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Hello Everyone!

My name is Jane Chagnon and I've been working with Elders for over 30 years. I've served both on the MAPA board and MNSWAP board in the past and am excited for the opportunity to serve as your President. I've worked the gamut of Long Term Care, Memory Care, Assisted Living and Independent Living. I love being able to be a part of residents' lives and to know that I can make a difference in their quality of life. It has been my privilege to work in this profession and to serve residents who have already given of themselves to their families and respective communities. Pay it forward!

Please feel free to contact anyone on the board with your questions or suggestions.

Jane Chagnon, ADC

Johanna Shores

jchagnon@preshomes.org

651-631-6075

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 Clara, she 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 the Life Enrichment Services Director for Presbyterian Homes & Services. My favorite activities to lead are drumming and laughter club.  I serve dually as our MAPA Vice President and as the region 6 (MAPA) representative for our bigger organization MNSWAP (MN Statewide Activity Professionals). Be sure to come say "HI!" at our next MAPA get together!

Nancy Schwartz, CTRS, CDP

2845 Hamline Ave North

Roseville, MN 55113  

612-655-0579

nschwartz@preshomes.org 

Hello Everyone!

I have been working with elders for the past 5 years and have been a member of MAPA since 2014. I am excited to bring my passion for education and elders to the MAPA board, and in early 2019 I completed my NCCAP certification to be an Activity Director. Currently, I am the Activity Director with Ebenezer at Orchards of Minnetonka, and love every moment of it. I work with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Prior to working with elders I was a stage manager in the Theater industry. I worked all over the Twin Cities and did a couple of regional and national tours before deciding I wanted to spend more time at home with my family and to have a work/life balance. Once I started working with elders I never looked back. I get to use all of my theater and event skills and know exactly where I am making a difference in the world.

In my free time, I am an avid knitter and yarn spinner; if I'm wearing a sweater, more than likely I've knitted it. I also love to spend time outdoors in the warmer months and am trying to learn to love the winter.. maybe this will be the year I succeed.

Melissa Zentz, ADC

Orchards of Minnetonka

10955 Wayzata Blvd

Minnetonka, MN. 55305

952-525-7205

Molson35@fairview.org

Hello!

I am looking forward to serving on the board as your secretary. It is always a joy being around like-minded passionate people that care for the elderly. Growing up, my favorite after school program was volunteering at Sunrise Senior Living. I remember participating in activities with the residents and listening to their stories. I truly felt like the luckiest kid, to be there and absorb their insight about life. After that every summer I volunteered at Colonial View Apartments serving wherever I could. 

After graduating from Concordia College in Moorhead, I was trying to figure what career path would best fit my strengths and passions. I have been the volunteer coordinator at YMCA Cass Clay, HR assistant at Sleep Number, and received my yoga teacher certification in Costa Rica. After conversations with my mom she reminded me of my love for the elderly community and encouraged me to return to the field professionally! 

Starting my career at Meadow Ridge Senior Living as an Activities Director was a joy but I wanted to return to working at a non-profit and found my home and senior tribe at Episcopal Church Homes as the Life Enhancement Director. In my free time I enjoy organizing/house projects, practicing yoga, cooking, planning themed parties and spending time with the love my life, Andy.

Looking forward to connecting and collecting more ideas on how to support the amazing seniors that we serve.

Jess Demeules

Episcopal Church Home

1879 Feronia Ave

Saint Paul, MN 55104

651-632-8816 ext 116

JDemeules@episcopalhomes.org

Greetings everyone! 

I joined MAPA in 2015 and became Treasurer in 2016 at the suggestion of our speaker that day, Julie Reginek, who later became my college instructor. I graduated December 2017 with an A.A.S. for Activity Director from Ridgewater College and then became NCCAP certified. I have worked for LMS 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 Long Term Care Unit for the first 4 years and for the rest I have been working closely with the Assisted Living and Memory Care units. Prior to LMS 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, son Benjamin and fur babies, Otto, Max and Ruby. We also have a daughter Taylor, who happens to be the Preschool Teacher in the Koala Bear Childcare at LMS so I get to see her daily. I love spending my free time reading, playing card games 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, AL, PC

Life Enrichment Coordinator

Lake Minnetonka Shores

4559 Shoreline Dr.

Spring Park, MN. 55384

952-471-3951

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