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I’ve been told I have a servant’s heart, so healthcare and senior living have always felt like the perfect fit for me. The ability to join residents, families, and team members on this journey isn’t something I learned in school. For me, it’s a hands-on labor of love.

I joined the Walker Methodist team in 2014. With a background in music therapy, I always look for creative ways to meet the needs of others and remain focused on providing individualized care. As executive director, I do my best to ensure residents at Care Suites of Edina have what they need to be happy and healthy. I serve as the main point of contact for residents, families, team members, and others in all areas of our community.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. As part of a loving church community, I’m fortunate to have friends in and around the Twin Cities. Sharing a homemade meal is one of my favorite ways to entertain. I also enjoy cooking for my church’s youth program several times each month.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in music and music therapy from the University of Dayton.

My path to Walker Methodist Care Suites started when I realized how much I love working with seniors and knew that was what I wanted to do every day. I've been part of the team since 2015.

With previous experience in hotel sales and corporate housing sales, I am known for building relationships. I genuinely want to get to know people, hear their stories, and serve seniors and their loved ones. Helping people make the important decision of choosing a place for themselves or their loved ones to live is an honor.

On a day-to-day basis, I meet with families looking to move their loved one into an assisted living community. I also connect with referral sources, including hospital discharge planners and social workers.

The youngest of eight kids, I grew up on a farm in Cannon Falls, MN. I have two teenage sons and enjoy watching their sporting events, going for hikes, and doing yoga.

I hold a bachelor's degree in speech communication and marketing from St. Cloud State University. 

Call me today at 952-230-1312 to schedule your personal tour of Care Suites!

I believe meal time is the common ground that brings us together as a family at Walker Methodist. That's why I joined the Care Suites team in August 2016.

As director of culinary services, I manage the day-to-day operations of the kitchen and dining room as well as cooking, creating menus, and ordering food. I am known for preparing delicious gluten-free meals and baked goods. Cooking for residents brings me joy, and I love seeing peoples' reactions when they see and taste my food.

I was named Community Champion by Minnesota Life College, an organization supporting adults with disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. At Care Suites, I hire people from this organization and work closely with job coaches to ensure the success of these team members. In addition, I open the Care Suites kitchen and lend my time and expertise as part of Minnesota Life Colleges development plan.

Coming from a large family, I grew up in South Minneapolis. I have five sons and 13 grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy many outdoor activities, especially fishing, and volunteer with food packing programs serving children.

A former baker and executive chef at the Emily Program, I hold an associate degree in culinary arts from LeCordon Bleu.

Servant Leadership Trait: Loving and valuing every person I meet

I've been with Walker Methodist since 1997, when I started as the social worker for memory care residents at the Health Center. Before I became the director of resident services at Care Suites, I served as the resident services director. With years of experience in the senior living world, specifically in assisted living and adult day care programs, I am passionate about serving older adults.

In my free time, I enjoy going on bike rides with my family, scrapbooking, or curling up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and a mystery novel. My family is very important to me, and I am happily married and have two wonderful daughters. As a family, we enjoy going on picnics, playing with our pet rat, walking at the park, taking bike rides, and playing table games.

Servant Leadership: Listening and solving problems

I’ve been at Care Suites since 2012, serving as the director of life enrichment. Before joining the team in Edina, I worked at the Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis. I bring experience working with the YMCA, Regions Hospital, assisted living and memory care communities, adult day cares, and home sharing programs.

As director of life enrichment, I help guide programming that provides life-enriching opportunities to residents. This programming includes exercise, music, intellectual and creative groups, outings, spiritual opportunities, and more. I also train and work with volunteers. I truly enjoy spending time with residents and love listening to their backgrounds, stories, and historical perspectives.

Outside of work, I enjoy church fellowship, outdoor activities, sporting events, and contemporary Christian music concerts. I also love spending time with my daughters, Hannah and Sarah, their families, and my young granddaughter. My wife, Jackie, and I also enjoy taking trips together.

I earned my degree in community services from Bemidji State University, with concentrations in recreation and psychology.

My journey with Walker Methodist began when I was in elementary school, growing up within walking distance from the Health Center. As a young girl, I volunteered at the Health Center’s gift shop. Then, I worked as a housekeeper and in the beauty salon during high school. In 2013, I joined the team at Care Suites as a concierge, later becoming lead concierge. I’ve served as the business office manager since 2019.

On a daily basis, I oversee billing, daily concierge duties, and more. I also assist with new team member orientation. I love helping out with Care Suite’s annual spring fundraiser and connecting with the community.

In 2018, I was awarded Care Suites Team Member of the Year as lead concierge. In my free time, I enjoy watching my two children compete in dance and karate.