Greg Heigel, Saint Therese’s Iconic Ambassador

Barb Hemberger • May 30, 2023

When 16-year-old high school student Greg Heigel was first hired at Saint Therese of New Hope, he never would have believed he’d still be an employee after 45 years. But, today on his 45th work anniversary, he’s still very passionate about being a part of an organization that takes such good care of seniors.


“I’m proud to say I’ve worked here this long,” said Greg. “This is not work, it’s a family and I’ve made the best friends of my life here.”


Greg joined the company in 1978 while still going to Cooper High School, and when the Residence building was just being built and 18 Catholic nuns still lived at New Hope. His first job was as a dishwasher and eventually he became a dietary aide and a storeroom clerk for food deliveries.

It was when he was promoted to morning cook that he found his true calling. “I’ve always been a cook,” Greg said. “I cook at home and when we go on vacation, the first thing I think about is the menu and what we’re going to eat.”


He took the Cook-Chef Program at Hennepin Technical College and began to take on increasing responsibilities through a variety of jobs at Saint Therese – evening chef, food production manager and assistant director of dining. He wanted to continue to deepen his culinary skills, so he attended the St. Paul Technical College to get a dietary manager’s degree. “I took it very seriously and wanted to be best in class.”


At one point, he said he needed a break from dining and was named the Materials Management supervisor, and later he added grounds supervisor to his repertoire. He said it was in this role that he really began to understand the business because he was ordering all of the supplies for all the departments in the company, and in so doing, built long and deep relationships with vendors.

Ten years later, Greg had an opportunity to return to dining and was promoted to Dining Director, where he oversaw dining for both the care center and the residence. Among his accomplishments was reorganizing and designing the kitchens in the care center to become what they are today, serving kitchens.

Greg said some of the highlights of his long tenure have been the special events that have been held for residents and staff, such as elegant dinners, luaus, Western-themed events, golf outings and special meals for the Board of Directors and the Saint Therese Auxiliary. And, participating in golf outings or fishing trips with residents where he got to know them better.



He is now Campus Dining Services and Purchasing Director, which means he manages more than 50 people and oversees the care center kitchen, residence kitchen, three serving kitchens, Café Rose and materials management.

Although hard work and dedication have played a role in his staying power, he also credits great supervisors over the years who have seen his potential and given him opportunities to stay. He remains a very valued employee and because of his unmatched knowledge of the company, leadership often taps him for involvement in a number of committees such as the safety committee, emergency preparedness and the workforce advisory group.

Greg gets emotional when talking about what has kept him at Saint Therese for so many years. “It’s about the great care that we provide every day, the great meals, the great service, the great rehab. I truly believe it.” And that trust extends to his own family, as two of his grandmas lived here before passing.


He is also passionate about giving back to Saint Therese through the employee giving program. He and his wife, Cindy, donate regularly and Greg said, “Giving back is something that is dear to my heart and part of the passion I hold towards Saint Therese.”



“Greg’s journey is remarkable and his dedication to Saint Therese of New Hope is admirable,” said Christine DeLander, executive director at Saint Therese of New Hope. “He is a true servant and very passionate about our mission; he shows up to work ready to do ordinary things with extraordinary love, be it managing day to day operations, cooking, washing dishes, ordering supplies, or delivering them where they are needed. He is the jack of all trades, and we are blessed to have him on our team and thank him on behalf of everyone for his stewardship all these years!”

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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. 

2025 Senior Health: Progress, Challenges, and Key State Insights

By Barb Hemberger • May 23, 2025
The 2025 America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report was recently released, offering a comprehensive overview of the health and well-being of older adults across the United States. The report, based on 55 measures from 24 distinct data sources, highlights both strides made and challenges persisting in senior health. While there is encouraging progress in areas like reduced early death rates and strengthened social connectedness among older adults, significant mental and behavioral health challenges remain. Key Findings from the Report Falls and obesity rates have stabilized after peaking earlier this decade. The number of geriatric clinicians increased by 5 percent, marking the highest rate ever recorded by the rankings. Volunteerism saw a 19 percent increase between 2021 and 2023. The healthiest state for older adults was Vermont, followed by Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Connecticut. Meanwhile, Mississippi ranked as the least healthy state, with Louisiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Kentucky following suit. Insights from States with Saint Therese Senior Communities Minnesota ranked 7th overall, placing it among the top 10 healthiest states for older adults. It showed a promising 13 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between 2021 and 2024. However, the state also experienced a significant 23 percent rise in depression rates among adults aged 65 and older, increasing from 12.8 to 15.7 percent between 2018 and 2023. Michigan secured the 21st spot in the rankings. The state showed notable improvements, including an 18 percent drop in falls, decreasing from 32.6 to 26.7 percent of adults aged 65 and older between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, cognitive difficulty rates decreased by 13 percent, from 8.8 to 7.7 percent during the same period. Ohio ranked 36th overall, but one bright spot was a significant 35 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between September 2019 and September 2024. Positive Signs for Volunteering The news about volunteering is a positive sign as emerging evidence shows that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly. At Saint Therese, volunteers are as much a part of our organization as our residents, families, visitors, and employees. We rely on and value the countless hours and dedication of those who support our mission by volunteering in our communities. We are always looking for volunteers. To find out more, or to apply to be a volunteer, please visit us here. The Bottom Line The 2025 Senior Report, produced by the United Health Foundation, underscores the complexities of senior health in the United States. While strides have been made in areas such as access to specialized care and volunteer engagement, persistent challenges like obesity, depression, and behavioral health highlight the need for continued efforts. The Report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure a healthier future for older adults across the nation.

Ascend Wellness & Fitness: Elevating Health, Confidence, and Community

By Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist • April 24, 2025
At Ascend Rehabilitation , we believe that wellness is more than just exercise—it’s about fostering strength, confidence, and connection. Our wellness and fitness program seamlessly integrates with therapy to help residents and clients improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love

By Barb Hemberger • December 12, 2024
Our newest Twin Cities senior living community, Saint Therese of Corcoran, is stunning. In so many ways. As you walk in the main entrance, you can feel its vibrancy, energy,… The post Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love appeared first on Saint Therese Blog.