About Us - Bend Transitional Care of Cascadia

Bend Transitional Awards and Ratings

Bronze National Quality Award
Awarded by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living as recognition of our commitment to delivering outstanding quality care and service to our valued residents at Bend Transitional Care.

Best Short-Term Rehabilitation Badge
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-star rating: see report.
Best Short-Term Rehabilitation badge from U.S. News Best: read the report.

Administrative and Clinical Leadership Team

Heather Jeffer, MSW, GMHS, LNHA
CEO/Administrator
Team member since 2022

Heather Jeffers has dedicated her career to serving older adults and improving the quality of care in skilled nursing settings. She has worked in long-term care since 2000 and has served as a Nursing Home Administrator since 2012.

Heather’s professional background is in social work. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and a Certificate in Geriatric Mental Health. Prior to becoming an administrator, she worked as a medical social worker in both hospital and skilled nursing environments, giving her a unique perspective on the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of patients and residents.

Heather is passionate about delivering high-quality care, promoting dignity and independence, and ensuring that resident rights remain at the center of every decision. She is committed to creating an environment where residents receive exceptional care and team members are empowered to provide their very best.

Michelle Restivo, RN, BSN
Chief Nursing Officer
Team member since 2020

Michelle has dedicated her life to nursing and resident care. She knew she wanted to be a nurse from a young age and began her career immediately after high school by earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license.

As an LPN, Michelle worked in a skilled nursing facility before returning to school to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She spent several years working in the hospital setting, but soon realized that she missed the meaningful relationships and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in residents’ lives that she had experienced in skilled nursing. She returned to the skilled nursing field in California, where her passion for post-acute and long-term care continued to grow.

Michelle moved to Bend, Oregon, in 2004 and quickly became a valued leader in the skilled nursing community. She served as both a Charge Nurse and MDS Nurse before being promoted to Director of Nursing within just two years. In 2020, she joined Bend Transitional Care as Chief Nursing Officer.

With decades of hands-on clinical and leadership experience, Michelle is deeply committed to providing exceptional care and supporting both residents and staff. She absolutely loves being a nurse and helping others, and she finds great fulfillment in knowing she can make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.