My grandparents were always an important part of my life. While growing up in St. Cloud, every weekend was devoted to family. The holidays were filled with great food, wonderful stories of long ago, and enough kisses and hugs to sustain me for a lifetime. I also spent much time going to work with my grandmother who was the head nursing assistant at the local nursing home. It was these experiences that led me to a career in senior services, first as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Program Director, to now working in marketing and community relations. My favorite part of my job is listening to residents’ stories. We are all on a journey, and I feel privileged to share in the journey of so many residents. When you visit, you can almost feel the warmth and compassion of each and every person who lives and works here. My eight years here at Walker at Hazel Ridge have been nothing short of wonderful!

My husband and I have lived right here in Maplewood for the past 20 years, and we have two teenage daughters. All of us are very active in the community—at our church, in scouting, and even in coaching competitive swimming. My hobbies include boating, fishing, cooking, and spending time with friends.

I have been working with seniors since 1976. For 34 years, I worked in a long-term care community in occupational therapy, as the Director of Resident Activities, and as the Assistant Administrator. In 2001, I came to Walker at Hazel Ridge as Housing Director.

From the first moment I entered the doors of Walker at Hazel Ridge, I felt the warmth of an interactive, gracious, and positive community. My goal is to continue this spirit. I am committed to encourage participation in our community by promoting courtesy and attentiveness and to support residents’ continuous involvement and life-long ties with family, friends, and the wonderful community of Maplewood.

I truly enjoy serving seniors. Their wisdom, gratitude, and values are great gifts.

My husband and I live in Blaine and have two wonderful daughters. “Family time” is my greatest blessing and enjoyment. I also enjoy reading, gardening, swimming, watching sports, and the outdoors.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of Walker at Hazel Ridge. It is such a pleasure to work with a team that has such enthusiasm and commitment! I have had the opportunity to visit many senior communities, and Walker at Hazel Ridge is truly one of the best!

I have worked in senior housing for over 13 years, and one of my favorite sayings is, “We don’t stop learning when we grow old, we grow old when we stop learning.” I try to provide opportunities to educate and enlighten residents of Walker at Hazel Ridge.

My husband and I live in Shoreview, and we have two college-age daughters. In my free time, I love to golf (although my golf game is consistently inconsistent!). I also enjoy gardening, quilting, and hiking.

I have been working in food services for over 30 years, starting out as a dishwasher and now as a Cook and Director of Food Services for Walker at Hazel Ridge.
The best part of my job is serving great meals that people truly enjoy and seeing the expression of satisfaction on their faces.
I love to serve good food and I specialize in traditional cooking.
The best compliment I can get is when someone says, "This tastes just like my mother used to make it."

I have been a nurse for 35 years in a variety of positions including geriatric care in both long-term care and housing. The residents and staff at Walker at Hazel Ridge have warmly welcomed me since I joined the staff in 2006.

My husband, Mike, and I have three adult children who are all in health care, and we are blessed with four grandchildren. I have been privileged to travel to China twice with our children when they adopted their daughters.

I am very active outside of work as a volunteer with several organizations and my church, and enjoy short-term mission trips, quilting, and playing golf with my husband.

I have worked in office management for many years at a variety of businesses and now have the privilege of working with seniors—and it is wonderful! The residents of Walker at Hazel Ridge are positive, vibrant citizens who are a joy to be around. I consider myself very fortunate to work for them.

I grew up in the Twin Cities and have lived in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. I can’t imagine living anywhere but the Midwest. I have a particular love for Minnesota’s incomparable North Shore and majestic Lake Superior. Each year, my entire family spends a week in a cabin near Two Harbors. I look forward to it all year long.

I have been doing maintenance and repair work all of my life and have been with Walker at Hazel Ridge for more than 11 years. I enjoy keeping the building looking nice and in good working order.

My wife and I live at Walker at Hazel Ridge as caretakers. We chose Walker at Hazel Ridge because of its beautiful setting—wildlife, birds, deer, squirrels, trees, and a pond that gives this community an “up-north” feel. We are “country people” and enjoy the quiet setting but appreciate the close convenience of the Maplewood Mall and restaurants.

I have had the opportunity to travel to other parts of the world on short mission trips. I also enjoy creating stained glass in my free time.