Welcome to Your New Home.

Meg joined the Walker Methodist team at Levande in 2021 and accepted the role of Executive Director in 2023. She is a licensed social worker with experience in medical and mental health, and foster care. She is also a licensed assisted living director.

Her multigenerational upbringing drew Meg to working with seniors. “My grandparents and both great grandmas helped raise me, and I was honored to help return that care for them when they needed it,” she said.

Meg brings a wealth of talent to her role as Levande’s executive director. She describes her strengths as “handling difficult conversations with grace and providing a safe space for people to be real. I make people who feel like their opinions aren’t valued know that they’re heard and appreciated.” She is also proud of her role as a champion of Walker Methodist’s Kaleidoscope memory care program.

Building relationships with residents and team members is one of the things Meg enjoys most about her work. “I enjoy getting to be part of making this the best place to live and work,” she said.

Away from work, Meg enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, two children, and four pets. She serves as worship director at the church where her husband is lead pastor.

Growing up talking about farming with neighbors, playing 500 with my aging parents, and shaking hands with their friends prepared me for a career in senior living. I’ve worked in healthcare since 2003, and I’m grateful to be working somewhere that shares my values: care, respect, and service. I’ve had the honor of being part of the Levande team since our community opened in 2017.

Most days, I connect with local businesses, chambers, and community members to build relationships. I love helping others on their senior living journey as they search for the right place to call home. As the go-to person for others navigating world of senior living, I also provide resources for those thinking ahead and love building trusting relationships. When new residents move in, I coordinate with the leadership team to ensure a smooth, easy transition. Whatever I do, I strive to lessen stress and offer a listening ear.

In 2019, I participated in Walker’s leadership development program and have also received Partners in Excellence (PIE) awards. As a board member at the Allina Foundation at Cambridge Medical Center, I love being part of a close-knit community.

In my free time, I enjoy being with my husband, son, and our extended families. During summer, we rest and relax on the lake. I also love to spend time with friends, explore different cities, and try new restaurants.

I earned my associates degree in natural health and my bachelor's degree in nursing.

Ever since I was young, I have always been drawn to the older adults in my life. Privileged to know my great-grandparents, I also spent hours doing my grandmother’s hair after I obtained my cosmetology license. So, when I joined the Levande team in 2018, I found myself bonding with the residents quickly.

With more than 13 years of experience as a dietary aide and housekeeping manager, I now bring engaging activities and programs to residents as the director of life enrichment. Finding new ways to keep our seniors interested and engaged is my passion. I enjoy seeing residents do things they enjoy: music, games, arts and crafts, gardening, movies, reading, getting manicures, attending spiritual life programs, fishing, going out to eat, and more.

On my team, I am known for improvising and thinking outside the box. Making sure our residents feel safe to try something new is important to me, and I strive to earn their trust. To see residents feel at home and happy here warms my heart. I feel fulfilled when I hear residents laughing and having a good time.

When I am not working, you can find me and my family enjoying time with each other on our lake home, fishing, kayaking, lounging, grilling out, and having bonfires.

In 2020, I graduated from Leading Age Minnesota’s Leadership Academy.

I believe in people. When someone says, “I can’t exercise because...” – it’s my passion to help them realize they can. Whether it’s finding the right exercises, modifying a movement, or creating an alternative option, I’m here to help people live happy, healthy lives. I’ve worked with Walker since 2017 and joined the team at Levande in 2021. 

In our fitness center, I provide a safe, clean, and friendly exercise environment. I offer personal training sessions, lead group classes, and help new members with fitness assessments, goals, and orientation. I also love to teach members about exercise, equipment, and fitness. My day is made when someone tells me they are feeling stronger and more confident, have less pain, or are simply feeling good. 

When I’m not working, you can find me exploring with my family. We love hiking, being outside, and learning about new places. 

I earned my degree in education. I am also a certified personal trainer (CPT) and senior fitness specialist through the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT). 

Karen joined the Levande team in 2023, but has has held culinary roles in senior care for many years. “Senior care is where my heart is,” she said. “I want to be there for people as someone they can count on.”

In the role of Culinary Director, Karen oversees the operation of the entire culinary department and works with her team to make sure they meet residents’ needs. She holds an Associates degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is a registered Dietetic Technician.

When she’s not overseeing the preparation of delicious, nutritious meals at Levande, Karen enjoys outdoor activities, including boating and gardening. She loves spending time with family and visiting family members in Florida during vacations.

Jay became a member of the Levande team in 2023, bringing with him 20 years of experience in maintenance and environmental services. He decided to work in senior living at Walker Methodist Levande because of the community’s reputation, caring people, and values.

Besides managing the housekeeping team and taking care of daily maintenance, Jay works with vendors to make sure the community continues to function smoothly. He enjoys the variety of his work. “What excites me is that it is different every day,” he said. “You never know what the day will bring.”

Jay’s interests outside of work includes motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidsons.