Amanda Pitsenbarger

Executive Director

Amanda joined the Walker Methodist team in 2014. With her Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Music Therapy from the University of Dayton in Ohio, Amanda began her career as a Music Therapist. She worked as a Music Therapist and an Executive Director before coming to Walker Methodist.

As Walker Methodist’s Director of Housing, Amanda does her best to ensure the residents at Care Suites of Edina have what they need to be happy and healthy. She serves as a main point of contact for residents, families, and staff and leads all areas of the Campus.

With her servant heart, healthcare and senior living was a natural fit. The ability to join residents, families, and staff on this journey is not something you can learn in school. It’s hands-on, and it’s a labor of love. Amanda’s love for her job is something her coworkers and the Residents can easily see and feel. She’s always looking for creating ways to meet the needs of others and remains focused providing individualized care.

When Amanda is not working she spends time with friends and family. As part of a loving church community, she’s fortunate to have many friends in and around the Twin Cities. Sharing a homemade meal is one of Amanda’s favorite ways to entertain. Cooking for her church’s youth program several times each month is another way Amanda enjoys her time off.

Vicki Lynn Rorie

Director of Health Services

Vicki joined the Care Suites family in June of 2013. She attended St. Mary’s/St. Catherine’s in Minneapolis and is currently our Director of Health Services at Walker Methodist Care Suites.

Sue Stenberg

Director of Sales & Marketing

Sue has been at Walker Methodist Care Suites since November of 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Marketing from St. Cloud State University. Her previous work history includes seven years in hotel sales and twelve years in corporate housing sales. Her path to Walker Methodist started when she realized how much she loved to work with seniors and decided that was what she wanted to do every day.

On a day-to-day basis, Sue meets with families that are looking to move their loved one into an assisted living setting. She also calls on referral sources such as hospital discharge planners and social workers. Sue is known for being a relationship builder, as she genuinely wants to get to know people and hear their stories. She feels honored to be able to help people make the important decision of choosing a place for their loved one to live.

Outside of work, you can find Sue at her boys’ sporting events, running, or doing yoga. She also enjoys volunteering her time on the Faith Formation Council at her church and teaches Sunday school. At the end of the day, Sue would like to be remembered as an honest, hardworking, genuine person.

Call today for your personal visit at 952-230-1312

Teresa Kocher

Director of Resident Services

Teresa has been with Walker Methodist since 1997. She originally was the Social Worker for the Memory Care unites at the Health Center and then came to Care Suites as Resident Services Director. Previous to working at Walker Methodist, Teresa worked in other assisted living buildings and in an adult day care.

In Teresa’s free time, she enjoys going on bike rides with her family, scrapbooking, or curling up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa to read a good mystery book. Teresa’s family is very important to her. She is happily married and has two wonderful daughters. As a family, they enjoy picnics, walks at the park, bike rides, and playing table games.

Jack Pickar

Director of Life Enrichment

Jack has been at his current position as Life Enrichment Director since April 2012. A number of years ago he also worked for Walker Methodist Health Center in the activities department. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Services from Bemidji State University, with a concentration in recreation and psychology. Other than working at Walker Methodist, Jack has worked for the YMCA, Regions Hospital, a care center in Bemidji, the City of Fridley, and served 20 years in the Minnesota Army National Guard/Army Reserves.

As the Director of Life Enrichment, Jack oversees and provides life-enriching opportunities for residents. On a daily basis, this may include such areas as exercise, music programs, intellectual and creative groups, outings, and spiritual opportunities. He also works with volunteers as part of their mission to serve.

Outside of work, Jack enjoys family time, church fellowship, outdoor activities, sporting events, and contemporary Christian music/concerts. All of these activities he enjoys doing with his daughters, Hannah and Sarah. He also enjoys spending quiet time with his wife, Jackie, and taking trips when possible. You may also find him doing yard work, camping, taking pictures, biking, running, canoeing, and playing basketball and tennis.

Candace Hall-mURDOCK

Director of Culinary

Candace joined the culinary team in August 2016. She a former baker and served as the executive chef at the Emily Program. She holds an associate degree in culinary arts from LeCordon Bleu.

Candace manages the day-to-day operations of the kitchen and dining room as well as cooking, creating menus, and ordering food. She is an expert at producing gluten-free meals and baked goods.

It gives her joy to cook for residents, and she enjoys seeing people’s reactions when they see and taste her food. Candace believes that meal time is the common ground that brings us together as a family at Walker Methodist.

Candace grew up in a large family in South Minneapolis. She has six children and six grandchildren. For fun she enjoys many outdoor activities especially fishing. She shares her volunteer time with food packing programs that serve children.

Candace has been named Community Champion by Minnesota Life College for her partnership with this organization. Minnesota Life College supports adults with disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Candace has hired people from this organization and then works closely with job coaches to ensure the success of these employees. In addition, Candace has opened up the Care Suites kitchen and has lent her time and expertise to being a learning site as a part of Minnesota Life Colleges development plan.