Where Neighbors Become Friends

Bio coming soon.

Carol is known for being a strong communicator and has a history of being able to resolve conflicts. Being able to build relationships with seniors and providing them with choices that allow them to live life fully is what excites Carol most about her job. She is motivated when she is able to match a prospective resident’s needs with what Walker Methodist has to offer, while providing comfort and guidance to the families who sometimes have to make tough decisions in regards to their loved ones.

Outside of work, Carol enjoys playing golf, fishing, and hanging out with her four beautiful grandchildren. Carol has a son and a daughter, Amanda and Adam, who are the light of her life! At the end of the day, Carol would like to be remembered as someone who “said what she meant, and meant what she said” – honest and sincere.

My career is more than a job. From knowing the challenges my team faces to advocating for residents, I know I’m making a difference.

When I joined the Walker Methodist team in 2018, I knew I’d found a place I belong. Starting in the TCU, I was promoted to resident services manager and now work as the director of housing.

At our community, I oversee the housing operations, including Westwood Ridge I, memory care, and care suites. I helped bring trauma-informed education to WWR and updated the TCU’s psychosocial assessment. I love to build relationships and feel honored to hear residents’ stories. Every day, the excitement, activities, and laughter I hear and see in the hallways—from both residents and team members—bring me joy.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy reading, watching my kids in sports, and walking my dogs.

I am a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) and licensed assisted living director.

I feel so blessed to be working my dream job. I believe I am doing what I am called to do, and I love having a bonus “family” of residents. They make my life complete.

I have been in the healthcare field for more than 20 years. With a deep passion to help others and bring joy to those around me, I joined the team at Westwood Ridge in 2014. On a daily basis, I create programs and engaging events for residents to enjoy. I’m known for finding reasons to wear a fun costume, and I am passionate about taking nothing and making it into something. In addition to overseeing life enrichment, I also help with employee appreciation initiatives. Previously, I was honored to be nominated by residents for Leading Age’s Caregiver of the Year award.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time at my family’s resort and campground in Faribault, which has been in the family for four generations. I enjoy taking trips and spending time with my husband and daughter.

I started working at Westwood Ridge more than a decade ago. I've held many positions including groundskeeper, maintenance tech 3, maintenance tech 1, maintenance engineer, maintenance manager, maintenance supervisor, and director of environmental services.

On a day-to-day basis, I ensure that the building is efficient and safe. I have a knack for mechanical troubleshooting and problem solving. Also detail-oriented, I take pride in doing a great job. I enjoy working at Walker Methodist because I love finding out what residents do for fun (and learning about their past).

When I'm not taking care of Westwood Ridge, you will likely find me hunting, fishing, or doing something outdoors. I have a wife, child, and two very energetic dogs – a Vizsla and Weimaraner. At the end of the day, I would like to be remembered as someone whose support was only a phone call away, day or night.

After I finished my education, I was excited about the information I had learned—and how it could help the senior population. In my previous jobs as a fitness coordinator and graduate assistant, my older clients saw the most benefits from exercise, and they were passionate about the difference they were making in their lives. So, when I joined the Westwood Ridge team in 2020, I jumped right in to help residents improve their strength, balance, mobility, and overall wellness.

On a daily basis, I lead group classes, facilitate personal training sessions, and connect with new residents. I have enhanced our personal training program, group fitness classes, walking club, and more. I focus on teaching clients to use their natural movements while progressively adding weight to their exercises. This allows them to build strength, endurance, muscle, and balance much faster. With a knack for accommodating every ability level, I'm passionate about figuring out what each individual needs and helping them improve. I love hearing how residents’ daily lives are enhanced by fitness. One member told me that they were able to do some deep cleaning on their hands and knees—for the first time in years.

When I’m not at work, you can find me at the gym or practicing speaking French.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science with a concentration in fitness from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and my master’s degree in sport management from Western Michigan University. I am also a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, certified group fitness instructor through the American Counsel of Sports Medicine, and 200-hour yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance.

I first discovered Walker Methodist in 2015, when I helped care for a neighbor who moved here. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the community, team, and residents. So, I applied for an open concierge position, learned how much Walker’s values match my own... and the rest is history.

I was promoted to lead concierge and graduated from Walker’s Leadership Development Program. At Westwood Ridge, I’ve served in the business office, health office, social services office, life enrichment department, and, now, resident services. I love coming to work each day. My team members and our residents really do make Walker the best place to live and work.

On a daily basis, my job is the perfect blend of administrative oversight and personal relationships. I feel honored to get to know families, solve problems with them, and help in any way I can. I also ensure our team has the education and supplies they need to be their best. I communicate and collaborate with other departments to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Among my team members, I’m known for lending a helping hand and not being afraid of challenges. Residents also trust me to listen and find a solution. From noticing details to streamlining complicated tasks, I strive for the best outcome possible. Every day, I go home knowing I've made a difference in the lives of those I work with and serve.

In my free time, I like crafting: jewelry, sewing, soapmaking, and more. I also love to spend time with family and friends, read, garden, and laugh. My husband, Jerry, and I have three adult children—and we’re enjoying the empty-nester's life.

In the past, I worked as director of client care with Visiting Angels. I joined the Walker team in 2018 as the staffing coordinator.

My job is about connection. Daily, I develop relationships with new team members, solve problems, and help where needed. I’m known for listening, communicating well, and doing what I said I’d do. Working well under pressure, I thrive when I get to solve a problem. My day is made when I can help someone find the right career.

I participated in Walker’s 2021-2022 Leadership Development Program.

When I’m not at work, you can find me cooking and visiting my children and nine grandchildren.

After a re-organization at my previous job, I decided I wanted to work with people, not pallets. Now, I love working at Walker Methodist. I joined the team in July 2012. My previous experience includes working as an office manager, corporate meeting planner, and sales and marketing manager.

As business office manager, I am responsible for billing, census, HR duties, and assisting residents as needed. I’m known as an office Jack (Jill) of all trades and can fix the copier/telephone/TV, set up AV, make graphs, design spreadsheets, and so much more. I love to interact with the residents... I’ve met the most amazing people here at Westwood Ridge.

When I am not at Westwood Ridge, you can likely find me golfing or floating on the river. I have a wonderful husband, five kids, 11 grandkids, and two dogs. I also enjoy fundraising for the Walker Methodist Foundation.

I hold degrees from Minneapolis Community College and Metro State University.