Four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge

Saint Therese • February 20, 2020

Jodi Boyne | LeadingAge Minnesota | January 29, 2020


Doing ordinary things with extraordinary love is the mission of Saint Therese and you need not look further than a receptionist, volunteer and two nursing assistants from that community to see individuals who are living that mission and demonstrating their commitment to their Safe Care for Seniors pledge.

“The City of New Hope is the first city in Minnesota to be named a Safe Care for Seniors city and it is because of the actions and dedication by people like Mary Forman, Veronica Reyes, Julie Scalze and Lawrence Wills that all who live and work at Saint Therese of New Hope are experiencing a life well lived. We are truly honored to recognize these individuals who each serve seniors in different ways for their shared commitment to provide safe, quality care, services and support.”

– Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota

Meet the latest recipients of LeadingAge Minnesota‘s Make Zero Harm Possible awards — four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge Minnesota for their commitment to seniors:



Mary Forman, Volunteer: Mary began volunteering at Saint. Therese of New Hope in 2016. She has an extensive background in nursing and nursing management and has utilized those skills and her own personal experience as a caregiver for her mother to help people with dementia. Mary dedicates her time to residents in the memory care unit, where she practices four simple but valuable principles: be present, acknowledge people, pay attention and listen. She is also an inspiration to the families of the loved ones she serves and [employees] at Saint Therese of New Hope.

“Mary zeroes in and can spot a stressed resident who needs some extra attention. She validates the residents and the staff who work with her and makes everyone feel important. Mary inspires me to go the extra mile.”

– Jodi Halvorson, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Saint Therese of New Hope

Veronica Reyes, Nursing Assistant: Veronica has been employed at Saint Therese of New Hope for four years and has distinguished herself as an outstanding nursing assistant among residents and [employees]. Her positive attitude radiates through the entire team and everyone knows when she is working because her smile and kindness are contagious. Veronica constantly provides safe and compassionate care to all she serves and makes sure that every resident looks their best before they leave their room for the day.



Julie Scalze, Receptionist: In her role as receptionist, Julia is the eyes and ears of Saint Therese of New Hope. She always looks out for residents and pays special attention to their comings and goings to make sure they are safe and secure. Julia is also attentive to visitors, making sure everyone is warmly greeted, signs in and has a visitor’s badge so they are known to everyone in the community.


Lawrence Wills, Nursing Assistant: In the time Lawrence has been a Nursing Assistant at Saint Therese of New Hope, he has provided compassionate care to all he serves, is known for the professionalism in how he approaches his work and exemplifies the organization’s mission. Lawrence enthusiastic about his work, demonstrates empathy as he goes above and beyond what is expected of him, and as a result has made a greater personal connection with residents and families.


Congratulations to these extraordinary four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge Minnesota. Our organization is incredibly proud of Mary, Veronica, Julie and Lawrence. We’re simply blessed to have each driving our mission and providing safe, secure, dignified and compassionate care to our residents and their families every day.

Stay Connected


Search All Posts


About

At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

By Barb Hemberger July 29, 2025
At Saint Therese of Woodbury , a unique group of residents gathers twice a year not just to sing—but to connect, inspire, and celebrate the joy of music. The Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir, the only choir across all Saint Therese communities, offers two one-hour concerts each year—one in December with a Christmas theme, and a second during the summer. This year's summer performance, held in June, was called “ Music from the Movies ” and featured beloved classics including Que Sera Sera, The Bare Necessities, Tuxedo Junction and Singin’ in the Rain. Residents and guests filled the chapel for a heartwarming program filled with nostalgia, harmony, and connection. Founded in 2018 by Therese Stecher , a lifelong pianist and retired critical care nurse, the Woodbury choir started with just 10 members and has now grown to 24 dedicated singers. “The biggest fear people have is they haven’t sung in so long, they think they can’t do it,” Stecher says. “But the muscles that control the vocal cords—you just need to work them.” Stecher arranges each songbook specifically for aging voices and emphasizes that this is not simply a singalong group. “We’re here to learn a show,” she says. “The expectations are high, but the reward is even greater.” The choir practices for months before each performance.
By Barb Hemberger July 21, 2025
Discover how the Saint Therese Auxiliary’s six-decade legacy of volunteerism and community support will live on through two lasting endowment funds.
By Barb Hemberger June 16, 2025
Generational Connections Changing Lives