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.
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Mary is responsible for guiding daily operations while nurturing an environment grounded in trust, respect, and compassion. Working closely with team members, residents and families, Mary ensures our community runs smoothly and delivers exceptional care and service, while also fostering meaningful connections, supporting innovative ideas, and creating a true sense of family for everyone who lives and works here. In her role, she most enjoys the opportunity to build meaningful relationships—every day brings new conversations and moments that remind her why this work matters. She’s grateful to be part of a community where those connections truly make a difference. Originally from Waukesha, WI, Mary joined Ecumen in 2021, inspired by the meaningful impact senior housing and services can have for individuals and their families. She was drawn by Ecumen’s strong reputation for compassionate care, its commitment to innovation, and its focus on creating communities where both residents and team members can truly thrive. Being part of an organization that values dignity, connection, and purpose continues to inspire her every day.
Mary’s favorite local place is the Minnesota Zoo—to unwind, walk the trails, and enjoy the wildlife. She also likes catching summer concerts and events at Kelley Park.
Away from work, Mary focuses on activities that help her relax and recharge. Such as playing with her pets, walking and cycling in the warmer months, traveling and exploring new areas and coffee shops, and finding quality time with friends.
Clinical Quality Coordinator
As our Clinical Quality Coordinator, Steph is responsible for ensuring that our care teams are delivering high-quality care in alignment with each resident’s care plan. In her role, she helps with onboarding of new team members, manages scheduling, and (her favorite) works closely with our residents, their family members, resident assistants, and leadership to ensure we are providing the best care possible for the individuals we serve. Originally from Fall Creek, WI, Steph joined Ecumen in 2018 as an on-call Resident Assistant and started this role with Seasons at Apple Valley in 2024. She brings early experience and insight from working at small senior communities while earning her degree at UW-River Falls. She credits Ecumen’s culture and values for inspiring her to continue a career at Ecumen, where she can serve the senior living community.
Steph’s favorite local thing to do is take all 12 days off from work during the Minnesota State Fair, so she can experience every day of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. She did not disclose her favorite Fair food; you’ll have to ask her.
Away from work, Steph loves to hang out with her husband, toddler son and their animal kingdom—four cats (Skittles, Tuna, Ryce, and Gilbert Grape) and a bearded dragon (Wonton).
Senior Living Consultant
As Senior Living Consultant, Jill is responsible for introducing prospective residents and their families to the housing and services available in our senior living community. In her role, she especially enjoys the opportunity to guide families on their journey, where Jill’s experience brings valuable insights for comparing a variety of considerations and understanding the important questions to ask toward making the best decision for themselves or for a loved one. For her it’s incredibly rewarding to hear their life stories while supporting them in their search for the perfect community fit. Originally from Richfield, MN, Jill joined Ecumen in 2022, inspired by a new passion discovered during her own family’s journey to navigate the process of finding senior housing and services. She’s honored to now serve other families as a career.
Jill’s favorite local thing to do is visit downtown Stillwater or downtown White Bear Lake to try new restaurants and browse the small shops for treasures.
Away from work, Jill’s happy place is a family cabin in Annandale, as long as she’s accompanied by her husband and two daughters.
Life Enrichment Supervisor
As our Life Enrichment Supervisor, Kimberly is responsible for planning and managing a variety of activities for our community. From organizing routine fun like bingo, movie days and exercise classes to setting up special events, gathering volunteers and arranging group outings around town, Kimberly knows she has the most fun job on campus. In her role, she covets the front-row view of friendships that grow between residents as they get to know one another through shared interests. Originally from Plymouth, MN, Kimberly joined Ecumen in 2023, eager to advocate for bringing out the inner child in all of us no matter our years.
Kimberly’s favorite local places are Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Dakota County Libraries, and locally owned restaurants.
Away from work, Kimberly is most likely playing with her toddler, two dogs, and a cat. Other interests include gardening, playing soccer, thrift shopping, and occasional game nights with friends. Oh, be sure to ask Kimberly if she’s competitive on game nights.
Dining Manager
As our Dining Manager, Gao is responsible for both the front of the house and the back of the house, overseeing menus, recipes, staff instruction, and vendor orders. She also connects with residents to hear what they like to eat so she can cater to their tastes as much as possible. In her role, Gao especially enjoys creating new menu items, cooking from scratch, teaching her staff how to make something new and encouraging their creativity in our daily entrees. Having a resident stop her in the hallway to express in person how much they liked their meal? Icing on the cake! Originally from Fresno, CA, Gao joined Ecumen in 2012 as an intern, combining a new culinary degree with her previous experience as a healthcare nurse. With Ecumen, she found it refreshing to see a restaurant inside a senior living community. Now she’s running the place.
Gao’s favorite local thing to do is visit the Farmer’s Markets during the summer to find fresh produce and support our local growers.
Away from work, Gao finds a balance between her love of animals, travel and food. When she’s not at home showering her guinea pig and rabbit with love and treats or hosting parties and cookouts, she’s traveling the world to discover local street food, hunt down new spices, and turn every meal into an adventure. And if they have a zoo, she’s sure to make time for a visit.
Maintenance Engineer
As our Maintenance Engineer, Mark is responsible for keeping our building and grounds in safe, working order for the full enjoyment of our residents, guests and team members. In his role, he looks forward each day to helping individuals in our community, whether troubleshooting a minor fix for a resident’s private home or responding to the hazards of slippery indoor and outdoor surfaces. Originally from Dallas, TX, Mark joined Ecumen in 2012, seeing an opportunity to contribute to the quality of life for an entire senior community by doing what he loves: helping people fix things.
Mark’s favorite local places are the Louisville Swamp near Shakopee or Hidden Falls in St. Paul.
Away from work, Mark is most likely riding his motorbike as temperatures allow and wandering off the beaten trail somewhere to enjoy the quiet and stillness of solitude.
