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Leading with Purpose

Vista Prairie Communities’ Aspire Lifestyle™ embodies our commitment to honor residents and enhance their quality of life in five critical areas throughout their stay with us. Vista Prairie Communities looks forward to the gifts, passions, and talents you’ll bring to the community that you call home. We provide a joy-filled environment where we value and celebrate your purpose and where you get room to grow. At Vista Prairie Communities, you’re family.

Rita Gronski

Brentwood

September 27, 2021
Executive Director Rita Gronski is a veteran Brentwood leader with more than thirty years of experience in senior care and business ownership. She assumed her new role after managing the culinary department for more than 10 years. High quality nutrition is part of the foundation of Brentwood’s excellent reputation.

Rita earned her certification as a dietary manager from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. She learned her characteristic work-ethic growing up on a dairy farm.

Rita also is a well-known civic leader in Rice Lake, WI where she currently serves as the Loyal Knight for the local Elks Lodge.

Lauren Berns

Copperleaf

February 20, 2025

Prior to joining Vista Prairie at Copperleaf, Lauren gained valuable experience in senior care through various roles in healthcare, including direct support, care coordination, and administration. Her background has strengthened her commitment to providing compassioniate, person-centered care that enhances the well-being of older adults.

Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services from the University of Minnesota Morris and a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

picture of Jennifer Roos

Jennifer Roos

Fieldcrest

June 2025
 

Jennifer Roos has been promoted to the position of Executive Director. With more than 30 years of experience in senior care and a decade of dedicated service at Fieldcrest, Jennifer brings a deep commitment to compassionate leadership and a strong alignment with the organization’s mission.

Jennifer’s career started when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at age 16. She began working with older adults and received her Associates degree in Nursing from Western Iowa Technical Community College in Sioux City, Iowa. She went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Chamberlain University. In addition to being a Registered Nurse, Jennifer has also obtained an Assisted Living Manager Certification. She has spent over 30 years in different capacities serving older adults. 

Over the past 10 years at Fieldcrest, Jennifer has advanced through several key roles—from CNA to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), then to Registered Nurse (RN), and most recently, Director of Health Services. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to the well-being of older adults and a passion for fostering a joyful, purpose-filled environment for both residents and staff. 

Colleen Marcus

Garnette Gardens

December 3, 2021
 
Colleen Marcus was promoted to Executive Director of Garnette Gardens after serving nearly six years as its Sales and Community Marketing Manager, welcoming new residents and ensuring that they became comfortable in their new home. With more than 24 years of experience in hospitality, online marketing, and senior housing, Colleen is well prepared for this role. She started her senior care career in 2015 as a regional sales leader for Vista Prairie Communities (VPC). Early in her VPC tenure, she also was an online marketing consultant for Redwood Valley Technical Solutions. Sales and catering leadership for the nearby Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel rounds out Colleen’s hospitality experience.
 
Colleen holds a certificate in Sales and Marketing from Minnesota West Community and Technical College. 

Ann Logan

Goldfinch Estates

May 2024
 
Ann brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the Executive Director at Goldfinch Estates. Her tenure at Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) includes roles as Resident Assistant, Sales and Community Marketing Manager, and Business Office Manager. Through these positions, Ann has developed a deep appreciation for the growth and experiences they have offered.
 
Ann received her Business Management degree in 2021 and has a passion for process optimization, problem-solving, and efficiency improvement. Her mission-focused approach and commitment to VPC’s vision and values have been instrumental in meeting the needs of residents and enhancing their quality of life.
 
Ann cherishes the strong relationships she has built with residents, staff, and families, and she is passionate about advocating for the community. She finds great joy in her work, continually striving to improve and support the vibrant community at Vista Prairie at Goldfinch Estates.

Kim Putz

North Pointe

January 23, 2023
 
As Executive Director of Vista Prairie at North Pointe, Kim combines impressive academic credentials with more than 12 years of healthcare management experience to provide strong leadership and caring service for older adults. She leads one of Vista Prairie’s largest communities, with 82 one-and-two-bedroom assisted living apartments and 18 care suites, providing 24-hour continuous senior care.
 
Kim holds a BS degree in nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration. She also is an adjunct clinical instructor for the nursing department at Mankato State University. 
picture of Murray Finger

Murray Finger

Ridgeway

May 2025

With nearly 30 years of leadership experience in senior living, Murray brings a deep commitment to compassionate care and a passion for enriching the lives of older adults. 

Murray began his journey in senior care as a nursing assistant while attending college—an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to serving seniors. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and later completed a Healthcare Management program at St. Thomas College. He holds licensure as both a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and an Assisted Living Director (LALD). 

Having served in both permanent and interim leadership roles across a variety of care settings, Murray offers a unique blend of strategic oversight and hands-on experience. His background equips him to support Ridgeway’s mission-driven culture while continuing to foster a joyful, purpose-filled environment for residents and team members alike. 

Murray is exceptionally well-positioned to lead both Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on 23rd and Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on German. His proven leadership, paired with a heart for service and a strong foundation in regulatory and operational excellence, ensures a seamless alignment with Vista Prairie’s Aspire™ lifestyle and person-centered care approach. 

Coming Soon!

Red Cedar Canyon

June 2025
 
A new Executive Director to be announced soon!

Levi Wold

Windmill Ponds

November 18, 2024
 
Levi brings 7 years experience in healthcare administration to his role as Executive Director. Prior to joining Vista Prairie Communities, Levi oversaw operations and led initiatives to improve resident care, increase staff retention, and strengthen community engagement. Levi comes equipped with a diverse skill set in operations management, strategic planning, and human resources.
 
Levi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with concentrations in Healthcare Leadership and Long-Term Care Administration from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. 

Melissa J. Plachecki, RN, BS

Organizational Director of Health Care

November 26, 2018
 
Melissa Plachecki has 25 years of leadership experience as a Registered Nurse in Assisted Living and Home Care settings. Melissa has served in the development of Assisted Living programs, quality improvement initiatives and has provided leadership to several large assisted living organizations. Melissa was appointed to the Minnesota Department of Health, Home Care and Assisted Living Provider Council, which allowed her to make recommendations to the legislature on ways to improve the delivery home care and assisted living services. When not working Melissa enjoys teaching Spinning classes as a certified Spinning instructor and spending time with her family hiking, kayaking and making wine. Melissa brings to the Vista Prairie Communities team passion, leadership and knowledge of the senior living field. 

Jennifer Marcus

Sr. Regional Director of Operations

Jennie was promoted to this newly created position following four successful years as the Executive Director of Vista Prairie at Copperleaf. Her passion for seniors was influenced by her mother’s work in the field. After college in Mankato, Jennie began her career working direct care with REM-The Mentor Network where she remained for 15 years.
 
Jennie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication, technical writing, and marketing from Minnesota State University in Mankato. Her post-graduate study includes a certificate from the Institute on Community Integration from the University of Minnesota and a Senior Living Certification as a Certified Assisted Living Executive Director. 

Kasey Kasel

Regional Director of Operations

April 2025

Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) is pleased to announce the return of Kacey Kasel, RN, BSN, PHN, LALD as a Regional Director of Operations (RDO). In this expanded leadership role, Kacey will provide additional operational support to VPC’s communities, ensuring a continued focus on excellence in care, team development, and resident well-being.

Kacey brings a wealth of experience in senior living and healthcare leadership. She previously served as the Executive Director at Goldfinch Estates, one of Vista Prairie’s senior living communities, where she was instrumental in fostering a strong culture of compassionate care, operational efficiency, and team engagement. Since then, she has held leadership positions at The Waters on Mayowood, Mayo Clinic – Charter House, and Heartland Senior Living, where she further honed her expertise in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and financial management.

Reed Mainquist

Controller

June 20, 2017
 
Reed began his professional career as an Audit Associate for KPMG after obtaining his Master’s in Accounting from the University of Minnesota in 2011 and undergraduate degrees in accounting and economics in 2010.
 
While at KMPG, he received Encore Awards for exhibiting core values while serving clients and working in teams. After leaving KMPG, Reed worked for Eide Bailly as an audit senior. Reed served as a senior accountant at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN, where he managed and supervised the accounting for all capital acquisitions. He has worked with a number of clients including Ronald McDonald House, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and General Mills.

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