Who We Are.
Meet Ecumen’s caring and committed professionals
Krista Hesse
Executive Director – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Krista was promoted to Executive Director of Ecumen Prairie Hill and Ecumen Sand Prairie in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to working for Ecumen, she worked with people with severe and persistent mental health issues and then as a Staffing Coordinator and HR Specialist for a skilled nursing facility in Roseville, MN. Krista’s favorite part of working at Ecumen is “the support, knowledge, tools, and opportunities to grow. And the residents, of course. I feel that we have a cohesive team that supports and cheers each other on, both at the site level and by Support Services of the Shoreview team. I genuinely enjoy coming here each day to work with and support our residents and team members. It’s both challenging and rewarding.” When not working, Krista enjoys spending time with family and friends, spoiling her cat Darwin, joking around (both at work and outside of work), and being outdoors.
Kim Putz
Clinical Director – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Kim has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Rasmussen College. She is currently studying to receive her Master in Business Administration-Healthcare from Western Governors University. Prior to working for Ecumen St. Peter, Kim worked as a Nurse Manager at Laurels Peak Long Term Care Facility in Mankato and more recently as the Director of Nursing at the Ridgeview Le Sueur Hospital. Her favorite part of the job is working family atmosphere and being part of an amazing team of caregivers. When Kim is not caring for the Ecumen family she cares for her sister and son who live with her. Kim also has a daughter studying at North Dakota State University to complete her Medical Laboratory Science Degree. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, going for long walks, attending live outdoor music events, and camping.
Sara Gersemehl
Sales & Marketing Mgr. – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Phone: 507-484-2216
Sara Gersemehl is the Sales & Marketing Manager for Ecumen Prairie Hill and Sand Prairie. She has been in the property management industry for over 10 years and most recently came from a senior living property in Lakeville, MN.
She is excited about working for Ecumen and getting to know each of the residents personally. Working in customer service is her passion and her new role gives her much joy in servicing the needs of others. She calls Ecumen her “forever home.”
Sara has one daughter. “She is my joy in life,” Sara said. She also has one cat, which is a black and white tuxedo cat. Sara enjoys family time and spending time on the weekends helping her parents and going on walks with her daughter in the evenings.
Sara manages the sales and marketing for both Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie.
Craig Spoor
Environmental Mgr. – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Born and raised in New Ulm, MN. Craig excelled in the food flavoring industry with Firmenich for 22 years. Retired in 2016 but just not ready for retirement, Craig had the desire for a change in working environment, and with that came Ecumen in 2019. He started as a maintenance tech, and now serves as the maintenance manager for both Ecumen Prairie Hill and Ecumen Sand Prairie. In his spare time, Craig enjoys driving, car maintenance and most of all exploring new restaurants and areas in and around Minnesota.
Therese Schimek
Ecumen Prairie Hill Life Enrichment Director
Meet Our New Life Enrichment Supervisor!! Therese Schimek is our new Life Enrichment Supervisor. Therese grew up on a farm near Easton in south central Minnesota. After spending 25 years in Iowa, Therese moved back 4 years ago to be closer to family. She has 3 children – Madeline in New Ulm, Christina in St. Louis, MO, and Sam in Minneapolis. Her parents and sister’s family live in New Ulm. Therese graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy. She enjoys music, gardening, any excuse to get outdoors, reading, sewing and most recently, and acrylic painting. Therese is very excited to be working here at Ecumen Prairie Hill. She enjoys working with seniors for their knowledge, wisdom and great sense of humor. “The most enjoyable moments are watching someone rediscover a passion or that ‘aha’ moment of finding a new skill or past time”.
Tami Murphy
Business Office Specialist – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Phone: 507-934-5202
Tami joined Ecumen St. Peter as the Business Office Manager for Ecumen Prairie Hill and Ecumen Sand Prairie. Prior to Ecumen, Tami worked as a Financial Specialist for Lutheran Social Services for 8 years. Tami earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University in Open Study. Her three main areas of study were Social Work, Health and Gerontology. She also minored in Gerontology. Tami also earned an Accounting Degree from Rasmussen College in Mankato. In her spare time, Tami enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and her hobby is refinishing old furniture. What she likes best about Ecumen St. Peter, “getting to know all of the residents.”
Kim Horner
People Services Specialist – Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie
Phone: 507-934-2200
Kim joined Ecumen St. Peter as the People Services Specialist (HR) for Ecumen Prairie Hill and Ecumen Sand Prairie. Kim and her husband Corey have two grown children, and have lived in the St. Peter community for over 20 years. They also have a husky dog whom they love and cherish. Kim’s hobbies include reading, watching volleyball, and spending time with friends and family! From a professional standpoint, Kim’s comes to us from Taylor Corporation in North Mankato where she worked as a Supervisor for many years. Kim recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and is very excited to be working with the Ecumen family.