Meet Our Team at The Birches at Harleysville

Ellen dedicated her nursing career to long-term care for the past thirty-five years beginning as a Candy-Striper at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown at fourteen years of age. During this time, she realized long term care was her passion. Ellen has spent the last three decades mastering her expertise through additional certification including wound care certification, infection preventionist, and experience as an RNAC. Throughout Ellen’s nursing career and personal journey, she has continued to strive to provide the highest quality of care and service for all residents. Ellen was born and raised in Worcester Pennsylvania and is happily married with one son and currently resides in Salford, Pennsylvania. She is one of three daughters who have dedicated their career to the medical profession. Ellen enjoys gardening, the Jersey shore, and her two Labrador retrievers.

Crystal has been working at The Birches since March 2009, holds a CNA license in the State of PA and is both a Med Tech and a Certified Med Admin Trainer through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Crystal has extensive training and a passion for working with residents with Dementia and was promoted in May 2024 to her role as Daybreak Director. Crystal has always had that passion for working in healthcare and helping others since a she was a child. She loves the beach, hiking, going to flower farms/fields, and taking care of her own house plants with her green thumb. She lives in Sellersville with her husband and their two sons, and her cat named Maci.

Thomas has a soft spot in his heart for the senior citizen community. He was fortunate enough to be raised by his loving Grandparents, where his fascination for geriatrics started. While a freshman in high school, Thomas found himself interested in volunteering at the local nursing home by his school. Throughout his nursing home career, he has worked mainly in the activities department. In this position he is able to share his deep faith and knowledge of theology to help residents and families connect spiritually. According to Tom, “the best part of my job are the smiles and laughter from the residents”. Thomas was born and raised in Roxborough, PA and currently resides in Montgomery County. In his spare time, Thomas enjoys cooking, traveling, singing and spending time with family and friends. Lastly, Tom loves meeting new people and socializing with others. Stop and say hello to him at anytime!

Norma began her long standing career in the food services industry working in senior care facility, starting out learning the importance of food safety and service. Norma later went on to work in the catering business preparing foods for special events and clients prior to working for a major hospital in Philadelphia as a patient service manager. During this time, Norma managed the staff and daily operations of the food establishment. Norma has a love for cooking fresh, wholesome foods that nurture the mind and soul. As Dining Services Director at The Birches, Norma has once again found her niche in managing the daily operations of the Food Industry staff and providing nutrition services for seniors. She is responsible for the staff, inventory, service schedule, and routine operations of the kitchen. Norma has returned to her first love; providing seniors with wholesome foods that nurture the body and soul.

Joe has been working in the trades since 2013, ranging from commercial construction to finish carpentry. Working in various fields throughout the years from residential to commercial to pharmaceutical maintenance, he knows what it takes to maintain the facility in tip top shape. He has a passion for fixing things and seeing the smile on resident’s faces after helping them with whatever issues they have. He prides himself on maintaining a clean and safe environment for both the staff and the residents. Growing up Joe was very close to his grandparents and they all made a huge impact on his life. Joe lives in Spring Mount with his wife, 2 cats (Cosmo&Roo), and his dog (Duke).

Rebecca “Becky” Snyder has 17+ years Business Office and Human Resource Experience in the Senior Living industry. She has always had a passion working with seniors and enjoys building relationships with the residents, their family members and her co-workers. In her free time she enjoys volunteering, spending time at the beach and most of all spending quality time with her son, 2 daughters and her 4 grandchildren.