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 community 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 our Executive Director, Elena is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our Ecumen Meadows senior living community. She is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel valued, families feel supported, and team members feel empowered. Building meaningful relationships with residents, families, and team members brings her great joy in her role. Originally from Grissom Air Force Base, Bunker Hill, Indiana, Elena joined Ecumen in 2023, having felt a strong connection between her own values and our organization’s mission and vision. Her leadership style comes from a simple philosophy: Lead with compassion, serve with purpose, and never lose sight of the people who make our community a home.
Elena’s favorite local places to be are the lake and our Ecumen Meadows community. She enjoys the peacefulness of the water and the wonderful people.
Away from work, Elena is sharing quality time with her family and pets, whether on a peaceful walk, practicing yoga, or unwinding through meditation in her Zen room.
Clinical Director
As our Clinical Director, Marissa is responsible for ensuring that residents receive high-quality care every day. Her role brings a variety of mini-roles, such as mentoring team members, supporting families, solving clinical puzzles, and maintaining regulatory compliance. What Marissa enjoys most about her role is the daily privilege of building strong connections with residents and team members. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help guide families and residents during major life transitions, as well as empowering her team to provide exceptional care. Originally from Adrian, MN, Marissa joined Ecumen in 2022 after her grandma moved into the Ecumen Meadows community. Having worked in a skilled nursing facility for five years, she was delighted to discover the nursing roles and opportunities within a community devoted to seniors.
Marissa’s favorite thing about the area is the great sense of home and belonging it brings. She and her husband both grew up here, and they appreciate the comfort that comes with living in a close-knit community that includes family and lifelong friends.
Away from work, Marissa is most likely running her four children to their next activity, including softball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, dance, and football. She and her husband also belong to bowling leagues in Worthington and Sioux Falls.
