Our commitment to serving residents and their families starts at the top. With hands-on experience paired with genuine compassion, our leaders nurture a thriving St. Benedict’s Community Monticello campus that includes a growing number of team members who share a meaningful pursuit. Get to know the leaders behind our daily mission.
Regional Executive Director
As Regional Executive Director, John is responsible for overseeing operations for our portfolio of senior living communities in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell. In his role, John enjoys the simple privilege of meeting residents and doing anything he can to help them have their best day. He credits his grandpa for teaching him how to work and learn new skills at an early age and counts those formative years as the foundation for the gratitude he feels for every opportunity to serve seniors today. Originally from Ronneby, MN, John joined St. Benedict’s Community in 2018, following nearly a decade of experience working in senior living communities beginning in his college years at St. John’s University.
John’s favorite local place would have to be Menards, where he finds the resources he needs for his latest home projects.
Away from work, John is most likely in his shed or outside with his wife and kids working on their latest project. In the summer months, when it’s time to set down the tools they board their pontoon for quality lake time.
Executive Director
As our Executive Director, Laurie is responsible for overseeing operations of St. Benedict’s Monticello campus and ensuring regulatory compliance. With six years of experience serving on the city’s Community Senior Board, she is also an excellent resource for our residents and their families who seek additional support from senior programs in the greater Monticello area. Visiting one-on-one with residents to better understand how our team can enhance their quality of life is what she enjoys most about her role. Originally from Galva, Illinois, Laurie joined St. Benedict’s Community Monticello in 1999 as Clinical Director. In 2023, impressed by the strong commitment to mission and values she observed in all levels of the Ecumen organization, she helped lead the transition of our community to an Ecumen living space.
Laurie’s favorite local place is the beach at Big Lake. For countless days when her children were young, the water and sand was her family’s summer playground.
Away from work, Laurie is most likely with her husband visiting their family and grandchildren in Arizona and Minnesota. Whether on Big Lake or Portage Bay in Minnesota, swimming and boating with family creates a new generation of memories.
Senior Living Consultant
As a Senior Living Consultant at St. Benedict’s Monticello, Deb is often the first person an individual or a family meets when seeking a living space in our community. In her role, Deb enjoys getting to know the people she meets, learning about their goals and care needs, and helping them find the right living space to call home. During a new resident’s move-in, she offers support and guidance for the whole family. Originally from St. Cloud, MN, Deb joined St. Benedict’s Community Monticello in 2020, bringing 29 years of experience from leadership roles at St. Benedict’s Community St. Cloud. Looking back and into the future, she feels blessed by the opportunity to build special relationships with senior living residents, families and co-workers.
Deb’s favorite local place to visit is the Monticello Community Center with its vibrant Senior Center, gym, pool, and walking space.
Away from work, Deb enjoys gardening, traveling and the company of her husband, two adult sons and daughter-in-law.
Life Enrichment Supervisor
As our Life Enrichment Supervisor, Susan is responsible for developing and delivering a variety of meaningful activity programs with a goal of encouraging all residents to reach their highest level of independence, feelings of self-worth, sense of belonging, and quality of life. In her role, Susan often engages with the family members of new residents to support their loved one’s journey with thoughtful transition that includes lifelong interests and routines. Creating a family-like relationship with residents and working with supportive team members are the most satisfying moments of her workday. Originally from Elk River, MN, Susan joined St. Benedict’s Community Monticello in 2023. She credits helping to care for her grandparents at a young age and later becoming a Junior Volunteer before starting her first job in a senior living community, for establishing the path to a fulfilling career.
Away from work, Susan is most likely with her husband traveling and hiking the Minnesota State Park system, working inside her greenhouse planting vegetables, working in her flower beds and spending time with her first grandchild.
