In 1989, I was a brand new mother living across the street from a nursing home. One day, it occurred to me that the residents there might enjoy seeing my baby.

What I didn’t realize, however, was how much I would enjoy spending time with the amazing people who lived there! I began volunteering regularly and count those times as some of the best experiences in my life. Now, I have the joy and privilege to work with seniors every day! 

One of my roles at Walker Plaza is to help families decide if ours is the best community for them and to help them through the moving process. I have been employed in the property management industry for the past 9 years, and it means a great deal to me that at Walker Plaza, I represent a community I truly believe offers a positive environment for seniors to call home. 

I joined Walker Plaza in May of 1999. Working at Walker Plaza has felt like coming home. It’s as though my life experiences and training have prepared me for this position. From the start, I have felt welcome and appreciated by co-workers and the residents in this warm, friendly atmosphere.  I love the personal contact I have with residents.

My background includes working as a certified nursing assistant, scheduling and medical records, work as a medical professional in Hennepin County, including the Hennepin County Medical Center and social services for Children and Family Services, and management in private and city/county government.  Last year, I completed courses in housing management with services.

My husband Tom and I have six children and five grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with our family and traveling whenever we can. 

I grew up in central Wisconsin in the town of Marshfield where both my parents made their careers in the area of the hospital and nursing home administration. Consequently, I spent my early years doing both volunteer and paid work in the facilities that my parents oversaw. I went on to study and obtain degrees in music education and performance, but in 1996 my heart led me back to working with seniors in the area of therapeutic recreation. Every day I have the privilege of going to a job that I love, and making a difference in the quality of other peoples' lives.

I am excited to be a part of the Walker Plaza team as they exemplify excellence in the care given to our wonderful residents. On a personal level, I have lived in Anoka since 1992 and love music, bowling, movies, dogs, and going out to eat.

I grew up in a small river town in central Minnesota and was blessed with 3 grandparents while growing up. Their special part of my developmental years has influenced my commitment to serving older adults. I have worked in the senior health care and housing industry since high school, starting out as a nursing home orderly. My background includes nine years as a licensed nursing home administrator in St. Paul and several years as the manager of an assisted living and memory care campus in Minneapolis – all in all, over 25 years! Now, here I am in a small river town, continuing my work in service to older adults at Walker Plaza. The ‘home town personality’ of this senior living community is a great fit for me and a great fit for the older adults who come to know Walker Plaza as their home.

I am married and have 2 teenage children. I am active in my community, serving on a local soccer board and as the chair of a local charter school board.

I grew up in central Wisconsin in the town of Marshfield where both my parents made their careers in the area of the hospital and nursing home administration. Consequently, I spent my early years doing both volunteer and paid work in the facilities that my parents oversaw. I went on to study and obtain degrees in music education and performance, but in 1996 my heart led me back to working with seniors in the area of therapeutic recreation. Every day I have the privilege of going to a job that I love, and making a difference in the quality of other peoples' lives.

I am excited to be a part of the Walker Plaza team as they exemplify excellence in the care given to our wonderful residents. On a personal level, I have lived in Anoka since 1992 and love music, bowling, movies, dogs, and going out to eat.

I love working with our residents because they have such wonderful life stories to share.  I have been a Registered Nurse for 22 years and have worked exclusively with the senior population for the last 13 years.  I have been the Director of Health Services for Walker Plaza for the past 9 years.
I am happily married and have been blessed with two great children and two beautiful granddaughters. I grew up in Texas but have come to appreciate Minnesota.  My husband and I are very active in our local church parish, and we enjoy summers and spending time on the lake.