I have been working in the healthcare field for 24 years, beginning as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a long term care center in 1989. I worked as a CNA for 7 years while studying to be a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and then worked as an LPN for more than 11 years. In 2010 I obtained a registered nursing (RN) degree and became a director of nursing in an assisted living community until June, 2013. I then accepted a position as resident director/RN at Emerald Crest of Burnsville. I accepted the position because I wanted to work in a community that emphasizes capabilities instead of losses. I am proud to be working for a company that truly encompasses every aspect of what it means to care for older adults.

I worked as a resident coordinator for about eight years before becoming an administrative assistant. I started out working with residents in assisted living. I fell in love with my job of helping people navigate their day-to-day lives and tried to absorb every bit of knowledge I could. Now, I get to help residents by making sure Emerald Crest resident coordinators have everything they need to help residents succeed. Best of all, I get to listen to residents’ stories. I try to learn something every day about at least one resident, and to ensure that all receive the care they need, when they need it.

During my occupational therapist clinical work, I fell in love with older generations. Their great appreciation for the work I was doing made me realize I was meant to be working with older people. Residents have become another family for me.

Working in a small home-like setting really fosters healthy bonds between residents and staff. Knowing I can have a positive effect on people’s lives makes coming to work so much more than a job.

I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings including long-term care, hospitals, home care and assisted living as a registered nurse. My passion is working with older adults in memory care and I have been at Emerald Crest by Augustana Care for 13 years. I love what I do and think it is an honor to serve residents, families, and staff. I feel blessed to have found a career and a setting to practice nursing where I can truly grow and give back.

Bio information coming soon...

• City of Burnsville

• Senior Services with City of Burnsville

• Burnsville Chamber

• DARTS

• Dakota County

• Senior Linkage Line

• Burnsville Senior Center
  200 W Burnsville Pkwy
  Ste 102., MN, 55337
  (952) 707 - 4120

• Alzheimer’s Association MN/Dakotas

• Veterans Administration

• Centrex Rehab
  612-238-5434

• ERA (Elder Resource Association South of the River)

• Gentle Transitions (senior move managers)

• Store to Door

• Courage Center Drivers Assessment

• Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (Cognitive Performance Testing and Drivers Skills Evals)

• Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville

• St. Francis, Shakopee

• Augustana Regent of Burnsville

• Augustana Apple Valley Villas

• Augustana Health Care Center of Apple Valley

• Augustana Open Circle in Apple Valley