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 campus that includes a growing number of team members who share a meaningful pursuit. Get to know the leaders behind our daily mission.
Housing Director
As our Housing Director, Mara is responsible for overseeing budgets, reporting and operations for our campus living spaces totaling 109 homes, including apartments & townhomes. She manages nine team members, including housekeeping, maintenance, receptionist, and others, while promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful community for active seniors. In her role, Mara most enjoys being a servant leader for older adults as she supports them in their journey to find suitable housing, services and a community to call home. Originally from Stillwater, MN, Mara joined Ecumen in 2014, inspired by the opportunity to grow and advance in her career among team members and an organization she admires.
Mara’s favorite local thing to do is be outdoors visiting parks, trails and lakes, especially the Swedish Immigrant Trail to bike and walk. She also likes the local restaurants and the brewery for their menus and an opportunity to run into someone she knows.
Away from work, Mara enjoys staying active, reading, sharing time with family and friends and traveling. She also likes learning new things, such as cooking and gardening, and is a volunteer with the Chisago Lakes Rotary Club.
Sales & Marketing Manager
As our Sales & Marketing Manager, Darlene is responsible for developing and executing strategies for engaging and informing prospects in their search for a senior living space.
She builds relationships with prospective residents, families, referral partners, and community organizations while promoting a welcoming, supportive environment for older adults. Darlene loves coming into work, where she enjoys the company of her team members and feels gratification from helping individuals navigate the options our community has to offer. Originally from Lindstrom, MN, Darlene joined Ecumen in 2015, having been encouraged by a friend in the senior living industry to interview for an open position at Point Pleasant Heights. She has been our chief advocate ever since.
Darlene’s favorite local thing to do is take in the fall colors of Taylors Falls River Valley.
Away from work, Darlene likes to travel with friends and family on bus tours, cruise ships and road trips. She is also a civic volunteer in the Chisago Lakes Lions Club, Chisago Lakes Rotary Club and the Chisago Lakes Age Well Coalition.
