Our Caring Team at Astral At Auburn

At Astral at Auburn you will find an incredibly attentive staff and team of professionals to help you settle into your new home. We are dedicated to helping each resident to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible, no matter what level of care they require. Collectively we are dedicated to making the difference in the lives of residents every day.

 
Merissa Treft, Business Office Manager

Merissa started her career in Senior Living in 2012. She initially worked as CNA, QMA before shifting from clinical to operations.  She attended Purdue Fort Wayne earning a BA in Psychology. Upon completion of her degree, Merissa has held several Assisted Living management roles over the past 4 years. Merissa has a strong background in Business Office and Human Resources which benefits the team and residents as they navigate into the community. Outside the office, Merissa enjoys spending time with her husband Justin and their 3 young children. Merissa also has a passion for baking and makes a very popular buttercream frosting for her specialty cakes which the team enjoy at every opportunity to celebrate!

Dawn Hyde, Director of Nursing

Dawn was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and moved to Fort Wayne in 1974. Dawn is the youngest of 4 with her being a twin to her sister. Dawn has two daughters, a son and 4 grandchildren. Dawn has a fiancé of 23 years a handsome golden retriever along with a feisty German Shepard. Dawn graduated from Elmhurst High School with a desire to be an accountant, but fate led her to a different path. Dawn started her nursing career in CNA classes in Auburn IN where she found her true passion: geriatric care. Dawn went on to attend college for her LPN then won a scholarship and went on for her RN. Since the beginning of her nursing career she has become a Wound Care Nurse, Board Certified Geriatric Specialist, Infection Preventionist and a compassionate , dedicated, and family oriented nurse. Outside of work Dawn enjoys reading, quilting, darts, playing pool, and most of all time with the grandkids!!

Amber Arnold, CDM, Dining Services Director

Amber was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Amber brings to Astral at Auburn strong background in the Food Service industry as she has held a variety of roles, including waitress, Dietary aide, cook, and Dietary Manager. It was as a Dietary Aide that she discovered her passion in caring for the elderly, but it was not until 2014 when she was offered a Bistro cook position that she fell in love with food. She went on to receive her Certified Dietary Manager Certification in 2016 and began her career as Director of Dining Services. She loves her career path because it allows her the opportunity to bring people together through food while building meaningful relationships with the individuals she encounters. The dining experience at Astral at Auburn is complimented with her passion for caring for people. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, reading, bodybuilding, and spending time with her family, 3 children, and cats.

Mike Bentley, Plant Ops Director

Mike was born and raised in Kendallville, Indiana before moving to Rome City, Indiana with his wife and two children. Mike earned his AS in Business Management from Indiana Tech. Mike has spent the last 15 years in facility maintenance between the housing authority and Senior Living communities. Astral at Auburn residents and staff will benefit from Mike’s strong understanding of Facilities Management and a willingness to go the extra mile when facing a challenge. Outside of the community, Mike enjoys listening to and playing music, High School Football, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, spending time with his family, and motorcycles. Mike’s passion for music, sports, and fatherhood helps him to naturally connect with the residents and families while he ensures the community is beautiful and maintained for years to come.