — all while presenting a united front to residents and families.
Innovation in Dementia Care
Ashley is actively supporting the implementation of a Montessori-based program aimed at improving care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. Led by Kirkland's Memory Support Coordinator, the program is being introduced gradually, with staff training and resident engagement at the forefront.
"This isn’t just another initiative, it’s another way for us to elevate the care we provide. It empowers our team to understand each resident as an individual and creates meaningful interactions that preserve dignity. One of the most rewarding parts is watching families experience moments of connection they may have thought were gone forever. Those small moments can mean everything"
The program focuses on preserving dignity, independence, and humanity — recognizing that the needs and desires of individuals don't disappear with a dementia diagnosis.
Investing in Leadership Growth
Ashley was nominated to participate in the prestigious Fellows in Leadership program — a nine-month initiative through Leading Age Pennsylvania that brings together professionals from across the state to explore leadership styles, navigate the evolving healthcare system, and address barriers in senior living.
"It's a journey about diving into leadership style and how we navigate the ever-changing healthcare system and some of the barriers that we see in senior living. It gives you a different perspective, a different view on how you can maybe handle a situation."
Ashley is proud that PSL invests in leadership development at all levels of management — not just for administrators and executive directors, but for anyone who can benefit from the experience.
A Passion for Changing the Narrative
One of Ashley's greatest passions is challenging the negative stigma surrounding long-term care and skilled nursing.
"There's such a stigma about long-term care and skilled nursing, and I think the more that we can shed light on the positives that do come from it — the level of independence that a person still has — that's a really big passion of mine. It all comes down to the team you have, the culture you create, and the way you engage with residents first and foremost, and then their families."
The Power of Mentorship
Ashley credits much of her growth during her time with Kirkland to her Executive Director, Staci Warsaw, whom she describes as a critical mentor and sounding board.
"From the moment I interviewed with her, we just hit it off right away. Staci is never afraid to be honest with me and a lot of the conversations we have have help me grow tremendously as a leader. Knowing I have someone who will challenge me, support me, and invests in my successes has made all the difference"
Beyond the Job
When she's not leading the health center, Ashley is soaking up quality time with her two children — a 7-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter. Summer means pool days, trips to Dorney Park, and supporting her kids in baseball, basketball, and dancing. She's also an avid reader who loves getting lost in a good book on her Kindle.
Advice for the Next Generation
"Don’t take everything so personally. You have to have thick skin to be an Administrator because not every decision you make will be popular, and not every day will be easy. There will be days that challenge you, decisions that keep you up at night, and moments when you question yourself. That’s part of leadership. Have thick skin, but never lose your compassion. Stay humble and never stop learning."
We are so grateful to have Ashley as part of the PSL family. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for senior living make a profound difference in the lives of residents, families, and team members every day.
Thank you, Ashley, for all that you do!
Interested in joining a team where you can make a difference? Visit psl.org/careers to learn more about career opportunities at Presbyterian Senior Living.