The Saint Luke Institute (SLI) comprehensive and multidisciplinary mental health and spiritual care model responds to the needs of each person as an integrated whole. Our quality care is assured by our professional clinicians and expert spiritual integrators. For more than three decades, Michelle Short, SLI’s Admissions Director has been a warm, attentive presence not only with those in our care at SLI itself, but with church leaders, vicars, and provincials who have discovered SLI’s comprehensive care model through an initial phone call, email or meeting with her.
In this installment of our Meet the Healers series, Michelle reflects on her work at SLI, which, among other duties, includes care and attention to those who are referred to SLI for our clinical evaluations to help in diagnosis and treatment.
What inspired you to work at Saint Luke? How long have you been with the organization and why?
I joined SLI in 1992 seeking more than a job—I wanted a role where I could apply my skills in support, problem‑solving, and compassion to help individuals receive the care they need. More than three decades later, I continue to feel fulfilled and dedicated to helping others. When I look back on my years at Saint Luke Institute, I’m often struck by how much this place has shaped me—both professionally and personally. What began as a desire to simply be of service has grown into a calling that has touched every part of my life. Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of walking with countless clients and their superiors at some of their most vulnerable moments. Those conversations, those quiet exchanges of trust, have taught me more about courage, humility, and grace than I ever expected when I first walked through SLI’s doors.
I’ve worn many hats during my time here—admissions, HR, client services, quality improvement, leadership support to name some —and each role has given me a deeper appreciation for how many hands and hearts it takes to create a space where healing can truly happen. But no matter how my responsibilities have evolved, one thing has remained constant: the belief that every person who reaches out to us deserves to be met with compassion, hope and a smile.
What is your area of focus at SLI and how does it support clients in ways that honor both their psychological and spiritual well-being?
In my role as admissions director, I have the privilege of interacting with each client and working closely with their superiors so that together we can open the door to hope, healing, and meaningful change. Being part of that moment is one of the greatest gifts of my work. Each time I witness someone taking even the smallest step toward healing, I’m reminded all over again why this mission means so much to me.
What have you learned from working with religious clients and what impact has it had on you?
Working with religious clients has touched me in ways I never expected. Their honesty, their vulnerability, and their unwavering sense of vocation have taught me so much about courage and grace. Each person who walks through our doors reminds me that healing is not just a clinical process—it’s a path of healing and it’s a privilege to accompany them. When I reflect on my time at SLI, I realize it didn’t come to me all at once. It unfolded slowly, in quiet moments and unexpected conversations, in listening to someone’s hurt or helping them take that first brave step toward healing. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that my work at Saint Luke Institute isn’t simply a job—it’s a vocation shaped by compassion, trust, and a desire to walk with others at a tender point in their lives.
My purpose has been formed in everyday moments: the pause before someone shares something difficult, the relief in a voice when they realize they’re not alone, the gratitude of a superior who just wants the best for the person they’re entrusting to our care. These moments remind me that healing begins long before a treatment plan; it often begins with being met with gentleness, understanding, and hope.
What’s something interesting about your career or personal life that people might not know that enriches your engagement with clients?
Early on, I took a call from a superior who was deeply worried about one of his members. I was new, but I listened, helped as best I could, and at the end he said, “Thank you—you don’t know how much this means.” A few weeks later, he reached out again—this time to tell me that his member had gotten the support he needed and was beginning to stabilize. Knowing that my small role helped set that healing in motion meant a great deal to me. That moment taught me the power of presence and compassion, lessons that still guide how I show up for every client today.
Raised by deaf parents in a hearing world, you learn early on how to connect beyond words, which shaped my goal to have every client hear my smile. And when I’m not working, you can usually find me riding in my Jeep at the beach—my favorite place to recharge.
Why do you love working at Saint Luke Institute?
I love working at Saint Luke Institute because every day gives me the opportunity to be part of someone’s healing journey. After more than 30 years here, I’ve seen firsthand how compassion, teamwork, and a deep respect for each person’s story can transform lives. This mission continues to inspire me. I’m grateful to work alongside colleagues who share the same commitment to hope, healing, and service—and to know that the work we do truly makes a difference for those who have devoted their lives to serving others.
Where have you seen the most impact of your contributions on client recovery?
I’ve seen the greatest impact from that very first conversation; my goal is to create a space where they feel safe enough to take the next step. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how a calm voice, a steady presence, and thoughtful coordination can ease fear and open the door to trust. Clients later share with me that those early interactions helped them feel hopeful again—that’s when I know my work has made a real difference. Helping set the tone for their healing journey is one of the most meaningful parts of my role.
It is the collection of moments—small signs of relief in someone’s voice, a renewed sense of direction, a client taking that first courageous step toward healing. Those glimpses of transformation remind me why I’ve stayed for more than three decades. This work has shaped who I am, and I’m grateful every day for the people, stories, and lessons that have become part of my own journey.