Retirement Living Endless Opportunities

Of all the roles I’ve had during my career of more than 30 years, being at Walker has been the most rewarding. My sister worked at Walker, and I heard about her experience––so when I needed a change, I knew I'd love it here.

On a daily basis, I make sure residents receive their statements on time, ensure details are correct, and help solve issues if they arise. I also meet with all new residents to welcome them to Plaza and go over their leases. As many peoples’ go-to person, I’m known for being organized and following through, and I do my best to lead by example. My philosophy is that I never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. Something new happens at Plaza every day, and I love seeing and learning from residents.

In my free time, I enjoy working in my yard and garden, doing DIY projects, and spending time with family and friends.

Bio coming soon.

When Lori joined the Plaza team in 2022, she brought experience gained from years of working across the spectrum of ages. In addition to roles as a personal trainer and licensed physical therapist assistant, she worked for years as a preschool-kindergarten teacher. She holds certification as a personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, with specializations in senior and women’s fitness.

Lori decided to focus her career on fitness and senior living because “I wanted to bridge the gap that exists after residents are discharged from therapies.” As Fitness Specialist, she helps residents build strength, balance, and endurance, to prevent falls and improve overall quality of life. She conducts personal training sessions and classes and welcomes members of the Anoka community to the Plaza fitness center. Her training techniques include guiding residents through a Balance and Stability Circuit, a Strength and Boxing Circuit, and seated yoga sessions.

One of Lori’s projects was partnering with the Method Rehab team to implement an exercise program called Be Wise Exercise for Method’s Parkinson’s support group. The program focuses on exercises designed specifically for the needs of Parkinson’s patients, using the brain, voice, and body.

Connecting with residents and hearing their stories is a favorite part of Lori’s work. “I love to listen to the residents’ daily adventures and experiences,” she said. She also feels rewarded by “the happiness I see on residents’ faces when they master a new exercise.”

Away from the fitness center, Lori loves to read, listen to music, visit the zoo, go to Twins games, and spend time with her family, which includes her husband, two adult children, and a dog “who has the personality of Scooby-Doo!”

Kyra joined the Plaza team in 2023, continuing a career in long-term care and senior living that began when she graduated from St. Catherine University with a B.S. in Public Health. She loves working with older adults because “It is such a joy to hear their life stories, all that they have been through… We have so much to learn from our residents!”

Kyra works with residents to make sure their resident service plan is customized to their needs, answers their questions and addresses their concerns. She also assists with interviewing RA candidates and helps wherever she’s needed. “I am very much a people person and enjoy helping others, so anytime my coworkers need any assistance, I’m happy to jump in and help,” Kyra said.

Helping others is Kyra’s favorite part of working at Plaza. “Every day I am given the opportunity to make someone else’s day a little better! That brings true joy.”

Kyra enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs and looks forward to going to the cabin in the summer.

Megan joined the Plaza team in 2023. She was drawn to a career in senior living in high school when she volunteered in a memory care unit. That led to a degree in Health Care Administration from University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where she was named Health Care Administration Student of the Year. She worked as a dietary aid, baker, and RA, and completed her administrative residency at Minnesota Masonic Home.

As resident services manager, Megan connects with residents and families to keep service plans updated and answer questions. She helps with interviewing and onboarding RAs and performs a wide variety of activities to support the community. Her skill with Excel spreadsheets helps her organize her many tasks.

Megan’s uses her ability to listen and empathize to help people with their problems. “I believe any problem can be solved if you truly listen and try to understand the other person’s perspective,” she said. “A little bit of grace and lots of compassion are the keys to solving any problem.” Her favorite part of her work is the positive feedback she receives from residents and their families.

Megan loves taking camping trips with her family, which includes three nieces and a nephew (with another on the way). At home, she enjoys the company of her cat, Ted.

Doreen has been greeting visitors and helping residents in the role of Lead Concierge since 2014. Her career has included work in education, advertising, customer service, and banking. She became interested in senior living when a friend invited her to assist with activities at Plaza. She enjoyed working with the residents and getting to know them and stayed on.

Connecting people with the information they need is an important part of Doreen’s role. She assists residents, answers phone calls, creates activity calendars, menus, and flyers, and calls residents for daily check-ins. She’s known at Plaza for her smile, welcoming presence, and professionalism, and was Walker Employee of the Year in 2017. She also helped launch the Accushield system at Plaza, leads the Employee Engagement committee, and is on the Safety committee.

Helping people and making new friends are what Doreen enjoys most about her work. “I feel like it’s an extended family, through the residents and their families, and the outside vendors and caregivers that come into the building,” she said.

In her free time, Doreen’s activities include Knit Night, book club, and spending time with family and friends.

As Plaza’s Culinary Director, Christina has been serving healthy and delicious meals to residents and families since 2023. Besides menu planning, her job includes ordering food, planning special events, leading the culinary team, and making sure quality standards are met.

Christina enjoys the variety of her work and getting to know the residents. “I love working with all the families and residents and doing something new each day,” she said.

When she’s not at Plaza, Christina enjoys watching hockey, being outside, and spending time with her family, dogs, and farm animals.