Greetings MAPA Members,
I have been a MAPA member since 2015, where I met my future college professor Julie Reginek. The following year she gave me the “side eye” and somehow, I became the treasurer that year. I held that position until 2021 when I became President. I graduated December 2017 with an A.A.S. for Activity Director from Ridgewater College and then became NCCAP certified with AL, MC, PC specialties.
I have worked for PHS since 2010, where I started in housekeeping. One day, in 2012, our campus administrator asked me if I would like to try activities, and I never looked back! I worked in the LongTerm Care Unit for the first 4 years and the next 8 years I have worked closely with the Assisted Living and Memory Care units. I most recently moved into a LED position where I oversee a full mini continuum (IL, AL, MC) area. Prior to PHS, I worked with Adults with Developmental Disabilities since I was around 15 years old.
I live in the very small town of Winsted, MN with my husband Philip & fur babies, Otto,
Max, Jewels, & George. We also have a grown Daughter/Son-in-law & Son. I love spending my free time
reading, playing card games, gardening and riding motorcycle with family and friends. I love learning
everything I can about our "greatest generation" and am so thankful for MAPA and the education it
provides. I look forward to meeting you!
Jennifer Lachermeier, ADC, MC, ALF, PC, CDCS
Summer Wood of Chanhassen
525 Lake Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Office: 952-294-5516
Email: jlachermeier@preshomes.org
Hi Everyone!
I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, and that's what I went to college for. While in school, I became a stay at home mom. Going to the "gym" was part of my daily life. So, I became a Group Fitness instructor and soon found myself back in school working on a degree in Health and Exercise Science. I became a Fitness Coordinator and then a Director for the YMCA. While there, I was on the committee for Active Older Adults for the YMCA of the Twin Cities. I fell in love with older adults, they had the best stories about life! Two knee injuries sent me in a new career
direction.
I started as a Life Enrichment Coordinator for VOA- The Homestead at Maplewood. With zero experience, I was the only activity person for the building-covering both AL and MC. Many of the skills I learned while working on my Elementary Ed. Degree applied to working with seniors. Since then, I've opened two Senior Living buildings and at the end of 2015 I made a change to be a part of the Green House Model of Care at Episcopal Homes of Minnesota- The Gardens in Saint Paul. Long Term Care is very different than Senior Living! I miss my active seniors, but I love the 1:1 time that I have now!
In my "free time", we keep a boat slipped in a marina in Red Wing, MN and we spend all summer out on the Mississippi River. In the winter, if I'm not hibernating behind my iPad or watching Netflix we are snowmobiling. I have been a member of MAPA since 2015 and have served on the board since 2019.
Karren McRae
Episcopal Homes of MN-The Gardens
1860 University Ave. W
Saint Paul, MN. 55104
Office: 651-272-4956
Email: kmcrae@episcopalhomes.org
Vice President Board Member Job Description. (here)
Hi, there!
I’ve been in hands-on geriatric healthcare for over 20 years. My focus has been on dementia since 2004– it’s where I feel “at home” at work. And, as a death midwife, I help others to pass in a way that gives them options and advocates for their decisions. I’m co-founder and vice president of MindVue. We developed a quality of life tool for SLCs and create virtual reality experiences for seniors that help them to expand their worlds. My goal is always to make my passion my work.
My husband (and business partner) and I live on a sleepy little lot in White Bear Township. We have 4
grown kiddos between us. I love kayaking, my neurotic cat, my sane cat and playing records on
computer-heavy work days.
I like to keep busy with things that make life interesting. And, I’m excited to serve as an interim board
member. Please reach out at any time. Every interaction is an opportunity for something wonderful.
Jaime Allen
MindVue, VP
Twin Cities, MN
Office: 612-345-1418
Email: jaime@mindvue.net
Secretary Board Member Job Description. (here)
I am thrilled the be your Education Board member. Currently I am the Corporate Director of Life Long Learning and Intergen for Ebenezer. I have been working in the field of life enrichment and activities for over 12 years; supporting intergenerational connections at an intergen shared site community for over 7 years. I have a BFA from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities where I also studied Nursing. During my time as a CNA, I fell in love with working with older adults and that is where I discovered the incredible impacts of activities. As they say, the rest is history.
Ann Schrempp
Ebenezer
7505 Metro Blvd
Edina, MN 55439
Office: 952-891-6842
Email: Ann.Schrempp@fairview.org
Education Board Member Job Description (here)
Hospitality Board Member Job Description (here)
Hi everyone!
Hello Everyone!
My husband Kory and I live in Ramsey and are currently empty nesters to our 2 sons, Jake and Erik. We have many family traditions and love to spend time together especially during holidays. Our Summer Adventure is motorcycling as a family, we call ourselves the "Schwartz Gang!" My golden retriever is Gus, he is an avid hunter and beloved family member. I am a huge MN Vikings fan and attend all the home games. I love camping, movies and time with family and friends. Oh, and I love to play bingo! I have worked in activities roles, serving seniors, since 1994.
I am currently serving as Housing Director for PHS GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge. I serve as our Conference Chair for MAPA as we plan on hosting the MNSWAP Fall Conference in 2023! Being on this board has been rewarding and a true pleasure.
Nancy Schwartz, CTRS, Med
PHS GracePointe Crossing
1545 RiverHills Pkwy NW
Cambridge, MN 55008
Office: 763-691-6192
Email: nschwartz@preshomes.org