MEET THE TEAM

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AND INVALUABLE HEART

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. 

Michelle O’Connor

Executive Director

As our Executive Director, Michelle is responsible for ensuring our community is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and compassion. She collaborates with all team members to develop innovative ideas for serving our residents and their families with quality senior care that makes a difference in their lives. In her role, she most enjoys creating meaningful connections to foster a true family feel in our community. Originally from Shoreview, MN, Michelle now resides in River Falls, WI. She joined Ecumen in 2025, inspired by our shared passion for serving others and our commitment to creating a peaceful community where residents feel cared for and supported in a safe environment. 

Michelle’s favorite local things to do are directly connected to growing up in the area. Summer walks in downtown White Bear Lake and family outings at the Shoreview community center top the list. 

Away from work, Michelle enjoys the company of her husband, daughter and son. They all love spending time together, whether outside at the park or in their backyard with a bonfire or in their family room for movie nights. 

Abby Moore

Assistant Executive Director

As our Assistant Executive Director, Abby is responsible for collaborating with department leaders to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and uphold high standards of service and resident care. In her role, she is many things to many people. A liaison for team members during hiring, onboarding, employee relations, and policy compliance. A professional problem-solver, part-time cheerleader, and full-time wearer of many hats. Keeper of the candy jar, random dance breaks, and all the team’s “got a sec?” questions. Which is all good because her favorite part of the role is creating meaningful connections with residents, families and team members. Originally from Jesup, IA, Abby joined Ecumen in 2023, having experienced working in senior living at age 18 when she set out to make a difference in her community. 

Abby’s favorite local place is Studio One in Stillwater or White Bear Lake, where she enjoys yoga sessions. She also likes exploring trails in the metro area. 

Away from work, Abby isn’t just running around—she’s running races on her way to a personal goal of completing a 10k or a half marathon in every state. She can also be found hanging out with family and friends, often attending White Bear HS sporting events. Go, Bears! 

Chris Larson

Senior Living Consultant

As a Senior Living Consultant, Chris is responsible for supporting individuals and families during a significant transition in their lives. He guides the decision-making process with compassion and transparency, giving those seeking senior housing and services a clearer understanding of the options available to them in our community and in the area. Chris finds it extremely satisfying to work with team members to make an impact on the lives of our residents. Originally from Maplewood, MN, Chris joined Ecumen in 2023 with five years of experience working with older adults. He found a home in Ecumen knowing our mission and values assure that residents and team members are treated with dignity and respect every day. 

Chris’s favorite local thing to do is golfing at the nearby Keller Golf Course. And his love of pastries makes him a patron of the Maplewood Bakery and Taste of Scandinavia. 

Away from work, Chris mostly enjoys the company of his wife and their mini-goldendoodle. Together, they all stay active outside, especially during the warmer months. He cooks. He bakes. And he’s known to be more familiar with Reality TV than he cares to admit. 

Gina Goldsmith, RN, LALD

Clinical Director

As Clinical Director, Gina is responsible for ensuring quality of care for our residents by supporting the skilled nurses and resident assistants of our care team. The opportunity to continuously learn from team members and the residents we serve is the most rewarding aspect of her role. New perspectives, insights and experiences help her grow personally and professionally every day. Originally from Shoreview, MN, Gina joined Ecumen in 2023, bringing with her a lifelong passion deeply rooted in the close bond she shared with her grandparents. Their meaningful stories and values instilled in Gina a deep respect and admiration for older adults and developed a genuine desire to contribute to their comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It’s a personal connection that continues to guide her work. 

Gina’s favorite thing about the local area is the variety and proximity of things to do, which makes it easy to find a spot to relax, grab a bite, be outdoors, or even run a quick errand to pick up essentials for home. 

Away from work, Gina is most likely camping or traveling to explore new places with her husband, two sons and the family’s two golden retrievers.

Autumn Brown

Clinical Quality Coordinator

As our Clinical Quality Coordinator, Autumn is responsible for an ongoing assessment of our resident population’s clinical needs and schedules our team members accordingly to ensure a quality care experience. In her role, she most enjoys guiding new Resident Assistants as they grow more confident in their own role. She is also fond of the relationships developed with our residents and their families since joining our community. Originally from Maplewood, Autumn first joined Ecumen in 2018 as a Resident Assistant with Ecumen North Branch before joining Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood in 2021. She knew instantly that Ecumen was the right place for her and credits her team members and our mission for creating a fulfilling environment for serving our resident population. 

Autumn’s favorite local thing to do is tee-up at Top Golf with her friends and family. 

Away from work, Autumn loves to be outside when the weather is nice, visiting the farmer’s market, fishing with her husband or enjoying a good book. In the colder months, you can find her inside playing video games, watching movies, and yes, enjoying a good book. 

LaKeisha Thompson, AP-BC

Life Enrichment Manager

As a Life Enrichment Manager, LaKeisha is responsible for providing meaningful and fun activities for our residents and coordinating with volunteers who visit to participate in our programs. In her role, she most enjoys bringing excitement and smiles to our residents, knowing some will find new interests that contribute to their well-being and longevity. Originally from Jackson, MS, LaKeisha joined Ecumen Seasons at Maplewood in 2025 with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She finds Ecumen to be a very welcoming organization and appreciates that so many team members have built a career with Ecumen. 

LaKeisha’s favorite local thing to do is take her family to the family-owned Donatelli’s restaurant in White Bear Lake. Being new to the area, they find the food and atmosphere a comforting and welcoming combination. 

Away from work, LaKeisha loves making memories with her family. 

Danielle Tolzman, RN

Assistant Clinical Director

As the Assistant Clinical Director, Danielle is responsible for supporting the Clinical Director in overall management and delivery of quality clinical care for our residents. On any given day, she is coordinating with nursing staff, healthcare providers, and families to ensure that every resident receives personalized and compassionate care in line with regulatory standards. She also participates in resident care planning and assessments, care conferences, and training of new team members. In her role, she most enjoys hearing the life stories of residents and getting to know them as the kind and interesting people they are. Putting a smile on their face is always a special moment. Originally from Maplewood, MN, Danielle has worked off and on for Ecumen since 2008 and keeps finding her way back to serving others in an environment that supports spiritual growth. She officially joined Seasons at Maplewood in 2023. 

Danielle’s favorite local thing to do is visit downtown Stillwater to walk along the river and stop for ice cream or a meal. 

Away from work, Danielle is most likely at home with her son and daughter, who keep her busy watching movies, making up games to play together, and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a backyard campfire in the warmer months. 

Lizzi Pawlenty

Dining Manager

As our Dining Manager, Lizzi is responsible for overseeing our kitchen and dining room operations, where she is the de facto point person for food service team members, residents and our partner vendors. In her role, she’s honored to see recipes come to life with meals served to the community with pride. Lizzi is a constant source of support for her team members and coaching them to achieve their best potential is the best part of her day. Originally from Hudson, WI, Lizzi joined Ecumen in 2025, knowing that Seasons of Maplewood would be a natural place for the acts of service that make her heart feel happy—cooking meals, offering support, providing care. At the end of her workday, she goes home filled with joy and pride for serving our senior living community. 

Lizzi’s favorite local place is a small, rocky beach on the St. Croix River north of her hometown of Hudson, WI. She grew up riding her bike to this hidden gem, so it holds many memories that never get washed away. 

Away from work, Lizzi lives in the moment—feeling the warmth of the sun on her face, watching forest animals crisscross the lawn, reading a mystery novel, collecting heart-shaped rocks on an adventure, cooking for family. “The dishes can wait” is her motto.  

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