Dedicated Talent
Dedicated Talent
Guided by the Benedictine values and a passion for senior care, Saint Therese employees extend genuine kindness and compassion to residents. We take great pride in hiring industry-leading, talented professionals who find true purpose in our mission. As each employee uses his or her unique set of skills and experience to grow the heart of our communities, we work together, inspired by a single, simple goal—do ordinary things with extraordinary love.
Our corporate leadership team and community executive directors serve with unparalleled commitment, generosity and philanthropy. Get to know them and contact us to learn more.
Leadership
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Craig W. Abbott
President & Chief Executive Officer
Email Craig W. AbbottAs President and CEO Craig is responsible for overseeing more than 1,000 employees serving more than 2,000 seniors and their families, ensuring Saint Therese is a wonderful place to live and work. In keeping with the philosophy, vision and mission of Saint Therese, Craig provides executive leadership and strategic and overall operational direction for the organization.
Craig’s career began in non-profit aging services in 1993 with Volunteers of America National Services. He's also held operational leadership roles with other non-profit organizations including The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society and Minnesota Masonic Homes.
Most recently, Craig served as Executive Vice President of Health Dimensions Group, which provides third party management services and client consulting serves to clients across all 50 states. Over the last 17 years, he held a myriad of executive leadership positions at the company.
Throughout Craig’s career, his responsibilities have progressed from single-site skilled nursing facility leadership, to providing multi-site operational, consultative and executive leadership roles on a nationwide basis. He is a seasoned and highly respected industry leader and trusted strategic advisor, well versed and experienced in all aspects of aging care and services. In addition to working with existing communities, Craig comes to Saint Therese with experience developing, opening, managing, and expanding start-up senior living communities.
Craig’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing
Outside of work Craig likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, boat, fish, golf and is an avid Minnesota sports fan.
Three words that describe Craig: Dedicated. Driven. Integrious
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Calvin Shelangoski
Chief Financial Officer
Email Calvin ShelangoskiWith more than 12 years of experience in senior care, Calvin leads the organization’s financial strategy in a way that honors the Saint Therese mission and positively impact the lives of seniors. Calvin earned his degree in business administration with a focus on finance from the University of Iowa.
Calvin was introduced to the senior living industry through his role as finance director at Lutheran Living, a CCRC in Muscatine, Iowa. Most recently, he served as vice president of finance at WesleyLife, where he led the organization through a period of financial growth and multiple expansion projects starting in 2012.
Prior to joining Saint Therese as chief financial officer in February 2018, Calvin was actively involved with nonprofit trade associations in Iowa. He is a former member of LeadingAge Iowa and one of the organization’s trusted financial consultants as having served as a reimbursement consultant for the association and its members.
Calvin’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Welcoming
“Welcoming one another is a key behavior every team member, resident, family member and volunteer can share and take part in at Saint Therese. It’s a remarkable, ever-present feeling experienced when visiting our communities.”
A retired swimmer, Calvin enjoys running, traveling and spending time with his family.
Three words that describe Calvin: Passionate, energetic, sincere
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Lisa Kalla
Chief Operating Officer
Email Lisa KallaLisa joined Saint Therese in 2021 as executive director and campus administrator of Saint Therese of New Hope. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in October 2021 with responsibility for the overall daily operations of the nonprofit organization. Lisa works with leadership to implement Saint Therese’s strategic vision and values; direct, administer and coordinate internal operational activities; and manage the campus executive directors.
Prior to Saint Therese, Lisa was associate vice president of Healthcare with Covenant Living and executive director for Carondelet Village in St. Paul. She has a degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Normandale Community College.
Lisa's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing
“I think it is important to recognize the value that each of us brings to make Saint Therese successful. I believe this is true for staff, residents, and families. Each of us has a unique background and experience that helps one another grow as a person and live out our mission every day. Learning about each other, understanding one another’s viewpoint, and recognizing God has given each of us unique talents which only strengthens our community and the care and love we provide.”
Outside of work Lisa likes to spend time outside, outside activities, spend time with family and friends and read crime mystery novels.
Three words that describe Lisa: Positive. Integrity. Compassionate.
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Cindy Olson
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Email Cindy OlsonCindy joined Saint Therese in March 2024 as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, with responsibility for overseeing the planning, development and execution of the nonprofit organization’s sales, marketing and advertising initiatives.
Cindy has a deep background in the senior care industry. Most recently she was vice president of marketing, sales and communications for Volunteers of America National Services. In this position she was responsible for sales, marketing and communication efforts for senior care and services including continuing-care-retirement communities (CCRC), senior living communities, skilled-nursing facilities, Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) programs, adult day services, behavioral health programs and home health agencies across seven states.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Philosophy from Macalester College in St. Paul.
Cindy’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Welcoming. Because being inclusive enriches everyone’s lives.
Outside of work Cindy likes to listen to books on Audible, garden, fish, do interior design and home improvement projects, and spend time with her family and her fur baby.
Three words that describe Cindy: Innovative. Strategic. Passionate.
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Jenny Marchiniak
Chief People and Culture Officer
Email Jenny MarchiniakJenny joined Saint Therese in September 2024 as Chief People and Culture Officer, with responsibility for developing and implementing a people strategy in support of the overall human resources plan, overall organizational strategies and human resources operations. She works closely with the CEO and executive leadership team on strategic and tactical initiatives to assist in executing on goals outlined in the organization’s strategic plan.
Jenny’s career spans more than 20 years, having held key HR-related leadership positions for organizations including Allina Health, Health Dimensions Group, Fairview Health System affiliates Fairview Ventures and Fairview Pharmacy Services, HealthPartners, Bethel University and most recently as Chief Human Resources Officer for Trinity Health (North Dakota and Montana).
She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a master’s in Business Administration from Bethel University in St. Paul. She’s a member of the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), is certified as a Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) and is a Certified Facilitator (CF) in Cultural Intelligence.
Jenny’s favorite core value is FUN. Finding joy in daily life keeps us happy, healthy and motivated to succeed in our goals and aspirations.
Outside of work Jenny likes to spend time with family, friends and pets. Her favorite things include golfing and attending car shows with her husband and two sons, walking and talking with friends and hanging out with her pets while working in the yard. And weather-permitting, she enjoys building bonfires!
Three words that describe Jenny: Curious, Creative, Kind
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Amy Taylor-Greengard
Executive Vice President of Rehab
Email Amy Taylor-GreengardAmy has been with Saint Therese since November 2004. She earned her degree in physical therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, is licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Physical Therapy and is a Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS). Amy is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota, teaching rehab management to graduates enrolled in the Geriatric clinical Residency program, and serves as a geriatric residency site supervisor. Amy holds memberships in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Geriatrics Physical Therapy.
Amy enjoys being a part of a progressive organization grounded in doing the right thing for the people it serves.
Amy's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Collaborative
“Taking time to listen shows others you truly value their needs, concerns, opinions and who they are as a person.”
Amy lives on a hobby farm with her husband, daughter and son, where they enjoy home improvement projects, outdoor activities and animals. Amy is also a champion handler of Arabian horses within national competitions.
Three words that describe Amy: Passionate, dedicated, kind
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Josh Anderson
Vice President of Ancillary Services
Email Josh AndersonJosh joined Saint Therese in November 2021. A licensed nursing home administrator in Minnesota and Illinois, Josh earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Park University in Chicago. Prior to Saint Therese, Josh held operations and administrator positions at senior communities in the Chicago area and the Twin Cities.
For Saint Therese he is responsible for driving program development, optimization, strategy, and growth. He oversees dining services, plant operations/material management, community relations, spiritual health/pastoral departments, and therapeutic recreation.
Josh's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Respect.
Outside of work Josh likes to take family vacations and work on home projects.
Three words that describe Josh: Faith-filled, Compassionate, Dependable
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Jen Bettencourt
Vice President of Philanthropy
Email Jen BettencourtJen joined Saint Therese as an events coordinator and has also been the donor relations manager. As the vice president of philanthropy, she is responsible for leading all of Saint Therese's fundraising activities including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, special events and capital campaigns. This includes cultivating key relationships and contacts within and outside of the Saint Therese network to drive philanthropy and foster a culture of giving.
She has a BS in Criminal Justice and a JD in Law and spent five years practicing corporate law prior to the birth of her three children. She has been involved with fundraising for over 15 years.
Jen's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing
Outside of work Jen likes to travel, hike, read and spend time with her family.
Three words that describe Jen: Engaging. Authentic. Passionate.
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Jessica Gier, RN
Vice President of Clinical Operations & Reimbursement
Email Jessica Gier, RNJessica joined Saint Therese in October 2021. She oversees clinical quality and reimbursement for each of the diverse business lines that Saint Therese offers. She is an accomplished nursing professional with extensive experience in long-term care and assisted living environments. She received her bachelor’s in science from Northern Michigan University, associate degree in nursing from the College of Lake County (Illinois), and is working toward her master’s in nursing from Chamberlain University near Chicago.
Jessica's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Heartfelt Purpose
Outside of work Jessica enjoys being active and spending time with her husband and three kids.
Three words that describe Jessica: Dedicated, Driven and Caring
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Christina Marshall
Vice President of Sales
Email Christina MarshallChristina joined Saint Therese in June 2021. She is responsible for overseeing the marketing, sales, and public relations efforts of Saint Therese communities. Christina has spent her entire career in senior living and has worked at multiple senior living communities in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. She graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing communications and sociology at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.
Christina's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing
Outside of work Christina likes to spend time with friends and family, garden and play ping-pong.
Three words that describe Christina: Authentic. Passionate. Fun.
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Dinah Martin Kmetz
Executive Director Project Management
Email Dinah Martin KmetzAs a licensed nursing home administrator with demonstrated success in project management and business development, Dinah has served Saint Therese seniors for more than 17 years. Her ongoing support has been key in the thoughtful expansion of Saint Therese's continuum of care throughout the Twin Cities.
Dinah holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and master's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Dinah also has a certificate in sales and marketing from LeadingAge. She is a graduate of LeadingAge Minnesota's inaugural Leadership Academy and continues to participate in the program as a coach.
Outside of work, Dinah enjoys playing softball and volleyball. She also is a CHAASE Board of Adviser Council Member at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Dinah's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing.
She says she has been fortunate to get to know and care for so many people throughout her years at Saint Therese.
"Seeing residents as their own person makes a huge difference. Learning their story, meeting their families and finding out about what makes each of them unique is the great privilege of our caregiving profession."
Three words that describe Dinah: Dependable, dedicated, engaged
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David Keane
Director of Information Technology
Email David KeaneDavid is currently the Director of Information Technology at Saint Therese and has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. In his current role, David oversees the IT Department along with IT Strategy, Enterprise Infrastructure, System and Security needs of the organization.
Over the years, David has held several senior appointments including Regional Branch Manager and Director of Professional Service with a large IT Managed Service corporation located in Minneapolis. David successfully completed his Tertiary education at Victoria University, in Melbourne, Australia, with a discipline in Information Technology & Business Systems.
David's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Stewardship
Outside of work David likes to hang out with family and friends, ski, snowmobile, golf, listen to music and travel.
Three words that describe Dave: Considerate. Resourceful. Open Minded.
Executive Directors
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Nolay Freeman
Director of Palliative Care at Saint Therese at St. Odilia
Email Nolay FreemanAfter graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Minnesota, Nolay joined Saint Therese in January 2011. She specializes in nurse management, case management and palliative care and holds a LeadingAge Minnesota Leadership Academy certificate.
Nolay views hospice and palliative care as an opportunity to serve others. She strives to do all she can to comfort and care for residents and their loved ones.
Nolay’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Respect.
She encourages each of her team members to take time to listen, offer support and simply be a presence of love.
“Every aspect of my work is rewarding. I love caring for residents whose well-being has been entrusted to me. I love my team, and I truly believe in the mission of Saint Therese.”
Outside of work, Nolay enjoys cooking and reviewing Judge Judy’s latest verdicts.
Three words that describe Nolay: Compassionate, dedicated, respectful
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Christine DeLander
Executive Director and Campus Administrator, Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake
Email Christine DeLanderChristine was named executive director of Saint Therese of New Hope (now Woodlake Residences and Woodlake Care Center) in January 2022, and became the executive director at our Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake community in Brooklyn Park, MN, in November 2024. She administers, directs, and coordinates the services and programs for the senior community, which provides a full continuum of care for seniors.
She has more than 15 years of leadership and management experience in nursing and has worked at a number of senior communities in the Twin Cities. Most recently she was the licensed healthcare administrator at Covenant Living of Golden Valley. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the science of nursing from Metropolitan State University and earned her long term care administration license from the University of Minnesota.
Christine's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing
Outside of work Christine likes spending time with family, enjoying nature/outdoors, painting and keeping fit.
Three words that describe Christine: Compassionate, Driven, Dedicated
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Samantha Gerland
Executive Director & Campus Administrator, Saint Therese of Woodbury
Email Samantha GerlandSamantha joined Saint Therese of Woodbury in March 2024. She administers, directs, and coordinates the services and programs for the senior community, which provides a full continuum of care for seniors.
Previously, Samantha worked at a number of senior communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, including as Acting Executive Director at Traverse Care Center in Wheaton, Minn. She received her bachelor’s in business administration (focus Marketing) from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She then went on to complete coursework at the University of Minnesota - Mankato in Health Care Administration. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Minnesota.
Samantha’s favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do The Right Thing. We always act with integrity.
Outside of work Samantha likes to go spelunking (caving!) and spending time with her grandpa.
Three words that describe Samantha: Adaptable. Adventurous. Confident.
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Keegan Sawyer
Executive Director & Campus Administrator, IHM Senior Living Community, Monroe, Michigan
Email Keegan SawyerKeegan Sawyer joined IHM Senior Living Community in June 2004. As the Executive Director, he administers, directs, and coordinates the services and programs for the community in Monroe, Mich.
Keegan has been in administrative roles for the past nine years at senior communities, most recently he was Regional Manager for Skilled Operations at Kingston Healthcare Company in Toledo and before that Executive Director at a community in Illinois. He is a licensed nursing home administrator. He received his bachelor’s in communication from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Born in a small town outside of Toledo, Keegan now is back home in Northwest Ohio.
Keegan’s Favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Heartfelt Purpose
Outside of work, he likes to: Coach high school soccer at his alma mater; as a self-professed foodie, he and his wife enjoy planning travels around the restaurants in the area; work outside in the yard and in the garden.
Three words that describe Keegan: Inquisitive, Caring, Team-Oriented
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Katelyn Hudson
Executive Director, Saint Therese of Corcoran
Email Katelyn HudsonKatelyn joined Saint Therese of Corcoran in September 2024. In this role she is involved in every facet of the operation – the business office, marketing, resident care, culinary services, activities, maintenance, and community relations. She also maintains policies and procedures that actively reinforce our mission, core values and corporate directives and directs strategic and financial planning for the community. Previously, Katelyn was the executive director for Willows Bend Senior Living in Fridley, Minn. Katelyn led her team to improve campus culture, managed the operational expectations of opening other new campuses, and managed the daily operations to improve the community's financial health. She has also worked in leadership roles at Legacy Tealwood/Lifespark Senior Living. Katelyn graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a bachelor’s in health care administration. She is a licensed assisted living director.
Katelyn's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Definitely FUN! I believe that life is too short not to embrace joy and laughter. Fun fosters creativity and connection, allowing us to build meaningful relationships and enjoy the little moments. It reminds us that even in challenging times, a little lightheartedness can make all the difference. Whether it’s sharing a laugh with friends, trying out a new activity, or simply appreciating the silly things in life, I think embracing fun keeps our spirits high and our hearts open. After all, a little fun can spark joy and inspire us to be our best selves!
I like to keep things lively! You can usually find me hitting the golf course with my husband, trying to perfect my swing (and maybe snagging a few cute pics with the beautiful scenery). We’re also big Timberwolves fans, so catching a game and cheering for our team is a must—there's nothing like the thrill of a buzzer-beater! When I’m not out and about, you can find me curled up with a good book, diving into new worlds and adventures. And of course, my puppy girl Saylor always keeps me on my toes with her playful antics! She’s the best reading buddy, even if she thinks my lap is her throne. So, whether I’m on the greens, in the stands, or snuggled up with Saylor and a novel, I’m all about balancing fun and relaxation!
Three words that describe you: Curious, Empathetic, and Enthusiastic.
