Ascend Rehabilitation

Bios

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  Craig W. Abbott

  President & Chief Executive Officer

  As President and CEO Craig is responsible for overseeing more than 1,000 employees serving more than 2,000 seniors and their families, ensuring Saint Therese is a wonderful place to live and work. In keeping with the philosophy, vision and mission of Saint Therese, Craig provides executive leadership and strategic and overall operational direction for the organization. Craig’s career began in non-profit aging services in 1993 with Volunteers of America National Services. He's also held operational leadership roles with other non-profit organizations including The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society and Minnesota Masonic Homes. Most recently, Craig served as Executive Vice President of Health Dimensions Group, which provides third party management services and client consulting serves to clients across all 50 states. Over the last 17 years, he held a myriad of executive leadership positions at the company. Throughout Craig’s career, his responsibilities have progressed from single-site skilled nursing facility leadership, to providing multi-site operational, consultative and executive leadership roles on a nationwide basis. He is a seasoned and highly respected industry leader and trusted strategic advisor, well versed and experienced in all aspects of aging care and services. In addition to working with existing communities, Craig comes to Saint Therese with experience developing, opening, managing, and expanding start-up senior living communities. His favorite Saint Therese Guiding Behavior is valuing each individual. Outside of work Craig likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, boat, fish, golf and is an avid Minnesota sports fan.

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  Amy Taylor-Greengard

  Executive Vice President

  Amy has been with Ascend Rehabilitation since November of 2004. She earned her degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, holds a Minnesota State Board of Physical Therapy License, and is a Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS). Amy is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota, teaching Rehab Management in the Geriatric Residency Program, and is a Geriatric Residency Site Supervisor. She holds memberships in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Geriatrics. Amy lives on a hobby farm with her husband, daughter, and son, where they enjoy home improvement projects, outdoor activities, and animals. Amy shows Arabian horses at the national level. Three words that describe Amy: Passionate, dedicated, kind “I work with an amazing team that humbles and inspires me on a regular basis with their commitment to high-quality care and superior customer service, their dedication to achieving goals and supporting each other, and their knowledge and skills in the area of health and wellness service delivery.”

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: Amy Taylor-Greengard

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  Lisa Kalla

  Chief Operating Officer

  Lisa joined Saint Therese in 2021 as executive director and campus administrator of Saint Therese of New Hope. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in October 2021 with responsibility for the overall daily operations of the nonprofit organization. Lisa works with leadership to implement Saint Therese’s strategic vision and values; direct, administer and coordinate internal operational activities; and manage the campus executive directors. Prior to Saint Therese, Lisa was associate vice president of Healthcare with Covenant Living and executive director for Carondelet Village in St. Paul. She has a degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Normandale Community College. Lisa's favorite Saint Therese Core Value is: Do the Right Thing “I think it is important to recognize the value that each of us brings to make Saint Therese successful. I believe this is true for staff, residents, and families. Each of us has a unique background and experience that helps one another grow as a person and live out our mission every day. Learning about each other, understanding one another’s viewpoint, and recognizing God has given each of us unique talents which only strengthens our community and the care and love we provide.” Outside of work Lisa likes to spend time outside, outside activities, spend time with family and friends and read crime mystery novels.

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  Calvin Shelangoski

  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  Calvin Shelangoski joined Saint Therese as chief financial officer in 2018. With over 12 years of experience in senior living, Calvin leads the organization’s financial strategy in a way that honors the Saint Therese mission and positively impacts the lives of seniors. Calvin was introduced to the senior living industry through his role as finance director at Lutheran Living, a CCRC in Muscatine, Iowa. Most recently, he served as vice president of finance at WesleyLife where he led the organization through a period of financial growth and multiple expansion projects starting in 2012. Calvin has been actively involved with state nonprofit trade associations and has served as a reimbursement consultant for the association and its members. He was formerly a member of LeadingAge Iowa and one of the organization’s trusted financial consultants. Calvin received a bachelor of business administration from the University of Iowa with a major in finance. Calvin's hobbies and interests outside of work: Time with family first and foremost, but Calvin is a retired swimmer and enjoys running. When time permits, Calvin and his wife love to travel and explore.

  Education:

  Link: Calvin Shelangoski

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  Krystle Plohocky

  AGENCY CLINICAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

  Krystle joined Ascend Rehab in January of 2010. She earned a Master’s of Arts in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University and has worked in geriatrics since graduation. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Science and holds a Minnesota Occupational Therapy License. Outside of work, Krystle loves spending time at her cabin on Big Sandy Lake, boating, and spending time with family and friends. Three words that describe Krystle: Compassionate, loyal, optimistic “I love helping patients, families, and therapists set and meet goals.”

  Education:

  Link: Krystle Plohocky

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  Jean LaDuke

  Central Office Business Manager, HR Representative, Staff & Student Coordinator

  Jean joined Saint Therese in 2019. She’s currently responsible for the smooth operation of Ascend Rehab. Prior to Saint Therese she worked at General Mills for nearly 30 years. Outside of work Jean likes to relax with family and friends.

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  Kali Wachter

  REHAB MANAGER

  Kali has worked at Ascend Rehab since April 2013, and has a professional background in exercise science kinesiology, a masters degree in occupational therapy, and is certified in Lymphedema Management. She has worked primarily with the geriatric population since 2010 and has a passion for neuro re-education treatments. Outside of work, you can find Kali spending time outdoors with her family, watching her 2 sons grow and experience life, reading, trying new recipes, and volunteering. Three words that describe Kali: Motivated, positive, and hardworking "I feel fortunate to work for Ascend, as it is such a supportive and talented group of people. This job allows me to make a positive impact in the community and also with the quality of life for our clients. Each day is different and offers you the opportunity to use your skills to help someone."

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: Kali Wachter

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  Brooke Armstrong

  REHAB MANAGER

  Brooke has been with Ascend Rehab since August of 2014. She is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by background, and worked as a COTA for Ascend for three years. She received her associate’s degree as an occupational therapy assistant from St. Catherine University, with a special interest in geriatrics. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs. She spends a lot of time up north at her cabin, where she enjoys fishing, wakeboarding, and relaxing on the pontoon. Brooke is a hardcore Sioux hockey fan. Three words that describe Brooke: Type A, sociable, foodie “The most rewarding aspect of working at Ascend is the teamwork! There is a real sense of camaraderie shared amongst the Ascend team.”

  Certifications:

  Link: Brooke Armstrong