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Morgan Murphy views the Good Shepherd Nursing Home as "an extension of her family," with this ringing true as she is now taking over for her father, Don Kirsch, as the new administrator.
Growing up visiting Good Shepherd with her father, Morgan joked that she was "partly raised" at the facility. She added that she believes she has been working toward the role of administrator her entire life.
This work began in her childhood, as Murphy became familiar with the building and residents through Kirsch bringing her to visit residents while he worked.
"The residents love seeing young kids, so I always felt welcomed here," said Murphy. "I also took piano lessons and had recitals here, so I spent much of my childhood here."
While in college at West Liberty University, Murphy also worked at Good Shepherd in the evening as a receptionist. Once graduated, Murphy then did a year-long administrator training at Good Shepherd, eventually becoming assistant administrator and regulatory and compliance officer.
When the administrator position opened, Murphy said it "made sense" to apply, as being born and raised in the city, she has always wanted to "stay and work" in Wheeling.
"I've never really had any desire to live elsewhere," noted Murphy. "I'm happy to be able to stay in the community and continue to be able to give back."
Murphy will not officially enter the position until March 1. For the next six months, Murphy will be an apprentice to her father, learning the "full scope of the organization."
Once in the position, Murphy will manage the day-to-day operations for not only Good Shepherd but also the Welty Home for the Aged, the Bertha Welty Retirement Apartments, the Claire Welty Retirement Apartments, Welty TownHomes and the Braddock Apartments.
"A lot is going on at once because it's such a big organization I'll be covering," said Murphy. "Good Shepherd alone is a 192-bed nursing home, so every day is going to look a little different."
Until the changing of the guard, Murphy says she has loved working with her father to become familiar with the administrator role. She added that on top of being family, the two have a great working relationship.
"We both mutually respect each other's opinions, and obviously we love each other as father and daughter," said Murphy. "People always think that working with family is going to be stressful, but so far, it's been great for us."