Meet the Staff
Jennifer S. Volkenant, Executive Director
Jennifer joined The Kenwood team in September of 2001. Her position started in resident services and then began managing The Kenwood Homecare in June of 2002. In March of 2009, Jennifer was promoted to Executive Director.
Jennifer oversees the overall daily operations. She has thoroughly enjoyed her years at The Kenwood and feels fortunate to work in such a lovely community with wonderful staff and residents.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Minnesota, Mankato with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She also is a licensed social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor. Jennifer has worked with older adults in various settings for the past 14 years.
Jennifer makes her home in Hanover with her husband Timothy and children Anna and Owen. She enjoys reading, crafts and spending time with their dog Molly..
Beth Ann Vega, Marketing Director
Beth Ann joins the Kenwood with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Services and a minor in Gerontology from Iowa State University and has numerous years of experience working with seniors in the health care field.
Beth Ann began work at the Kenwood in February 2003 and orchestrates the internal marketing operations for the Kenwood. She conducts tours with families and seniors and coordinates the move-in process to ensure a quality and smooth transition for seniors moving into The Kenwood. Beth Ann focuses her efforts on great customer service and creating a positive environment and experience for guests who visit the Kenwood.
Beth Ann loves working with the senior population and finds helping others very rewarding.
Connie McClellan, Concierge Supervisor / Front Office Coordinator
Connie started at The Kenwood in her current position in September of 2001. Prior to joining The Kenwood, she attended MTI while raising two sons and a daughter, completing classes in business, accounting, gemology and fine arts.
Connie worked several years as an office administrator and bookkeeper at a business in Edina. After taking courses at Norwest University in banking and investments, she make a career change and was in banking for 12 years prior to coming to The Kenwood.
She currently resides in Champlin where she enjoys her family which now includes two daughter-in-laws and a granddaughter. In her spare time, Connie loves to travel, sports, and volunteer at community functions and activities.
Jeanette Erickson, Housekeeping Coordinator
Jeanette joined The Kenwood in February of 2002. Jeanette is responsible for the overall operations of the housekeeping department. She oversees the housekeeping staff to ensure all residents needs are met with regards to housekeeping services provided. She is also responsible for coordinating The Kenwood’s guest suite.
Jeanette graduated from South High and has attended Century College in White Bear Lake. She has worked in the housekeeping management field for 10 years.
Jeanette makes her home in Circle Pines with daughter Raeanna.
Rick Hatfield, Building Engineer
Rick joined The Kenwood in August of 2001. Rick is responsible for the overall maintenance of the building, which includes heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and grounds care.
Rick has over 20 years of experience in the maintenance field. Prior to joining The Kenwood he served as a Maintenance Supervisor for the Eagan School District. Rick is Licensed by the State of Minnesota as a Chief Boiler Operator and is a Certified Pool Operator.
Rick has made his home in Eagan for more than 25 years with his wife Nancy and daughters Cassie and Mattie.
Thomas R. Schei, Business Office Manager
Tom joined The Kenwood in March of 2002. Tom is responsible for the accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and any issues that pertain to these responsibilities.
Tom attended Gustavus Adolphus College where he studied Accounting and Business Management with an emphasis on Accounting. Prior to joining The Kenwood, Tom served as an accountant for Cellular 2000, Grant County Health Center, and E-Z Own Sales and Financing. He has also worked as the Lounge and Restaurant Manager for the Prairie Inn Best Western of Morris.
Tom enjoys his free time golfing and collecting sports memorabilia. He makes his home in Maple Grove with his wife Stephanie and daughter Hayden.
Richard F. Gora, RN, Director of Assisting Living
Richard joined The Kenwood Assisted Living staff in 2008. He had previously worked as a clinical nurse manager in sub-acute respiratory/complex care. He completed his nurses training at the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis and also holds a B.A. from Winona State University.
As the Director of Assisted Living, Richard oversees the nursing care of residents including medication management, assessment of nursing needs and interaction with physicians.
Richard lives in the Stevens Square Historic District in a building on the National Historic Register. He enjoys reading, spending time with his two dogs, cooking and quilting.
Anna Streich, Activities Director
Anna joined The Kenwood in November of 2008. Anna ensures that the residents of The Kenwood have the best quality of life possible by providing a variety of programs that enhance the physical, cognitive, social and spiritual aspects of their lives.
Anna has enjoyed working with seniors since she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation in 2005 from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has been an active board member of the Metropolitan Activity Professionals Association since 2006 and enjoys expanding her knowledge in the field by attending the variety of seminars that they have to offer.
Anna gets a kick out of America’s Funniest Home Videos, looks forward to Minnesota winters, and loves hot dish! Anna recently got married to Josh and is excited for the many new things their lives will bring in the future!
Laura Thompson, Executive Chef
Laura has been in food service industry for almost 20 years. Her career began in corporate catering with Marriott Management Services, after attending St. Paul College’s Culinary Arts Program.
Following her work with Marriot as a baker and chef, she moved to Lanesboro, Minnesota where she worked as a chef and food service director for the next twelve years. Lanesboro is a charming little hamlet in the southeast corner of the state.
Later, Laura quit cooking professionally for a few years and moved to Winona to pursue a degree, which has always been her personal goal. She can proudly say that she is now a college graduate with a B.A. in History. Upon graduation, she moved back to the Twin Cities.
Laura currently reside in St. Paul with her partner in a lovely flat that overlooks the river. Laura says that her love of food and preparation runs deep. Food not only has the power to nourish our bodies and minds but our spirits as well.