Jen

Jen has a passion for serving seniors and their families, and is thrilled to be the Executive Director at Cherrywood Pointe of Forest Lake. Jen has served in many different settings for Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing Administration. Jen has a double major Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management and Business Administration earned from Metropolitan State University, and is currently working towards her Master’s Degree in Human Resources at the University of Minnesota.

Jen grew up in the north Metro area and currently lives in Andover with her husband Josh and daughter Nora. When she’s not at work she enjoys fun things with Nora and all friends and family, cooking new recipes from scratch and getting outdoors as much as possible, preferably at the lake.

Miriam

Miriam has more than 18 years’ experience in the Senior Living industry, including Assisted Living, Memory Care and serving as Outreach and Sales Director. “At the core of my experience is my enjoyment of working with seniors. I understand the types of changes seniors and their families are faced with. I know how overwhelming and stressful the process of finding the right living situation for loved ones can be in these situations. I am humbled to help them make one of the most important decisions at such a critical time in their lives,” Miriam says.

Miriam enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, especially grandson, Miles and granddaughter, Madi. She enjoys sailing with her husband Eric, and loves spending weekends on Lake Pepin with their dog, Bella. She also enjoys photography, cultural events and outdoor activities, such as cross country skiing and biking.

Kristen

Kristen started her career as a nursing assistant and continued to work in that capacity while attending nursing school at the University of Minnesota. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and start her first RN position in long term care, falling in love with the industry, the systems, and especially the people we serve. She’s been in senior care every since. She is married with three children and they have lived in the area for over 20 years. Kristen says, “Having worked close to home for the past 15 years I enjoy serving my own community and I love knowing I am continuing that here at Cherrywood Pointe!”

Melissa

Melissa has 6 years of experience in Assisted Living and Memory Care and finds joy in finding genuine connection with residents and their families. She makes it her goal to make their day the best that it can be! Melissa grew up in Newton, IA and has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University in Family and Child Services. Her experience as an Activity Director and a Memory Care Household Coordinator has prepared her for her role as our Dimensions Manager in our Memory Care neighborhood. “It is an honor to be a part of the lives of older adults, and I’m grateful for the ways we influence each other’s lives.”

Melissa enjoys her time outside of work spending time with her boyfriend and kids, time with friends, and traveling to Iowa to visit family. She loves to travel, enjoys time outside, and listening to any kind of live music.

Karen

Karen has cooked professionally for over 35 years, 21 of which have been for seniors. She enjoys preparing quality meals for residents. “I really enjoy my interactions with seniors. They are always honest and have a great outlook on life.  I enjoy being critiqued by them and receiving feedback positive or otherwise to make sure their dining experience is the best it can be!” When she’s not in the Cherrywood Pointe kitchen, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, four kids and seven grandkids, two dogs and Brick, her cat. Her hobbies include gardening, wine making, fishing, rock tumbling and baking.