Lia Hamilton

Executive Director, Walker Place

From a young age, Lia found herself in the role of care giver to those around her, so entering into career in senior living was no surprise.

Lia has served in a number of leadership positions including executive director and director of operations. In 2019, Lia joined the Walker Methodist Place team, saying that she appreciates the emphasis on respect and care, where residents and families are first priority.

Lia is passionate about creating a community in which older adults can continue to thrive and walk alongside faimilies as their loved ones transition into a new home. She excels in helping people navigate the ever-changing senior living landscape.

A native of Roseville, Minnesota, Lia holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Winona State University and master’s in organizational management from Concordia University

patti fluegge

Director of Health Services

Patti joined Walker Methodist in 2000, working in long-term care and assisted living. Her nursing career includes work in both long-term care and assisted living with specialties in wound care management and infection control.

A typical day for Patti involves the safe oversight of Place's Health Services Department. She loves working together with her Walker Methodist family, which includes residents and co-workers. Patti enjoys coming to work because no matter what, there's always a positive ending to her day.

Patti has two sons, who are the joy of her life. In her spare time, she also enjoys watching sporting events.

Aaron Aslakson

Director of Fitness Centers

Aaron joined Walker Methodist in 2009 after receiving his BA in Exercise Science from Concordia College, and his MA in Exercise Physiology from MSU Mankato. He’s a Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
Aaron is also an Adjunct Professor of Biomechanics at Concordia University, St. Paul.

Aaron says the favorite part of his job involves positively affecting the lives of Walker Methodist’s residents. He loves hearing residents say they feel stronger and they are able to do things they haven’t been able to do in years. Aaron finds his job extremely rewarding; each day gives him something new to look forward to.

When he’s not helping Place residents in the fitness center, Aaron can be found spending time with his family in Savage. Aaron admits he's addicted to running; no matter what his day has been like, going for a run can help him relax. He also enjoys yard work and hunting.

Wendy Roser

Director of Life Enrichment

Wendy holds a BS in recreation, parks, and leisure studies with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from the University of Minnesota. She began her service to the residents of Walker Methodist Place in the spring of 2016. She chose this position because her personal values align with those of Walker Methodist. Previously, Wendy served as an adult day program director and a therapeutic recreation director. As our life enrichment director, Wendy designs, coordinates, and implements programs that promote fun, fitness, and learning. She takes pride in her excellent communications for those living with dementia. Her favorite reasons for working with seniors are smiles, laughter, learning, and hearing amazing stories. Wendy and her husband, Bill, enjoy volunteering with the Airedale Rescue and Transport Association. They walk the rescue dogs and conduct fundraising for the organization. She loves all animals, including her own dog and birds. Gardening is also a passion that she loves to share with everyone. Wendy wants to be remembered as someone who cares about others.

Carrie Zak

Director of Sales and Marketing, Walker Place

Carrie will tell you that she didn’t choose senior living—it chose her. She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved with older adults: volunteering at Bible studies, leading sing-a-longs, coordinating Bingo, and more. So, when she joined the team at Walker Methodist Place in 2020, Carrie knew she’d found the perfect next step in her journey in pursuit of her calling.

She’s worked in senior living for most of her career, most recently as an account executive with a home care agency. Her other roles included executive director at Southview Senior Communities and active life manager at The Waters Senior Living. Passionate about helping seniors find the highest quality of life, Carrie is delighted to be back in a relational role.

Her daily responsibilities include connecting with future residents, inviting folks to tour the community, assisting them with moving, and working with families through transitions. She’s known for making people feel comfortable and loves to help find solutions. As director of sales and marketing, Carrie strives to make sure everyone who visits Walker Place feels welcome. The best part of her job is seeing the joy on someone’s face when they discover how happy they are to have decided to make Walker Place home.

Carrie grew up in Winthrop, Minnesota, and now lives in Hastings with her husband, Rick. They have two sons, Noah and Blake, and two dogs. In her free time, Carrie enjoys being outside or at the lake, grilling, singing, and spending time with family and friends. Both her sons play guitar and sing, and she loves watching them perform. “I’m pretty sure I’m the luckiest person alive,” she often says.

She volunteers at her church and her kids’ high school. Carrie wants to be remembered as a caring person who was willing to help and did the right thing.

Carrie has a degree from Winona State University.

Ben Lee

Fitness Technician

I joined the team at Walker Methodist Place as fitness technician in spring of 2020. Previously, I worked at a rehab company, where I quickly recognized the important role physical fitness has for older adults living a full life and found my passion.

In college, I studied anatomy and physiology, thinking I’d work with athletes. Instead, I found myself helping people with preexisting health issues and discovering the best ways to improve the health of those with injuries and limitations. Before coming to Walker Methodist Place, I worked with the YWCA for more than 20 years. During this time, I ran my own training company and yoga business. Working for nonprofits allowed me to experience a variety of projects, trainings, seminars, and day-to-day operations. As a small business owner, I learned the necessity of customer service, time management, technology, and communication.

At Walker Methodist Place, I’ve produced on-demand fitness and wellness videos for members and residents to access any time. By overseeing the fitness center, I help ensure members are happy and things run smoothly. I also lead group exercises, personal training sessions, and provide education about using equipment. My goal is to help residents and members improve and maintain their health and independence. I believe the best thing I can offer is guidance and encouragement, and I’m enthusiastic about helping people feel confident and capable.

In my free time, I love spending time with family, gardening, being active, cooking and baking, photography, and playing board games.

I am a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM).