SilverCreek on Main
About Us
At SilverCreek on Main in Maple Grove, you can begin the next chapter of your life surrounded by new friends and comfort amenities within our active Minnesota senior living community. Our 55 and up living community has options for seniors of all activity and health levels, from our independent senior apartments to enhanced assisted living and memory care. SilverCreek on Main is one of the most desirable 55+ communities in Maple Grove, MN, with exceptional reviews from our residents due to our excellent staff, stylish accommodations and comfort amenities. We are conveniently located near Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Osseo, and Elk River for visits with nearby friends and family.
Managed by SilverCrest Properties, SilverCreek on Main in Maple Grove is designed with comfort and an enriched lifestyle in mind. You will find a full-range of living options for seniors, from 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartments with a den to assisted living 1-bedroom apartments or studios and memory care private suites. SilverCreek on Main has a fitness center, heated pool, chef-prepared meals, on-site theater and many planned activities on our campus, as well as transportation and access to the local area. We are a premier Minneapolis retirement community with easy access to local shopping, dining and activities throughout the Twin Cities area.
With exquisite dining, enriching activities and inspired spaces, SilverCreek on Main in Maple Grove has everything you need to enjoy life to its fullest at any age. We offer independent senior living apartments for active residents, assisted living, memory care suites and respite or short stay accommodations. To learn more about us and everything we have to offer at our senior community, book a tour of our campus. Contact our office in Maple Grove, MN, to learn more about joining our vibrant senior community at SilverCreek on Main.
Our Vision
“SilverCreek on Main offers a vibrant, friendly and welcoming community for seniors ready to simplify life and enjoy the good things. Today’s seniors are more active and engaged than ever before. We encourage healthier, dynamic lifestyles. Fitness focused amenities, opportunities for social interaction and creativity through events, various clubs and programs are tailored toward what our residents want to stay active. Overall, the culture at SilverCreek fosters relationships between residents and their neighbors and the staff. The key reason we have longevity with residents and staff is because of one another.”
– Christine
Management Team
Christine Shidla
Executive Director
Christine Shidla
Executive Director
A little about your job…
I am the Executive Director at SilverCreek on Main. I have the privilege of working with remarkable people every day-residents, families, and the team. Being actively involved within a community and helping others are foundational values I learned from my parents and growing up in rural MN compliment the culture here. Working at SilverCreek, I am fortunate to be in a position that reinforces my values and learn more about family, life, religion and building joy from people that have decades of life experience.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I graduated from college with a degree in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine from the University of Minnesota. While working in a senior community was not what I thought I would be doing when I finished school, I could not see myself doing anything else anymore. My desire to work with older adults was directed by my passion for being strong and active at any age.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have grown up with SilverCrest Properties. In my early years with the company, I played an integral role in developing their wellness program and commitment to active aging. Over the years my interest in stepping out of the pool began to increase. In preparation for a career change, I completed Housing with Services (HWS) management and leadership courses to better understand the business and legalities of HWS.
What is the best part of your workday?
The best part of my workday is connecting with residents and their families.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
It is hard to chose just one resident memory or story. I think my favorite memory is from about 13 years ago. A group of residents put together a Christmas variety show. A quiet, WWII Veteran, told his story about coming home for the holidays from overseas with nothing but his backpack and a bus ticket. He hitched his way home with a newly wed couple. He followed up his story by singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” To this day, the memory, and emotions of that moment still brings tears to my eyes. Everything I had been taught, but is often lost in today’s society, about sacrifice, civic responsibility, family and kindness to your neighbor was shared in that moment. It was in that twinkling; I knew I was in the right place.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
Our community stands out from our competition because of our culture of RESPECT. The longevity of our staff is because of the residents and our longevity of our residents is because of the staff. The SilverCreek community has a common interest in active aging and fellowship among residents, family and staff.
More About Christine…
I grew up in Sleepy Eye, MN. Shorty after graduating from the University of MN and getting married, my husband and I moved to St Michael. We have been married for 19 years. We have two daughters (9 and 13) and a dog named Paisley. Outside of work I enjoy watching sports, crafting, decorating my home and entertaining family and friends. In 2020 I won Care Providers Executive of the Year. It was very humbling experience because the successes I have had are nothing I have done alone.
My life moto is “Everything is figure-outable.”
Favorite Movie?
My favorite movie is “Love Actually.”
Favorite Book?
My favorite book is “The Kite Runner.”
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
That is a tough one. My favorite sports team is my daughter’s St Michael-Albertville-Monticello RiverHawks girls hockey team. I enjoy watching the Wild and Fluery from the Las Vegas Knights (I know, sorry people). The Gopher Football and hockey teams will always have my heart.
Favorite bands?
My go to band is 80s rock. My husband and I spent a year going to concerts of all 80s hair bands!
Top travel destination on your list?
I want to travel to the Black Hills; it is a family bucket list trip. Every family should see it.
Do you have any pets?
Paisley (dog)
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would choose to be able to pause and rewind time because I could see what happened in the past (what residents were like in their early years) or take a moment to pause and fine tune.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
My favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning is to sneak out of the house early in the morning for a quick walk with my dog followed by watching HGTV and taking a cozy nap with her on the sofa in a quiet house.
Sarah Korenchen
Assistant Executive Director
Sarah Korenchen
Assistant Executive Director
A little about your job…
As the Assistant Executive Director I work with residents and families that have interest in moving internally within SilverCreek on Main to another apartment. I oversee the Environmental Services Department (maintenance and housekeeping) as well as the Administrative Services Manager.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
During college while completing my degree in Health Care Administration we would volunteer at senior living communities around the area. I quickly found that I wanted to work in a community where I can be helping people!
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have a degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. During this program I completed a year long practicum in a long-term care setting and received my license as a Nursing Home Administrator.
What is the best part of your workday?
Hearing all of the stories and adventures from residents and learning about their life!
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
I worked closely with a resident and family after moving into the community as she had never lived in a senior living community before. During my visits with her she would tell me all about her life, family, and adventures. The best part was she had written a book many years ago about her life that I was able to read as well as listen to her retell these stories as if they just happened yesterday!
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
Our talented team is what makes SilverCreek so amazing!
More About Sarah…
I grew up in a suburb of the Twin Cities. My second home was spending time with my family at our cabin in Wisconsin just about every weekend. I have one older brother but a very close extended family that feels like siblings. I went to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and studied Health Care Administration. I enjoy exploring new hiking trails, reading, Netflix and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy traveling every chance I get. My favorite destination visited is Ireland and cannot wait to return someday soon.
Favorite Movie?
Titanic
Favorite Book?
Not sure I can pick just one!
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Minnesota Vikings!
Favorite bands?
No specific favorite band but usually Country music
Top travel destination on your list?
New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii.
Do you have any pets?
None of my own right now, hoping to get a puppy someday soon.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would choose to teleport. It would save me a lot of time but most importantly it would help me visit so many countries I dream to visit.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I used to be a Summer Camp Counselor for kids Summer camps!
Heidi Schneider
Marketing Director
Heidi Schneider
Marketing Director
A little about your job…
I oversee the sales and marketing of SilverCreek on Main with assistance from Carrie Schmitz our marketing associate. I am responsible for creating and implementing community outreach, sales and marketing programs needed to maintain occupancy of SilverCreeks apartments.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
Early in my career, I realized that older adults were so grateful for resources and assistance in finding their next new lifestyle. I found that by assisting folks in connecting the dots to find the right resource to remain in their home, search for a new home or assist their families to make a knowledgeable decision brought me great satisfaction in my day to day life.
What is the best part of your workday?
Starting the day as a team with our morning meetings and then connecting with the many residents that live at SilverCreek along with meeting and learning about our future residents.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
There are so many over the years, it is difficult to choose just one.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
I believe it is the culture of residents first that my fellow teammates share, the friendliness and warmth of our residents and the fantastic community philosophy of health and wellness. I felt this the moment I walked in on my interview and knew I wanted to work at SilverCreek.
More About Heidi…
I have been working with older adults for over 35 years and never dreamed that with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training I would be working in the senior housing industry. A move from Fargo, ND, where I began my career to the metro area opened many new doors for me. I married my husband Richard and we live on a wonderful, wooded area in Otsego where I love to garden, bird and wildlife watch. It is close to the Mississippi, so we enjoy walking/biking the river parks and canoeing the river. Travel is high on our list as we do enjoy the sights and sounds of National Parks and our travels overseas.
Favorite Movie?
I am a bit of a classic movie buff, so my favorites are Gone with the Wind, Sound of Music and classic Christmas movies.
Favorite Book?
I enjoy a good mystery or thriller that is set in Minnesota.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Minnesota Sports and alumni of NDSU Bison.
Favorite bands?
I love all types of music so no one favorite.
Top travel destination on your list?
Love to cross off a few more National Parks from our list and return to Germany and France.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
To have a special “dust” that would have folks realize that senior living is such a great thing that they would move sooner rather than later.
Carrie Schmitz
Marketing Associate
Carrie Schmitz
Marketing Associate
A little about your job…
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community? Since I was a little kid, I was always drawn to our elderly neighbors. I loved playing cards and baking with them and just hearing their stories. I learned so much from them. I spent as much time as possible with my own grandparents, lucky to have all of them close by. It was a no brainer to me to work with seniors as an adult. It’s the population I feel the most comfortable with.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I have an Associate Degree in Occupation Therapy (Assistant). I have worked and trained in Therapeutic Recreation and Occupational Therapy in long term care facilities and home care.
What is the best part of your workday?
I love seeing residents out and about! Just a hello and quick chat are day brighteners!
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
One of my favorite things about my job is assisting a new resident and their family with a move, when the new resident really would rather not move but for safety reasons or otherwise decide it is the best move for them. When I see them thriving and happy within the community, enjoying all of the wonderful amenities here and making new friends, I feel we did our job. To see a resident looking happier and healthier than when they moved in is very rewarding!
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
We are a very healthy, active senior living community. With many options in the wellness center and pool, healthy and delicious meals and a variety of activities to keep the mind, body and spirit engaged. Access to the outdoors, from parks, trails, a walk down Main Street, we have it all! The building itself is beautiful and very comfortable. Lastly, we have an amazing team of caring people.
More About Carrie…
I am a Wisconsin native, my husband and I moved to Minnesota 17 years ago for his job. We have 2 teenagers. They are both active in sports and there is nothing I enjoy more than watching them compete and do what they enjoy most. I also enjoy biking, hiking, cooking/baking and watching sports with my family. We love our Wisconsin college and pro basketball, football and baseball teams. I have lived in Hawaii and Nashville, TN when I was single and enjoyed both places very much but there’s no place like home!
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks.
Favorite musician?
James Taylor
Top travel destination on your list?
I love New Orleans. I love the opportunity to listen and watch jazz musicians any day of the week and the culture and food is amazing. We are hoping to take a family trip to Hawaii soon and I would love to visit Italy and Spain.
Do you have any pets?
A dog, Havanese, named Winnie.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I was in the Army after high school.
Angela Kalkbrenner
Director of Wellness
Angela Kalkbrenner
Director of Wellness
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
Years of working with Senior Wellness at The Y, natural to transition to senior living
How do you decide which activities and programs to offer?
Decisions are based on what the population needs and wants along with current research in senior wellness
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
What were your two best attended, most fun events over the past two years? Longest Day for Alzheimer and Group Classes
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
Group fitness classes
What sets your programming apart from the competition?
Our Wellness Center is staffed during all open hours by professionals in the wellness field
More About Angela…
The great outdoors is where I’d rather be; gardening, camping, bee keeping, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, walking in the woods, snowshoeing. Exercise Science was my field of study with emphasis on nutrition and coaching. Every 2 years while renewing my Personal Training Certification I choose programs relevant to my current working environment. I’m going to keep going until all used up and slide in sideways to the finish line of life.
Favorite Movie?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
US Women’s Soccer
Top travel destination on your list?
Bali, Indonesia
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Empath, ability to detect how someone is feeling and replicate those feeling to understand them on a deeper level.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
Member of the Iron Butt Club
Emily Jass
Director of Reflections
Emily Jass
Director of Reflections
What sparked your desire to work with those living with dementia?
I started my career as a Music Therapist and soon realized that music was extremely successful with patients that had Alzheimer’s Disease.
What training or education helped prepare you for this career?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Therapy from Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Over the past 20 years, I have taken many courses about dementia and most recently became a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
How would you describe the job of “Reflections Director”?
The Reflections Director role really sets the tone of the neighborhood. I team together to work with the nursing staff to support the care of the residents while also planning meaningful activities for the residents. The Reflections Director also works with the families to provide dementia education and support for their loved one living in Reflections.
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
Music, Exercise, and anything that will make us laugh.
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
I am a Music Therapist by trade, so naturally I love doing music activities with the residents.
How do prospective residents and their families know it is time to move to Dementia Care?
Many families know it is time to move their loved one to dementia care because they start to feel the stress of being a caregiver when their loved one needs more care than they can provide. We recognize the importance of finding a supportive and safe environment for residents that are ready for that next step.
What are the benefits of moving to a dementia care neighborhood versus trying to take care of a loved
one on your own?
One of the greatest benefits of moving your loved one to a dementia care neighborhood is that you get to focus on being the spouse/daughter/son/family member instead of trying to be the caregiver. Your loved one benefits from having scheduled activities along with a supportive environment to promote independence and socialization.
What one thing do you wish prospective families knew?
I wish prospective families knew how passionate our team is about caring for residents with dementia. We will support you through the entire journey.
What makes your community stand out from the competition?
SilverCrest Communities stand out from the competition because they recognize the importance of exceptional dementia care and devote a position like the Director of Reflections to specialize in dementia support for residents, staff and families.
More About Emily…
I grew up on a farm in the small town of Windom, MN. I have 1 older sister, Jennie and 1 younger brother, Jeff. My parents, George and Pam, are the sweetest people on earth and instilled a good work ethic in us at a young age on the farm while filling our home with love. I met my husband, Michael, for the first time in elementary school and we were married years later after high school. We have 3 beautiful children: Austin (17), Carter (13), & Makayla (11). I graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a Bachelor or Science Degree in Music Therapy. I have been working in senior housing for over 20 years, specializing in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
What are you most proud of?
I feel so blessed and proud to be a mom to 3 amazing kids- Austin, Carter, and Makayla.
Do you have pets?
I have 1 dog named Minnie (inspired after our trip to Disney World), 1 cat named Izzy and 1 parakeet named Kona (inspired after our trip to Hawaii)
Favorite Movie?
Christmas with the Kranks
Favorite TV Show?
Friends
Favorite Book?
My favorite book is a children’s book called “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very
Bad Day”.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
MN Twins and Vikings
Top 2 favorite bands?
Taylor Swift
80’s bands like Aerosmith
Top travel destination on your list?
Hawaii
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would love to have the superpower of time travel so I could meet some of my residents when they were younger.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I’m a farmgirl.
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story?
I was leading a singalong for our Family Night a few years ago to showcase some of the activities we provide our residents in Reflections. One of the residents who rarely speaks was able to start singing. Their son told me after the activity was over that he could not believe his mom was able to sing. He was so thankful that he could see this side of things and felt confident knowing his mom was receiving personalized care in our community.
Andrea “GLADYS” Aakre
Director of Homecare Services
Andrea “GLADYS” Aakre
Director of Homecare Services
A little about your job…
I serve the residents in our community by overseeing the homecare part through Silvercare. As part of the Silvercreek team, I support a culture of positivity in our community so we can continue to put residents first, which makes them happy, their families happy, and the staff, too.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I was very close to my grandparents, and my family instilled in me the virtue of caring for the elderly. In addition, my mom also has dementia, so caring for people with dementia makes me feel closer to my mom. I also I worked in different settings (hospitals, long term care, homecare, senior housing) throughout my career, and every time I had an elderly patient when I worked in the hospital, I would ask my colleague to switch with me so I get the elderly patient on my assigned group. I worked my way from being a nursing assistant to being an RN, and I love being a nurse! My dad actually wanted me to be an engineer, so I had 3 years of civil engineering before I switched to nursing, and I am glad that I did.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
In addition to being a Registered Nurse, I think having professional affiliation with Care Providers of Minnesota (CPM) has helped me grow into my role. I have been an active member of Care Providers of Minnesota for over a decade, was vice chair of the CPM Nurse Homecare Council before I was appointed to be the chairperson, which I served for over 5 years. I learned from attending CPM conventions, training, and networking. My experiences working in different types of settings have also helped mold me to serve my residents better. With age, also comes experience, wisdom, and maturity, and I think I have reached a point where I realize that I need to listen more. In addition, I had great mentors when I started my career. Furthermore, nurse extraordinaire, Pam, keeps me grounded and always reminds me about the value of patience and humility.
What is the best part of your workday?
Knowing that I made a difference in my resident’s life that day is the best part of my workday. Seeing them happy is so rewarding!
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
We had a client who was going to be 101 years old and her wish was to get in a swimsuit again and swim. She has not been in a swimsuit in decades. She had a vision impairment, too, and was on hospice. The team pulled together and made this happen. The smile on the client’s face while she got in the pool is a memory that I will never forget.
What makes your community stand out from your competition.
I think one can feel the positive vibe as soon as you walk into our community. You can sense that the staff truly care about being here, like they really want to work here. Our leadership team is top notch, starting with our executive director, Christine, who won “Best Boss Award” last year. We have a leader who leads by example, and it shows when the whole team works hard to put the residents’ needs first.
More About Gladys…
I feel lucky to be able to live and work in the city where I live. Living near your work has its advantages and disadvantages, but the good always outweigh the bad. I grew up in the Philippines, and migrated to Minnesota when I was 18, to attend college here. My dad had a job offer as a teacher and I had family in Maple Grove at that time, who had since moved to San Francisco because of the harsh winters here. I am married with 2 adult boys, ages 18 and 21, and I really miss being a hockey mom.
I obtained my AD in nursing from North Hennepin and my BSN from Augsburg College (now Augsburg University), and had been a nurse for over 24 years.
I enjoy being with my family and friends, and would love to travel and see the world while I am able because “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
Favorite Movie?
The Breakfast Club, Schindler’s List, Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Book?
The Kite Runner by Khaleel Hosseini. This book makes you aware of the bigger picture in life, and not simply focusing on what just works best for you.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
SKOL Vikings!!!
Favorite bands?
I’m a big 80’s fan, so Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Spandau Ballet, Depeche Mode, and of course, Journey
Top travel destination on your list?
I am so glad I visited Paris and Rome right before Co Vid because that was my 2 top destinations. As a matter of fact, I just booked a cruise to visit Europe again in 2023 so I can visit the UK and France again, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. I still look fonvard to visiting the Philippines to see my family, especially my mom who has dementia. The islands of Puerto Princesa and Coron in Palawan, Philippines are the closest to paradise you can imagine, especially Apulit island.
Do you have any pets?
A shih tzu I adore, named Tucker.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I think I would like the power to time travel, look into the future or go back in time anytime I want. I want to be able to stop the time if I had that superpower. Nonetheless, I’m a nurse-I guess that’s a super power, too.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I am the biggest baby when it comes to shots. I am absolutely petrified of needles, but I don’t mind administering them to others.
Jody Ballantyne
Director of Programming
Jody Ballantyne
Director of Programming
A little about your job…
My job is super exciting as it changes from day to day. I also get to work directly with residents doing what they love.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I used to volunteer at a nursing home and enjoyed the residents and wanted to make a difference in their lives.
How do you decide which activities and programs to offer?
When a resident moves in they are given a interest sheet approximately one month after their arrival. Programs are decided by the interest of the residents and research on my part for community events. I also meet several times and seek residents out to get to know them better. They do not know I’m fishing for information.
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
Chapel, Bible Study, Men’s Groups and Outings.
What were your two best attended, most fun events over the past two years?
All of our social gatherings , with the exception of last year-we didn’t have any, are the most heavily attended. (Approximately 60+ attend.) Same as entertainment and speakers, (Approximately 40+ attend.)
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
Large social events as this is what is popular at our campus. I like to change them up and add some surprises to keep them coming back for more. Also the entertainment events.
Are there programs the residents lead themselves?
Both our Chapel Service and Bible Study are resident run. Our golf team is also resident run.
What sets your programming apart from the competition?
Knowing what the residents want is key, getting to know their story and giving them what they want after gathering the information. Also I find that if a resident suggests ideas I make it happen. f they do not like something I never do it again.
More About Jody…
I’ve been married to my amazing husband for 45 fabulous yeas, I have three children, and three grandchildren one family in Las Vegas, one in North Carolina and one in Hong Kong. I have always a dog, currently a yorkie named Piper. I used to sit on several church, school and community boards for helping to make our community a better place to live. I was volunteer for over 300 community events, either participated or planned. I enjoy golfing whenever I get the chance, theater and needle work. My side passion is decorating where I have designed and purchased full remodels for several friends and friends of friends. I prefer flying and only driving to vintage, shabby chic and markets for great finds for clients and myself. Life is not just good, it is great!.
Favorite Movie?
Not really a movie person, but enjoy self help shows (HGTV) and reality tv.
Favorite Book?
Before we Were Yours and The Great Alone, two favorites in the past year, well written and great story line.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
MN Wild and Twins
Top travel destination on your list?
Any place in the south, but I’d like to get to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard this coming year.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Patience & Compassion, I really enjoy getting to know our residents and I feel for them in ways it’s hard to explain. They are unique and I love to make their days special. Some of the toughest are the ones most in need.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I’m very quiet! (This will make them laugh because I’m not at work.)
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story?
Yes, There was this resident years ago that was so opposed to coming to a senior setting, she loved her farm, it was her home shared with her husband and where she raised her family, she loved the neighbors she never talked to anymore and she loved her plants.
Her children made the arrangements and told me there is no way she would leave her apartment, no way she would participate and I’d be lucky to get her to eat. When they brought her arms reached out and grabbed the doorframes to stop them from bringing her in. (And she was mad, yelling this is not my home.) They settled her in as best they could as they had already had her favorite chair, bed, and her beloved plants (thankfully not all of them I was grateful.) Our team let her be as she did not want anyone in her room, food was delivered, she was safe.
Little by little I would go in a spend moments with her, slowly we worked to transplant plants, cut slips to root, and eventually give to others, we became trusted friends. She started to come to eat, had to sit alone-I’d join her occasionally; when I didn’t she sked me where I was the day before, we became friends while planting plants and her children would call and not find her in her apartment, they’d call me and I explained “oh she’s at bingo, she’s at craft class and they couldn’t believe it. They continued to call her, then call me and finally showed up and believe me there were tears of happiness.
When this resident became very ill and had we had to call 911 to take her in while pushing her out of her apartment to go, out sprung her two skinny little arms and she tried to grab the doorframes and she yelled “I’m not going anywhere this is My Home”. I learned patience and compassion from this friend of mine and it has carried me to be the best I can be whenever I come to work or in life in general.
Steve Cameron
Dining Director
Steve Cameron
Dining Director
A little about your job…
I started at our Park Shore Campus as a Chef Manager. A few years later I opened our Kinglsey Shores property in Lakeville as the Dining Director. When SilverCreek was being built I had the opportunity to open the community as the Dining Director here.
How many people are on your team?
Our dining team consists of three full time and one part time chef’s. The front of the house team consists of 3 full time servers supported by 18 to 24 part time servers. The serving staff is led by a dining room supervisor with support from an assistant dining room supervisor.
What are the meals your residents request the most?
Roast Beef with Potatoes and Gravy is very popular. Both Salmon with a Lemon Dill Sauce and Barbecued Ribs will fill the dining room.
What is your specialty or favorite dish to make?
Anything Asian. I do enjoy the simplicity and magic of making a good spring roll with dipping sauce.
What is the best part of your workday?
Being out in the dining rooms making residents happy.
What is your favorite resident memory or story?
While at Kinglsey Shores a resident moved in who was quite shy and in a fragile state of health. When delivering meal trays to her room I would encourage her to come to the dining room to eat, sharing the positive effect it would have for her to be around others and to eat a more balanced diet. A few weeks later she decided to give eating in the dining room try with the assistance of escorts. I focused on making her welcome and preparing her whatever she wanted to eat. It wasn’t long before she was coming to the dining room without an escort, using only a walker, and excited to chat with the ladies at her table. One day a short time later she waltzed into the kitchen before lunch without her walker. She smiled bright as day, and told me the she was able to walk to lunch was because of the good food, nutrition, and encouragement I had given her.
More About Steve…
I grew up in Minnetonka, MN and did not travel out of the state until I was in College. I was an Architecture student at the U of M when I changed paths and went to Culinary School to become a Chef. I have a beautiful wife who is my everything and a Cairn Terrier who is my walking buddy. I enjoy playing tennis, biking, baking, ocean fishing and traveling with friends.
What are you top “go to” meals when you are cooking at home?
Wood Fired Neapolitan Pizza is a weekly occurrence at my house. Occasionally I will even make my own fresh mozzarella for the pizzas. Quesadilla’s on the grill with fresh guacamole, and on lazy evenings there’s nothing better than a simple salad with a good baguette and some brie cheese.
Cats or Dogs?
I have a Cairn Terrier named Winston.
Favorite Movie?
Dr. Zhivago
Favorite Book?
Julia Childs – The Art of French Cooking.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
The Minnesota North Stars.
Favorite bands?
The Who, Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, Bill Evans. More recent the Tedeschi Trucks Band & Linda Eder.
If you could go on a culinary trip anywhere in the world – which country/city would you go to and why?
I have gone on a Food and Wine in Italy and really enjoyed it. I think it would be quite wonderful to go on a food tour of Laos and Thailand. The diversity of the cuisine is extraordinary. The food is so straight forward, yet complex, and depth of flavors is astounding.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Invisibility. I love learning and being invisible would be an awesome way to watch, listen and learn through real world experiences.
Caely Boerboom
Administrative Services Manager
Caely Boerboom
Administrative Services Manager
A little about your job…
I process all resident billing, leases and invoices. I work with vendors in accounts payable and provide account management for resident files. I also manage the Human Resource needs on campus.
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
My first job when I was 16, I worked at a Senior living as a dining server. It was a job I truly loved, and not because of the work, but because of the residents. At a young age I knew that working with seniors is what I was meant to do, and more importantly what I loved to do. I continued to work as a dining server until I was able to take college courses through my high school program to attain my nursing assistant certification so I could continue to work with and serve seniors.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I did attend 2 years of college for Nursing, but I do not have a degree that gears towards my current role as an ASM. However, I have been to many leadership, dementia and customer service trainings through Leading age and Care Providers of MN. If you were to ask me what special training or education that has helped me in my role the most, it would be having the privilege of receiving valuable insight and wisdom from seniors over the years. The kind you can’t read in a book or get from a seminar. As a resident once told me…. “It’s about the conversations you have, the relationships you build, and what you choose to do with them”.
What is the best part of your workday?
The best part of my workday is the positive interactions I have with residents, families and colleagues. Knowing that every day I come to work I have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is very fulfilling. Whether it’s having the answer to a question, helping a resident with their tv or making a co-worker laugh. Even the simplest interactions can make the difference, and that makes even the worst days worth it.
More About Caely…
I come from a very large family- I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. In my extended family I have a lot of aunts, uncles and about 30 cousins. I met Tyler my junior year of high school and we’ve been high school sweethearts ever since. We have one very spoiled pup named Remi. Tyler and I recently bought our first home together and I’m enjoying all the house projects (I love everything interior design and decorating!)
Growing up softball was a huge part of my life and I still like to play when I can – I was a pitcher.
Over the last few years my family and I have joined corn-hole leagues together and play year-round. I also love to camp and go hiking – My favorite hike I’ve ever done was Devils Bridge Trail in Sedona, Arizona.
Favorite Movie?
I don’t have a favorite movie (I’m more of a series binge watcher) but my favorite genres are Dystopian and Historical drama.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
I don’t watch sports often…but when I do SKOL VIKINGS!
Top travel destination on your list?
Ireland
Do you have any pets?
Remi
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Being able to teleport anywhere in the world – Because it’d be less expensive to travel!
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
My senior year I was the #1 draft pick in my softball league of about 300 girls
Especially now the value and benefits of senior living far outweigh staying home alone.
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