2026 Board of Directors
Meet the people who comprise our board of directors.
PRESIDENT
Jarrod Peterson is the owner of Touching Hearts at Home, Mid-Metro and Touching Hearts at Home of West Central MN. Touching Hearts provides non-medical home care throughout the metro area and outstate communities. Jarrod got his start in-home care in 2008, working for the founder of Touching Hearts (who also happens to be his aunt) before becoming an owner himself.
In addition to keeping very busy with his two offices, Jarrod also serves on several boards and committees that focus on senior issues and small business concerns. Jarrod's favorite way to spend his time is with his two children at home in Shakopee.
VICE PRESIDENT
Annalisha Perez, LALD is the Executive Director at Cerenity Senior Care Humboldt, which is owned and operated by Benedictine Living. Annalisha began working with seniors over 15 years ago. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies but enjoyed working with the senior population so much that she decided to stay in the senior care industry. Prior to her role at Cerenity Senior Care Humboldt, Annalisha worked as a Licensed Assisted Living Director for Volunteers of America National Services, as an Executive Director in Assisted Living in Roseville and as a Sales & Marketing Director and Life Enrichment Director in senior living. In her spare time, Annalisha enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and two spunky sons.
TREASURER & PROGRAM COMMITTEE CHAIR
Jim Lord oversees New Business Development for Grace Hospice. The mission of Grace Hospice is to serve God by recognizing that every person deserves to live out his or her life with respect and dignity, free of pain, and in an environment that promotes quality of life.
SECRETARY
Angela is the Sales Director at Seven Hills Senior Living, a charming and welcoming community for adults 55 and over, nestled in the historic Ramsey Hills neighborhood of St. Paul, MN. A proud graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, Angela holds a degree in Psychology and Family Life.
With over 25 years of experience as a Social Worker specializing in Mental Health and Chemical Health, Angela brings deep compassion, understanding, and insight to her work. For the past six-plus years, she has focused her career in the Senior Living industry, where her background in social services has been invaluable in supporting older adults and their families through life transitions.
Angela is passionate about creating meaningful connections and helping seniors find a vibrant, supportive community where they can thrive.
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Logan Kubista is the Senior Living Consultant for The Waters, formerly working at Chandler Place and The Shores of Lake Phalen as a senior living sales representative. A graduate of Century College with a degree in Interior Design, Logan also holds a Sales and Marketing in Senior Living Certification from LeadingAge Minnesota. Logan’s professional journey includes a tenure as a chef at Good Neighbor Care, The Gardens, and as an Associate Designer at Gabberts Fine Furnishings by Design in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area. With 10 years of experience in senior housing, Logan is dedicated to building and maintaining quality relationships by supporting others to find their beauty and strength.
FALL AGING CONFERENCE CHAIR
Ian Bruess is the Director of Community Relations at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul, representing their two Skilled Nursing buildings and Transitional Care Center. He started working in the senior care industry as a dietary aid in high school and soon found the senior care industry to be a perfect fit for his career. He studied at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, then to Chicago and Denver working in a Guest Services and Admissions role since 2014.
Ian lives in Bloomington with his wife and their Shih Tzu, Ella. During his free time, he loves spending time with his family, being outdoors, and checking out the latest restaurants.
COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
Lauren Bednar has been in the senior care industry for the last 13 years, serving in various roles, including housing, home care, and hospice. She is now the owner of Oasis Senior Advisors, helping seniors and their loved ones find communities to meet their needs as well as connecting them with community-based resources.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Harvey Perle has a BSBA Degree in Marketing from Boston University. He owned and was the administrator of a nursing home in Maryland, and then he owned and managed several manufacturers' representative agencies in Minnesota focused on the gourmet housewares industry. Harvey has created a third career by merging these two previous career experiences into the world of Insurance.
Harvey is licensed in Life & Health in Minnesota and focuses on Health Insurance for all ages, specializing in Medicare.
Harvey is also the very proud Dad of his two adult daughters, affectionately known as “The Perle Gerles.”
MEMBER AT LARGE
Kathy Cameron-Kuehn, owner of Litehouse Coaching, is a Certified Life Coach with over a decade of experience in the senior services industry and firsthand expertise as a caregiver for her own parents. Specializing in coaching adult caregivers, Kathy empowers her clients to navigate the complexities of caregiving with confidence and clarity. Her approach focuses on guiding clients to take practical steps that address immediate challenges while providing resources and strategies to help mitigate future issues. Together, Kathy and her clients develop customized plans that foster relief, stability, and a sense of control during uncertain times.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Rachelle Strasburg is a dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and development. Passionate about intentional inclusion and disability advocacy, she excels in building meaningful relationships, driving innovative strategies, and enhancing the customer journey. Rachelle is committed to creating impactful solutions that align professional success with her deeply held values, empowering individuals and organizations alike.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Shelley Beckman Director of Sales at Hayden Grove – St Anthony, brings over 30 years of experience serving people through community relations. Her background in public service has given her a deep understanding of people and their needs, inspiring her lifelong passion for helping and advocating for others. That same compassion guides her work supporting aging adults and their families as they navigate the search for senior living. Shelley is also a motivational speaker presenting “Joy In The Mourning,” offering education and empowerment in estate planning and end-of-life preparation, and a Death Doula providing comfort and support to individuals and their loved ones.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Mary Poggione
MEMBER AT LARGE
Stacy Atkins
MEMBER AT LARGE
Brian Glonek