Professional Experience

Aging Life Coordination Specialist and Connect Technology Specialist - Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Minot, ND, May 2017 to January 22, 2021

• Served as advocate and liaison for seniors and those with chronic diagnoses
• Developed and monitored care plans to meet each individual's needs based on a comprehensive assessment to improve their quality of life and to promote independent living
• Identified and assisted in bridging the gaps of current services
• Provided psychosocial rehabilitation services along with skills training and development
• Networked with service providers and community resource agencies, both to promote the new program and to connect clients with services
• Promoted Connect Technology Program to reduce isolation and loneliness
• Developed training materials, and educated participants on the use of technology to improve their personal well being
• Utilized various charting, tracking, and billing systems including Sharepoint, Simply Connect, Kareo, and Microsoft Excel

Business Development, Admissions and Community Relations Director - Americana/ ManorCare Health Services/ Minot Health and Rehab, Minot, ND, February 1996 to April 2017

• Developed and implemented marketing action plans to grow the business
• Built relationships with referral sources and planned lead development opportunities throughout western North Dakota
• Managed the overall admission process including communication with key referral sources, conducting tours, completing admission contracts and follow-up with discharged residents
• Utilized software programs to track sales activity and potential customers
• Trained and managed internal admissions team
• Maximized marketing budget and resources
• Trained staff and championed for excellent customer service
• Participated in networking and community activities to increase awareness of the business
• Managed communication efforts including public speaking engagements, newsletters, brochures, on-hold messages and advertising
• Planned center events and community outreach activities
• Directed branding efforts for name changes
• Invited by regional sales directors to assist in training new staff in other markets and presenting at regional sales meetings
• Served in managerial role with survey preparation, ongoing quality improvement and staff education

Field Executive - Membership and Adult Education, Northwest N.D. Girl Scout Council, Minot, ND, August 1988 to December 1995

• Responsible for work plans, budgets and all duties related to field, adult education, membership, marketing products sales and adult recognitions

Craft Department Manager, Northwest Fabrics and Crafts, Minot ND, November 1986 to July 1988

• Managed the craft department and served as a consultant in that area; taught craft classes in the store and in the community

Staff Writer, NDSU Extension Communications, Fargo, ND, June 1984 to October 1986

• Coordinated audio-visual for Science in Agriculture series; prepared news releases for distribution to state media and Extension staff; edited Extension publications

Copy Editor/ Layout and Design Editor, Spectrum, NDSU Student Newspaper, Fargo, ND
March 1983 to November 1985

• Edited copy to be published; wrote feature articles; designed layout; trained and supervised typesetters, proofreaders and production assistants

Organizations and Community Involvement

• Parkinson's Symposium Co-chair - 2018 and 2019
• Minot Lions Club - 2008 to present (Vice President, President and Director)
• Minot Chamber Ambassador - 2008 to December 2020
• Senior Health Insurance Counselor - 2017 to 2020
• Coping and Caring Workshop Committee Chair - 1999 to 2015
• Phi Upsilon Omicron - 1985 to present
• Our Savior Lutheran Church - 1994 to present - (Confirmation Coordinator, Teacher (youth and adult), Youth Board, Stewardship Board, Board of Directors/ Governing Board, Women's Ministry Team)
• Senior Coalition - 1996 to 2020 (Secretary, President)
• Memory Walk Co-Chairperson - 2000 to 2006
• Senior Day at State Fair Committee -1997 to 2006
• Youth Health Day Committee - 1989 to 1994
• InterAgency - 1989 to 1996 (President-Elect and President)
• Quota International - 1990 to 1996 (President)
• Ward County Family Community Leadership Team - 1991 to 1994
• Family Community Education member - 1991 to 1994
• Minot Advocates for Youth - 1992 - 1994 (Chairperson)
• Minot Commission on the Status of Women - 1993 to 1996
• School Age Child Care Board - 1993 to 1996 (Vice President)
• Minot Commission on Youth - 1993 to 1996 (President)
• Minot Youth Summit Steering Committee and Facilitator - 1993
• ND Coordinators of Volunteers Board of Directors - 1990 to 1993
• Focus 2000 - 1989 to 1992
• Ward County Extension Service Advisory Board - 1990 to 1991 and 2015 to 2016

Professional Development and Certification

• Stepping On Falls Prevention Class Facilitator - Current
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class Facilitator - Current
• Excel Leadership Assistant Trainer - 2009 to present
• Eden Alternative Associate - 2002 to present
• Community Leadership Institute - 2001
• Red Cross Certified First Aid, CPR and Canoe Instructor - 1994 to 1997
• Girl Scout Master Trainer - Certified in 1989

Education and Credentials

• B.S. Home Economics Education and Mass Communications, NDSU, Fargo, ND
• CPR and First Aid Training - current
• Certified Care Manager, National Academy of Certified Care Managers - Oct 2017 to Dec 2020
• Aging Life Care Professional, Aging Life Care Association - Oct 2017 to Dec 2020