Meet Our Resident Engagement Team
July 14, 2023
Meaningful activities are a vital part of helping residents to thrive and retain life skills for longer periods of time.
At Emerald Crest Memory Care, we recognize resident engagement in activities as not only a socialization opportunity, but more importantly a ‘treatment’ for their dementia. Providing productive and meaningful activities helps residents to thrive and retain life skills for longer periods of time. We have some amazing, skilled individuals that provide our activities at Emerald Crest.
Courtney Rieck, Music Therapist, all four locations
Courtney has been working with seniors and people with dementia for over 15 years, starting as a waitress in an assisted living community. Courtney attended college for music therapy and then decided to become a registered nurse. She has always known she wanted to work in elder care, and has enjoyed every role she has held, including dietary services, activities, administration, and complementary therapy!
When asked what is her favorite part of her job as Music Therapist at Emerald Crest she responded with, “My favorite part of my job is when a song will unlock a memory for a resident, and they will share the story with me and the group. I’ve heard some amazing tales over the years. Sometimes the stories are funny and sometimes they are sad, but the best part is when a family member gets to hear something special. It’s awesome to be present when music helps bring those moments out.”
“People with dementia have so much to offer, and sometimes they need to have a little bit of fun in order to open up and be their full self. Music therapy is a fantastic way to give people joy and provide something they can succeed at, in a nonjudgmental and FUN space. I have a great time at my job, because I get to learn cool music, hear awesome stories, and bring smiles to resident and staff faces.”
Courtney can be reached via email if you have any special requests or questions.
Annie Torgerson, Activities Coordinator, Emerald Crest of Shakopee
Annie worked as a Paraprofessional with students who had behaviors and special needs for many years. I found myself needing to make a change and applied for the Activities Assistant at Emerald Crest of Burnsville and was surprised to see how my experience working with students fit right in with working with people who have dementia. Annie moved into the Activities Coordinator role at Emerald Crest of Shakopee soon after.
Annie loves developing relationships with the residents, making them smile and seeing them have fun while engaging them during groups. She also enjoys sitting one on one with the residents who are having a difficult time and helps them to calm down.
We asked Annie what draws her to come to work every day? She replied, “I have always loved helping people and this job is all about helping people. In addition, I love planning outings and special activities for the residents each month. It brings me so much happiness watching the residents enjoy themselves during daily activities.”
Contact Annie by email with your requests or questions.
Stephanie Catton, Activities Coordinator, Emerald Crest of Minnetonka
Stephanie's first job in senior care was in a memory care unit of an Assisted Living facility as a Resident Coordinator by providing cares and helping residents with daily living. She then transitioned to a Life Enrichment Assistant position where she found a deeper interest in leading activities. Since then, she has become the Activities Coordinator at Emerald Crest of Minnetonka where she is ensures activities and engagement are provided in our residents’ day to day lives.
What does Stephanie like most about her job as Activities Coordinator at Emerald Crest? “I love sharing stories in general and even more to hear about our residents’ interests and their lives overall. I learn so much from a simple conversation and to dive deeper into what makes somebody unique is what I’m most passionate about. Getting a hug or simple smile from someone easily makes my day!
Working in memory care is special to me because activities truly highlight what our residents are capable of doing. If I’m able to help showcase somebody’s artistic talent, display their beautiful flower garden, or listen to a piano recital, that’s what is most important to me – to let their passions shine. It’s all about perspective and understanding where everyone is in their own life journey means a lot.”
Reach Stephanie via email with any special requests or questions.
Maren Delaney, Activities Coordinator, Emerald Crest of Victoria
Prior to coming to Emerald Crest, Maren worked as a paraprofessional for autistic and non-verbal children, grades K-5.
When asked what Maren enjoys most about her role as Activities Coordinator at Emerald Crest of Victoria she stated, “I enjoy building relationships with the residents and their families. I love walking in the dining room each morning and being greeted with smiles and hugs every time I arrive.
I am drawn to work with seniors because of the mutual appreciation we have for each other. Every person has a different story to tell and I learn something new every day.”
Maren can be reached via email if you have requests or questions.
Courtney Kochlin, Activities Coordinator, Emerald Crest of Burnsville
Courtney has been working directly in senior care for the last 10 years, but has been visiting Long Term Care facilities for as long as she can remember. Her mom worked as a nurse in Long Term Care and brought Courtney with her to visit the residents at a young age. After high school, Courtney attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, and after her third year there, she finally decided to take the leap and obtain her CNA license. Courtney started working in a memory care facility right away, and this is where she truly fell in love with the senior population and memory care. When Courtney moved back to the Twin Cities, she found Emerald Crest. She began as RC, and around her 3-year anniversary she accepted the role as the Activities Coordinator.
When asked what she loves about her job, Courtney responded with, “The thing that I love most about my job is the residents! Every single one of them holds a special place in my heart. I love all their stories, their smiles, their hugs, and just everything about each one of them. I live to make them happy and they always put a smile on my face!”
She also added, “I am drawn to working with seniors because I am making a difference in their care, and easing their loved ones' minds during this challenging time in their lives. Being able to support them, do fun things with them, and make them laugh brings me so much happiness. I have so many memories and stories from current and past residents that I think about daily, and these special moments keep me coming back every single day.”
Reach Courtney via email for requests or questions.
At Emerald Crest, we offer a deep knowledge of memory care in a specialized assisted living setting for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related conditions. We encourage you to contact us directly with any questions or request a tour. For tours and general information, please contact Elizabeth Wendel at 952-908-2215.
Emerald Crest by Cassia provides memory care in a unique environment, specifically designed to support those with cognitive issues. Utilizing this exceptional model of care, individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s and related conditions can flourish in positive relationships and participation in meaningful activities. Memory care is offered in the Minneapolis – Saint Paul area with communities in four convenient locations: Shakopee, Burnsville, Minnetonka and Victoria, MN.
