More Like Living Your Best Life

I’ve been working with seniors since I was a teenager. I began volunteering at my hometown’s senior community in eighth grade and fell in love with the residents and hearing their stories. Through that experience, I knew I had found my passion.

My past experience in resource development, community relations, fundraising––all serving older adults in some way––gives me a unique insight into the landscape of senior living. I joined the team at Place in 2021.

On a daily basis, I work directly with our directors to ensure processes and services are running efficiently. I lead our team so that our residents receive the best customer service and care possible. I’m known for following up with others, and I love remembering residents’ names and something about them. I want others to feel special when I talk with them, from team members to residents.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two adult sons, reading with my book club, and baking.

I earned my associate's degree in gerontology and family services, as well as a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Victoria Barlow has lived with her family and worked in South Minneapolis for 25 years, and she loves introducing people to the beauty of the area. Known for providing excellent customer service and follow-through, Victoria cares for all those she encounters, and brings her upbeat and positive attitude with her wherever she goes.

Before working at Walker Place, Victoria worked in real estate, helping people find their perfect home. This passion continues with her in her role at Walker Place, where she helps older adults navigate the complexities of senior living so everyone finds the right home for them. 

Victoria is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and earned a Minnesota Real Estate License. She enjoys walking Stachmo around the Chain of Lakes, going to Home and Garden Shows, and anything Gordon Ramsay.

Ernest Bishop was born and raised in Freetown Sierra Leone, located in West Africa. He spent most of his life there before moving to the United States in early 2008. As a registered nurse (BSN), Ernest has more than a decade of experience working within the intricacies of health care.

Ernest is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace. He decided to be a nurse because he loves the work, caring for people, and working with people. Honesty and integrity, along with determination and dedication, are philosophies that he strives for in all aspects of life. Applying these principles to his nursing career led him to be a patient-centered nurse, who is both a kind and hard-working person.

Outside of work, Ernest enjoys watching soccer with friends, reading books, and riding his bike in the summer. He is married and has two daughters.

Joni Cummings graduated with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts for Le Cordon Bleu. As a former military wife, she spent time in North Carolina and Florida learning many different cuisines from classic southern to Caribbean and Puerto Rican. She relocated to Minnesota in 2018 where she worked as the Café Department Manager at Lifetime Fitness. She began working at Walker Place in 2022, and she was excited to return to the senior living industry, where she worked in high school.

 Joni says, “Throughout my career, especially being a mom of two kids, I have always been looking for a balance to fit my family’s needs. That is what led me to Walker Methodist, looking for not only a work life balance, but also a career that gives me fulfillment where I can give to others and make a difference in their day-to-day life.”

My journey with Walker Methodist began in 1994, when I had a clinical rotation in physical therapy assistant (PTA) school. The next year, I joined the physical therapy team. Years later, I still love working with seniors.

Now, I serve as the resident services manager at Walker Place. On a daily basis, I help residents with non-medical issues, host family meetings, and act as a liaison between residents, team members, and outside care providers.

On my team, I’m known for being a reliable (and funny) person who does what I say I’ll do. When it comes to resident safety and quality customer service, I think critically to make the best possible decision for everyone. A sign in my office describes my approach: The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example. I like knowing I make a difference in residents’ lives. Making our seniors feel special is what gets me up in the morning.

In my free time, I enjoy biking, camping, and spending time with my family. My wife, Theresa, and I have three children.

I earned my associate’s degree in physical therapy and my bachelor's degree in kinesiology. In 2004, I helped start Place’s fitness center.