Michelle Schonbachler Earns School Nurse Excellence Award
Pine-Richland Middle School nurse Michelle Schonbachler has earned the School Nurse Excellence Award for the Southwest Region of Pennsylvania for 2025 from the Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP). She was presented with the award at the PASNAP Annual Awards Banquet in State College on March 21.
In addition to working as the Middle School nurse, Mrs. Schonbachler, MSN, RN, NCSN, CSN, leads Pine-Richland’s Health Services Department as an Academic Leadership Council (ALC) member, functioning as the department liaison for all stakeholders. Michelle has invested 18 years as a certified school nurse with additional experience in nursing and numerous management and leadership roles before coming to Pine-Richland.
Dr. Kristen Justus, assistant superintendent for elementary education and curriculum, describes Mrs. Schonbachler as a champion of student and staff wellbeing: “Mrs. Schonbachler has helped to write numerous policies for approval, including the administrative regulations to accompany them, as well as many knowledge management plans for routine functions within the district. She works with the department to create newsletters, public service announcements, posters promoting health and wellness, and serves as an integral member of our Food Service Advisory and Wellness Committee, Professional Development Oversight Committee and our K-12 Health and Safety Committee.”
“I have had the pleasure to work with Michelle over the past 12 years,” said Dr. Brian Miller, superintendent. “Throughout that entire time period, the adjectives that come to mind are ‘professional,’ ‘engaged’ and ‘teammate.’ Michelle provides care to students and adults and is an active partner with families. She is a true part of the overall school community. I will also be forever grateful for the above-and-beyond leadership and expertise she demonstrated through the pandemic response.”
Mrs. Schonbachler was nominated by her colleagues in recognition of her exceptional service to both students and staff. She is now eligible for the prestigious National Association of School Nurses 2026 Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year Award. The award recipient will be chosen from the 2025 region winners.
“Michelle is an ideal team member and builds trust and respect,” said Dr. Justus. “We are extremely proud of and fortunate to have Michelle as a leader in the health services at Pine-Richland School District.”
“Michelle Schonbachler is a true role model, exemplifying a deep passion for her profession that inspires all certified school nurses across Pennsylvania,” said Anne-Marie Crawford, president of PASNAP.