Reugebrink Honored for Mentoring & Teamwork

(Michelle with Patrick Morgan)

Michelle Reugebrink
Resiliency and Personal Effectiveness Program Manager/USDA Forest Service (previously, now working for OPM HR Solutions)

Honored for Mentoring and Teamwork

Michelle Reugebrink has been selected as one of the recipients for the 2022 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Three individuals from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. Reugebrink's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of mentoring and teamwork.

Reugebrink is being recognized for her unwavering determination to bring mindfulness, resiliency, and the well-being of wildland firefighters and their families to the forefront of our minds and into our decision making. Over her career, from South Canyon to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses and beyond, Reugebrink has found ways to instill these concepts into the lives and values of our people; she has helped others help themselves. By allowing safe places to heal, Reugebrink has made everlasting impacts on each of the individuals she has touched, everyone in their spheres, and how they relate with others.

The pandemic did not deter Reugebrink from her mission. During this turbulent time, she showed what right looked like through weekly guided reflections (Taking a Mindful Moment) shared through this Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program blog via a QR code. This tool provided a mechanism for self-care during a global crisis. These guided reflections and a career of dedication to her vision will influence the wildland fire service for years to come.

Congratulations, Michelle, on a job well done!