Lisa, Executive Director Lisa brings 20+ years experience working in community health and wellness and is a certified end of life care specialist (doula). Her areas of strength are health care directives and legacy projects. She is the person responsible for ensuring the organizational goals and mission are lived out daily. She holds a BA in Leadership and Gender Studies from Metropolitan State University and a MA in Management from St. Scholastica. Lisa enjoys writing songs, playing music, walking her dog in Como Park and section hiking the Superior Hiking Trail.
JoAnn, Blood Pressure Nurse JoAnn was born and raised in Minnesota, in a small town west of the Twin Cities. She attended nursing school at the U of M, back in the ice age when papers were handwritten, and students stood in line at the Registrar’s office to sign up for classes. She has 47 years experience in hospital nursing, Public Health Nursing, and primarily workers compensation case management. Now that JoAnn is retired, she is spending time with her granddaughter, family and friends, as well as going to music concerts, theater, knitting, and traveling. She has always had a passion for volunteerism, with a goal to make volunteerism an integral part of her retirement years. She has found her work with the Block Nurse Program to be extremely rewarding and is very, very grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the organization.
Patty, Homemaker Patty grew up in South St. Paul and now lives in St. Paul. Growing up, both her grandfathers lived with her family, and she has always enjoyed spending time with older, wiser, adults.She has a master's degree in Developmental Disorders from St. Mary’s University. She worked as a program director of a group home until her first child was born, then she stayed home to raise her family. Her family traveled to Michigan for over 25 years as itinerant missionaries. She is married to David and together they have ten children they do not deserve; one set of twins, and an extraordinary son, Alex, who has down syndrome.
Maggie, Homemaker Maggie grew up in Falcon Heights, just blocks away from the ComoConnects office. She attended the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), graduating with a degree in Theatre Arts, and has been an actor, performer, and educator throughout the Twin Cities theater community, and regionally, for 25 years. She is mom to three vibrant kids, including a set of very not identical twins, and the daughter of an independently living senior. Maggie is a passionate caregiver committed to providing equitable opportunities and resources and advocating for all. She strives to nurture relationships and community engagement in an effort to create connection, value, and joy. In her free time, Maggie enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, gardening, reading, playing board games, and attending theater and music performances with her family.
Stephanie, Volunteer & ServicesCoordinator Stephanie is born and bred in St Paul Minnesota with the Como area being one of her all time favorite communities! Stephanie brings 20+ years of managing and training experience with a focus for helping others feel comfortable and capable of whatever tasks are asked to do. The last several years she has developed a great passion for seniors. Volunteerism has always been the “wind in her sails” as she moves through life and this position allows her to connect passion with experience. She believes dignity and security in living should be a primary focus for every senior! In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys resale shopping, cooking and art of all kinds. She is happily married and has two married children and two amazing grand babies.
Heidi, Office Coordinator Heidi is originally from Door County, WI, but has lived in Minnesota for many years. She firmly believes in elders living in their homes as long as they want to and can do so safely. She has a background in program management in public radio and stage management at various theaters in the Twin Cities. In her free time she likes to read, watch movies and spend time with her family.
Freddie, Arts and Crafts Miss Freddie joins our program with a lifelong passion for arts and crafts. It was a way of life for her growing up. Her mother taught her to sew which led her to many other creative endeavors, including launching Two Sistah’s Crafts. From there she entered a competition through her work and began making cloth and porcelain dolls--their clothing as well. Miss Freddie is an avid quilter as well and enjoys all kinds of creative outlets including coloring and baking. In addition, Miss Freddie is very active in her community and has a genuine love for being of service to others.
Carol, Foot Care My 96-year-old mother-in-law is the catalyst behind my new endeavor. In order to maintain her personal hygiene, I attended Saint Paul college and am now licensed as a nail care technician with an additional homebound permit. Surprisingly, I have found a tremendous amount of fun along the way and would like to continue serving others with the care and treatment of hands and feet. I hold an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and previously have spent many years managing medical clinics. I am an avid cook, quilter, and chocolatier. For volunteer work, I am involved with the family council at the Minnesota Veterans Home and also with Blue Star Mothers.