Meet the Staff
Jennifer S. Volkenant, Executive Director
Jennifer joined The Kenwood team in September of 2001. Since then she has held positions as Resident Services Director, Director of Homecare and was promoted to Executive director in 2009.
Jennifer thoroughly enjoys working with older adults and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Jennifer is proud of the fact that The Kenwood is more than a place of residence, it is a loving community where residents make new friendships and care and support each other like family.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Minnesota, Mankato with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master of Science. She also is a licensed social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor. Jennifer has worked with older adults in various settings for the past 20 years.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and two children.
Karen Edberg, Marketing Director
Karen Edberg has been in the senior marketing industry for the past eleven years. Prior to marketing, she managed a country club where she developed strong customer service skills. Karen orchestrates the marketing operations for The Kenwood. She conducts tours with seniors and their families and coordinates the move-in process to ensure a smooth transition. She enjoys assisting seniors in finding the perfect apartment and making them feel welcome in their new community.
Karen makes her home in Richfield with her husband Jeff. She is the mother of three sons and is also proud Grandmother.
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.
Tammy Kwiatkowski, Business Office Manager
Tammy joined the Kenwood management team in 2010 as the Business Office Manger. Tammy is responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and business related functions.
Tammy graduated St. Cloud State with a degree in Psychology- emphasis in counseling and gerontology. She became a certified Recreational Therapist and worked many years in health care. Tammy then moved in to the business realm where she wrote and managed contracts, government bids, and pricing. From there, Tammy moved on to direct an accounting firm prior to joining The Kenwood.
Tammy lives in Rogers with her husband Ross and children Thomas and Katelyn. In her spare time, she loves to read, walk, hike and serves as an elected officer on two community boards.
Kate Orterstrom, RN, Director of Assisted Living
A graduate of St. Mary's College, Kate joins The Kenwood team with 25 years of nursing experience and a true love of working with older adults.
Over the years, Kate has worked at Abbott Hospital, in homecare and nursing home settings.
Kate and her husband live in a renovated farm house west of Minneapolis. Kate enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and traveling. The Kenwood offers nursing seven days per week.
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.