Meet Our Team, Shakopee, MN

We are delighted to introduce our dedicated care team, here to provide personalized care and unparalleled support. They are not just here to assist; they are here to enrich and enhance the lives of each resident, with a commitment to:

Arlyce Severson

Housing Administrator

Arlyce leads the Benedictine Windermere Way team by example. You may find her replenishing coffee in the bistro, serving meals in our memory care neighborhood or helping a resident to activities. In her eyes, everyone is here to serve the residents who call Benedictine Windermere Way home, no matter their job title. Her job may keep her busy with paperwork, but interacting with residents is her passion.

She started her career as a licensed practical nurse (which she still maintains) in long-term care in southwest MN. She moved to WI and opened one of the first Alzheimer’s units in the state and also served on the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors.

After moving back to MN, she was instrumental in developing, building and managing a number of local communities serving people living with Alzheimer’s. For the last five years she has worked at communities with independent living, assisted living and memory care, including at Windermere Way for the past two years.

Arlyce is married, has one daughter and four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Randy Buesgens

Sales and Marketing Director


Randy brings empathy, leadership and experience to Benedictine Windermere Way. Randy discovered a passion for senior care several years ago, fueled by the belief that there must be a better way to care for, respect and honor our seniors.

Randy’s first stop was a senior living community in Burnsville, where his fresh perspective and philosophy of person-centered care made an immediate impact. He quickly became known for his quick wit, sales methodology and knowledge. With his empathy and understanding, it was the perfect complement for immediate success in filling the community. He set a new standard for efficient operational management.

In 2021, he joined Benedictine Windermere Way, then a new, 183-unit senior living community offering a full continuum of care. He has excelled in his efforts here as well, filling the community with joyful residents. His love for them is on full display every day, helping to create a culture of sincerity and compassion that’s embraced by every member of the team here.

Randy is married and enjoys playing with his two grandchildren, bike riding, running marathons and riding his Harley.

Rachel Sampson

Wellness Director


Rachel started her career as a graphic designer, but while working part-time in a long-term care community, she realized she had a passion for enhancing the lives of seniors by providing a variety of fun and engaging activities, crafts and entertainment. That led her to take online classes to become certified and pursue a career as an activity director. She has worked mostly in senior living since 2001. Rachel made a move to Savage MN in 2015 and continued working in senior living. In 2023 she joined Benedictine Windermere Way as our wellness director.

Rachel’s hobbies include family time, yoga, hiking, painting, crafting, spending time with her two rescue pups and seven grandchildren.

Chrischelle Bjerke

Human Resources Representative


As a relatively new addition to the team, Chrischelle brings a fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm for creating a positive work environment.

She is passionate about not only supporting the fantastic people who make up our staff, but also contributing wherever she can to the seamless operation of our community. She believes that a compassionate and dedicated team is at the heart of providing exceptional care and is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. Whether it’s collaborating on a project or assisting in day-to-day operations, she ensures that our community continues to thrive.

Outside of the office, her world revolves around her loving husband, beautiful daughter and two furry companions, as well as visiting family in Mexico. Family is a cornerstone of her life, and she brings that same sense of connection and care to her role in human resources at Benedictine Windermere Way.

Lori Thaves

Business Office Manager


Lori entered the senior healthcare field at the age of 16 and has not left. Beginning as a certified nursing assistant and also working as a trained medication assistant through college, Lori discovered her passion for the senior living community. After running a senior dining site, Lori made a change to the business side of senior healthcare and became a business office manager.

Lori brought 26 years of business office experience with her when she joined Benedictine Windermere Way in 2021. Lori also brings empathy and understanding to the often-complex business side of senior healthcare and was honored with Benedictine’s Sister Claudia Living a Legacy award in 2023. She finds joy in working with and developing relationships with residents and their families. She also has enjoyed working with so many great people over the years and is honored to be part of the wonderful team at Benedictine Windermere Way.

In her spare time Lori enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to warmer climates, camping trips in her RV and in her new role as a grandma.

Rev. Stephanie Friant

Spiritual Care Coordinator
Rev.

Stephanie provides the residents of Benedictine Windermere Way with opportunities for ecumenical worship and services, spiritual growth and pastoral care.

Her pastoral experience has been within church and hospital settings, as well as in local nonprofit ministries. Trained as an ecumenical chaplain and church pastor, Rev. Stephanie is called to create personalized spiritual opportunities. At Benedictine Windermere Way, she is blessed to walk with a variety of people on their journeys, witnessing to their stories and life.

When not leading services, Bible studies, grief groups or meeting privately with residents, Rev. Stephanie is often found chatting and laughing over coffee with those gathered in the bistro. Her approachable manner, smile and flexibility assists in extending the Benedictine tradition of hospitality throughout the building.

Rev. Stephanie lives nearby with her husband, two teenagers and four (yes four!) cats. Her spare time is spent coaching a robotics team, making art, and acting as a parish associate at a St. Louis Park church.

Like many of our residents, Rev. Stephanie knew this was where she was called when she was greeted by the gracious hospitality that runs throughout the community.

Bruce Knaak

Plant Operations Supervisor


Bruce was born and raised in Shakopee and brings a variety of skills and experience with him. He was always seeking a position where he could give back and serve his community and Benedictine Windermere way gave him the opportunity to do so. He is a dedicated and compassionate problem solver, committed to working with the management team and residents to ensure the well-being for the community.

Gorma Tougbay

MSN, BSN, RN Director of Nursing Services

“Treat others as you would like to be treated.” This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. I feel it shows my dedication to providing the best quality of care to those whom I serve. I started off in the healthcare field as a resident assistant in 2010. I knew I wanted to continue working in healthcare as a nurse, so I enrolled in a community college. I obtained my LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) certification in 2016 and have also earned an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree. I love working with the geriatric population because they bring me so much joy! The interactions and lasting memories are the best part of my job!

MacKenzie Caldwell

Concierge

Karli Oye

RN Clinical Manager Assisted Living


Joe Schultz

Director of Culinary Services