Joanne Johnsen: Executive Director
Education: BS Accounting & Business, CPR, First Aid, QMAP
Each and every one of us contributes to life in some unique way. Each of us has to be accountable to our part, and we all need some assistance once in a while to reach our potential. That’s why I’m passionate about Elderhaus and its mission — every day gives us an opportunity to help others reach their potential, build self-confidence, and earn acceptance in their community. Elderhaus structures its activities to reach all potentials, as diverse as they may be. The loving, compassionate and professional staff we have at Elderhaus makes me very proud to be a part of this agency for the past nine years and to help build and advocate for the adult day services that we provide to the community.
Rosemary Luna: Assistant Director
Education: Masters in Gerontology, BA in Sociology/Psychology minor, CPR, First Aid
Experience: Elderhaus since 2001; volunteered at Nursing Homes beginning in 1998
Being a part of Elderhaus is not just my career; it is my mission. After volunteering at Elderhaus for nearly two years, and joining as a staff member in 2003, I still feel humbled and rewarded by the smiles, gratitude and compassion I receive from our clients every day. I am able to experience first-hand the life-changing difference Elderhaus makes in the lives of so many people, and how everyone here contributes through their caring service.
Cara Cogswell: Site Coordinator of Mindset Creative Community Resources
Education: BS Psychology, QMAP, CPR, First Aid
Experience: Foothills Gateway (2003-2009); positions in Residential Services and Supported Living Services (2004-2009); a variety of caregiver positions working one on one with individuals with Developmental Disabilities as well as elderly clientele; Mosaic (2009-2010); Children's Extended Services Direct Support Manager
I find this work to be very rewarding and fulfilling. I really enjoy seeing our clients grow as they work towards achieving their goals and a greater level of independence. What I appreciate most about working for Mindset is having the opportunity to work with so many unique people from so many different stages of life.
Reesa Hanck: Compliance Officer
Education: CPR, First Aid, QMAP
Having been a CNA since 1994, I worked in various long-term care, home care and hospice settings before coming to Elderhaus. The love and compassion I experienced here in the staff, clients and families since coming to Elderhaus in 2006 made me fall in love with my work. Because I have been privileged to witness the peace of mind that families gain from Elderhaus, knowing their loved ones are in a safe and caring environment, my goal is to help get the word out to the community about the great, compassionate adult day services we offer.
Sally Walczyk: Office Manager
Education: Masters in Accounting (in progress), BS Gerontology, CNA, CMT, QMAP, CPR, First Aid
Experience: Elderhaus since 2005; Nursing Home, Home Health and Private Care CNA for 13 years
After moving to Alaska in 1998 to care for my mother who had suffered a stroke, I found that caring for her was extremely rewarding. Returning to Colorado, I took classes and earned my CNA and then my Gerontology degree from University of Northern Colorado in 2005. Soon after graduating, I put my experience and training to work at Elderhaus, where I love to share in the triumphs and challenges those we serve experience on a daily basis.
Sandy Vande Walle: Medicaid Benefits Helper
I joined the Elderhaus team in 2006 after over two decades of experience in the health insurance industry, a background that provided me an in-depth understanding of application processes for a wide range of health care benefits. I find a great deal of satisfaction in helping seniors and other Elderhaus clientele in the often overwhelming task of completing Medicaid forms and paperwork, so that those eligible for government health care assistance can obtain the benefits that they deserve.
René McLellan: Mobile Health Services
Education: LPN
As a Licensed Practical Nurse more than 30 years, I have worked with Elderhaus’ Mobile Health Services program for one year. My specialty is geriatrics, which I very much enjoy. In my role, I work extensively with the public by conducting blood pressure clinics at nine sites throughout Fort Collins.
Nora Housel: Dietary Manager
Education: AAS Radiologic Technology, CNA, QMAP, First Aid, CPR
My life mission is to serve the elderly, and I very much enjoy spending time with Elderhaus clients and listening to their histories. My goal is to do everything I can to improve their quality of life. I’m always working to enhance my training for client care, from my training as an X-ray technologist to my next goal of taking a CPR class.
Sara Brustkern: Activity Director
Education: QMAP, CPR, First Aid
I work at Elderhaus because I have the gift of gab and love to entertain. It is a blessing to be able to be used by God by being creative and open to fun ideas to engage our participants in.
Mary Kelley: Fleet Director/Program Director
Education: QMAP, CPR, First Aid
My Name is Mary and I'm pleased to be here. I grew up more interested in cars than Barbies. I volunteered at Elderhaus and fell in love with the participants. I was blessed when a transportation position came open. Not only do I get to care for the vehicles, but I also carry a bus full of love everyday.
Sharon Rash: Program Director
Education: CNA, CPR, First Aid
It's a privilege to me that I have been with Elderhaus and Mindset since December 2009. I started with volunteering and then in March, I am happy to say, I was hired on full time. It’s been a wonderful fulfilling experience for me. I have been an active CNA/caregiver since 1999. I am looking forward to our future here at Elderhaus and Mindset where there is hope, faith and ongoing support for all.
Jenn Jacobus: Program Director for Traumatic Brain Injury
Education: (Degree in Process), QMAP, CPR, First Aid
When I started out as an Elderhaus volunteer during my practicum through Colorado State University, I instantly fell in love with the organization and its mission. Now I work with groups of Elderhaus clients in programs that foster independence and community responsibility through volunteer work and life-skills training. Being a part of the Elderhaus team has been an extremely rewarding experience for me, and I plan to continue working with them after I obtain my degree.
Susan Cox: Program Director
Education: CPR, First Aid
I have been with Elderhaus since July of 2009. I have 11 years experience working in Special Education. My early years were spent as a Behavior Specialist in Midford, Oregon. While, most recently at Poudre High School and with ACE Program as a job coach. I went to school in Moorhead, Minnesota, working on a business degree. I changed direction and have an associate's degree in Education. Elderhaus has brought a new dimension to my life, creating a new purpose that I feel God has called me to.
Miya Irwin: Transportation Driver/Program Director
Education: AAS Automotive, QMAP, CNA, CPR, First Aid
I started as a volunteer at Elderhaus in March of 2010, and I was thrilled when they offered to have me as staff. Everyday I learn something new through my work and the people that are coming to Elderhaus. Being a staff member is not only giving care to what the participants need, but it also makes me feel very blessed to be there. We work together as a team and share laughter together with the participants.
Sandie Cogswell: Volunteer Coordinator/Receptionist
Education: CPR, First Aid
Experience: Secretarial/Business; Voluteered in Tutoring (2007-2010), Cub Scouts (1992-1998), relief office volunteer at the Mead Town Hall
I am honored to be the Volunteer Coordinator for Elderhaus/Mindset. I am continually inspired by our staff, our participants and our wonderful volunteers!
Nancey Case: Program Director
Education: BA in Political Science from Indiana University
I moved from Indiana to Colorado in 2000 and started working with the developmentally delayed and the elderly in high school. I find this population is the most rewarding work a person can do.
Anne Gossel: Office Assistant/Receptionist
Education: Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant
Experience: Sales/Marketing, Trainer (dental & medical equipment)
In 2000 I moved my Mom from Wisconsin to my home and took care of all her needs until she passed away in 2005. We used Hospice at different times for breaks for both of us and also received some great information, especially at the end. Unable to find employment at that time I was introduced to SER and became a Participant Staff trainee after a year. I signed people into the program and added host agencies. After some major changes in the SER program I find myself here at Elderhaus.
You have the best job! All you have to do is go to work and love people!
—Employee's Family Member