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MEET OUR DEDICATED TEAM

As the Executive Director at The Pillars of Prospect Park, I oversee all community operations, ensuring efficient management of the building and services. I lead a dedicated team across various departments to provide exceptional care and service to our residents. My responsibilities include financial planning, resident billing, customer service, and supporting the leadership team to ensure smooth operations aligned with our mission. I am also committed to addressing resident and family concerns promptly and assisting with family council needs to foster engagement and satisfaction. Through strategic leadership and a focus on service excellence, I work to maintain a positive, thriving environment for residents, families, and staff.

My introduction to working in Senior Living was as a CNA and I've loved it ever since. I have a passion for working with seniors, being able to give back to those who have given so much- helping to create joy, comfort and community for our elders. I especially enjoy learning from and getting to know residents and their families, along with peers who share the same passion. In my free time, I love to travel. My favorite part about traveling and also living in the Metro is trying new restaurants. I enjoy spending time with my family, friend and Golden Retriever Clyde who I adore. I love attending sporting events and concerts, golfing, going for walks and hiking.

As the Director of Health Services here at The Pillars of Prospect Park, my role is to oversee all clinical care aspects of our Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. I am proud to have developed a team of caregivers, from our resident assistants to our RN’s, that provide the highest level of professionalism and care to our residents. My role on site is to lead all aspects of training and oversight of nursing care.

One of the highest honors I carry is caring for our residents in a person-centered way. To me, healthcare is a partnership with the resident, their family, and our nursing team. We will work together from the first time we meet in an assessment through the end of life care. I have found great purpose in caring for seniors since becoming an RN. I have been a part of The Pillars family since I joined in 2019 as the Director of Healthcare for The Pillars of Mankato.

In my free time, I love being a parent with my husband to our three adult children Noah, Sophie, and Jack. Also, I enjoy exploring fun and new places for a meal out with friends and family.

As Director of Sales and Marketing at The Pillars of Prospect Park, I guide residents and their families through the process of choosing their next home and understanding our levels of care. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, connected community—leading initiatives like our monthly Peace Project and ensuring every person who walks through our doors feels a true sense of belonging. I’ve been proud to be part of the Pillars team since pre-leasing, ahead of our opening in May 2020.

I grew up on a farm in Lamberton, Minnesota, where I developed a strong sense of community and care for others. My passion for senior living began in high school while working as a nursing assistant, supporting my grandmother and others living with dementia. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota and spent six years as a licensed funeral director, specializing in grief and transition. After earning my MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University, I returned to senior living and have been with Ebenezer since 2015.

I’m driven by the belief that we work in our residents’ homes—they don’t live in our workplace. Outside of work, I enjoy road trips with my partner Jake and our golden retrievers, Chloe and Maya, training for marathons, exploring the Twin Cities dining scene, and practicing yoga.

As the Director of Programming and Partnerships, I am passionate about bringing Ebenezer’s mission to life by helping older adults live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. Through our programs, partnerships, and innovative services, I hope to inspire residents to discover new passions, reignite old ones, and continue to grow as individuals.

I grew up in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Peace Studies from the College of Saint Benedict. My passion for working with older adults began as a nursing assistant caring for retired monks at St. John’s Abbey. I later worked in Population Health at North Memorial Health, connecting patients with community resources. My graduate studies in Public Health and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota have allowed me to further explore healthy aging, brain health, and ways to support older adults experiencing memory changes.

My connection to The Pillars began during graduate school, when I co-founded the Intergenerational Community Health Collaborative, bringing together University of Minnesota public health students and Pillars residents. Through meaningful conversations, volunteering, and advocacy, we created opportunities to learn from one another and make a difference together. I am excited to build on that foundation, develop new community partnerships, and collaborate with residents to create programming that encourages curiosity, connection, and purpose.
Outside of work, I love to travel, try new restaurants, and explore the outdoors in all of Minnesota’s seasons! My husband, Tyler, is a full-time firefighter, and we were married at St. John’s Abbey. We are excited about this next chapter together, and I look forward to getting to know the residents and families who make The Pillars of Prospect Park such a special community!

As the Assistant Director of Health Services in Dimensions within The Pillars of Prospect Park, I collaborate closely with our Director of Health Services and other administrative staff to guarantee seamless operations and high-quality care for our memory care residents. We work together with doctors, therapists, and various healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans for our MC residents, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention and support

As the Assistant Director of Health Services in Assisted Living here at The Pillars of Prospect Park, my role is to work closely with our Director of Health Services and other administrative staff to ensure smooth operation and optimal care for residents receiving Assisted Living services. We collaborate with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare providers to create individualized care plans for our residents and ensure they receive proper medical attention and assistance.

As a Dimensions Manager, I am passionate about enhancing the lives of seniors experiencing brain change and supporting their families through creativity, compassion, and innovation. I specialize in designing and implementing individualized care plans that honor each resident’s dignity, independence, and personal interests. By focusing on person-centered care, I strive to foster meaningful connections and create moments of joy that enrich our community.

With dual degrees in Art Therapy and Psychology from Bethel University, I bring a unique blend of creativity and evidence-based practices to my work. I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves a life filled with purpose and connection.
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature and making the most of all four Minnesota seasons. You can often find me enjoying a walk, spending time out on the lake, or exploring the ocean. One of my recent adventures was visiting Iceland, where I had the incredible opportunity to snorkel in glacier water! I also love traveling and discovering new places, but I equally appreciate quiet days at home with a cup of coffee and a good book in my sunroom.

As the Life Enrichment Director, I work with our team to put together a calendar of activities that support the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of every resident. Through engaging programs and meaningful experiences, I strive to foster a vibrant environment where everyone feels valued and connected.

I began my career in Senior Living as a Resident Assistant and served in that role from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, I joined The Pillars as a Life Enrichment Specialist in our Dimensions Community and have since taken on my role as the Life Enrichment Director.

My purpose here is to create spaces where friendships can flourish, new interests can be discovered, and lasting memories can be made. By nurturing a culture of belonging and lifelong growth, we can continue to build a community that truly feels like home.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors near one of our many lakes or visiting cafes and coffee shops. I am involved in our local community, with one of my favorite activities being my volunteer time at the Minneapolis animal shelters.

As the Director of Programming and Partnerships, I am passionate about bringing Ebenezer’s mission to life by helping older adults live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. Through our programs, partnerships, and innovative services, I hope to inspire residents to discover new passions, reignite old ones, and continue to grow as individuals.

I grew up in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Peace Studies from the College of Saint Benedict. My passion for working with older adults began as a nursing assistant caring for retired monks at St. John’s Abbey. I later worked in Population Health at North Memorial Health, connecting patients with community resources. My graduate studies in Public Health and Public Policy at the University of Minnesota have allowed me to further explore healthy aging, brain health, and ways to support older adults experiencing memory changes.

My connection to The Pillars began during graduate school, when I co-founded the Intergenerational Community Health Collaborative, bringing together University of Minnesota public health students and Pillars residents. Through meaningful conversations, volunteering, and advocacy, we created opportunities to learn from one another and make a difference together. I am excited to build on that foundation, develop new community partnerships, and collaborate with residents to create programming that encourages curiosity, connection, and purpose.
Outside of work, I love to travel, try new restaurants, and explore the outdoors in all of Minnesota’s seasons! My husband, Tyler, is a full-time firefighter, and we were married at St. John’s Abbey. We are excited about this next chapter together, and I look forward to getting to know the residents and families who make The Pillars of Prospect Park such a special community!

As Business Office Manager at the Pillars of Prospect Park, I oversee accounts payable and receivable, manage the front desk reception team, prepare resident statements, and support all new employees through the onboarding process.

I truly enjoy working at Prospect Park because I am surrounded by incredible coworkers and residents, each with unique talents, innovative personalities, and fascinating stories. Since joining the team in 2021, I have loved building connections within our community, whether with residents, families, or visitors, and helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Born, raised, and still living in Richfield, I have always had a deep love for all things Minnesota. Before joining the Pillars of Prospect Park team, I spent seven years in property management, where I developed strong business and administrative skills that helped shape me into a well-rounded manager. My very first job as a high school student was in a senior living community, which sparked my passion for senior care. I always knew I would find my way back to senior living, and I’m grateful that journey led me here to The Pillars of Prospect Park.

Family is incredibly important to me, and in my free time, I love spending time with my husband and our 12 nieces and nephews, exploring all my favorite places throughout Minnesota.

As the Culinary Director, I lead a team of chefs that help create upscale dining experiences for our residents and cater special events and happy hours! Every day our culinary team works hard to develop creative menus that are tailored to our community's unique and sophisticated palate! It has been a pleasure serving residents healthy, tasteful, and fun meals here at The Pillars since 2024!

My culinary career began over 20 years ago with a family-owned catering company in Saint Paul. That early experience sparked a lifelong dedication to the craft and led me to train under some of Minnesota’s top chefs while working throughout the Twin Cities’ fine dining scene. Over the years, I have contributed to a wide range of culinary concepts, both as a chef and a leader, developing programs that showcase global influences. My work has spanned a diverse array of cuisines, including Americana, Italian, Central American, Scandinavian, and East Asian, among others. What I value most about cooking is the opportunity to create meals that go beyond taste—dishes that spark curiosity, conversation, and a deeper appreciation for culinary history and tradition.

Outside the kitchen, I enjoy growing rare and uncommon vegetable varieties from around the world, as well as caring for my collection of tropical plants. I currently reside in downtown Minneapolis with my partner, Marissa, an elementary school teacher.

As the Director of Environmental Services and Physical Plant for The Pillars of Prospect Park, I lead a team of dedicated building caretakers. I have worked as a Director of Environmental Services in senior living/skilled buildings in the Minneapolis area for nearly 30 years. I have spent the last 25 years at Augustana Health Care Center where I led a 10-floor remodel and renovation project for that campus. As well as several years of leading deficiency free surveys under the Minnesota Department of Health, OSHA, and Life Safety Code inspections. I served on the capital budget committee where I assisted with various large physical plant upgrades.

My supervisors and peers recognize me as providing high-quality service and standards in all the buildings I’ve supervised. I’m a leader by nature and I often roll up my sleeves right alongside my team, making sure our community stays in the best condition that any of our residents will be proud to call their home.

I live in Maplewood with my wife and 5 kids – all of whom keep me busy! I love spending time outside with my family, traveling, and finding fun places to eat out.

As The Pillars of Prospect Park chaplain, Rev. Craig F. Simenson brings a broad and inclusive approach to spiritual care to our community. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Craig’s spiritual journey spans a wide range of traditions. He has been part of Quaker and Mennonite communities, studied Buddhism, led mindfulness programs in prisons, and traveled twice to the Holy Land to engage with Christian, Jewish, and Muslim peacemakers.

Craig lives in the Powderhorn neighborhood of South Minneapolis with his wife, the Rev. Hannah Campbell Gustafson (United Church of Christ). They met while both were in graduate school in Hyde Park on the south side of Chicago. Before chaplaincy, Craig earned degrees from Harvard Divinity School and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He and his wife are raising two daughters, Leona (6) and Ruth (3), along with their standard poodle, Óscar, who continue to teach Craig valuable lessons in parenting and humanity.

In addition to his role at Pillars of Prospect Park, Craig serves other Ebenezer senior living communities in Bloomington, Chanhassen, Eagan, and Red Wing. He looks forward to meeting you and supporting you wherever you are on your own unique spiritual journey.

As the Resident Services Coordinator, I work to support the day-to-day operations here at The Pillars; a large part of my day is focused in on scheduling care staff, hiring and training our resident assistants making sure we continually help support residents in any way we can. This may include lining up vaccination clinics, podiatry services and/or any other resident needs. I am the main contact for long term care insurance claims and support.

As the Lead Receptionist, my role is to welcome outside guests and visitors, with the goal of making their experience a smooth and enjoyable one. I want to create a warm and welcoming environment when you arrive at The Pillars. I answer calls and provide administrative support to our leadership team. I am the go-to person who will direct you to the correct leader, order meals, sign up for programming and place maintenance requests. If you don’t know, ask me. I enjoy meeting new people and building new relationships, and I look forward to learning all I can to be most effective in supporting our community.

As the Director of Childcare at The Pillars of Prospect Park, my role is to oversee the daily needs of our children. My passion for children stems from their very first day at the center, until they graduate preschool and are ready for kindergarten. Our amazing set of teachers are here to guide them in all aspects of their lives. From engaging them in play, providing them with a safe, nurturing, environment and creating meaningful relationships with our team and Grandfriends.