Meet Our Team in shakopee, mn

We’re Here to Help You

Kendra Boerst

Housing Administrator

Kendra leads by example, so you may find her refilling coffee in the bistro, serving meals in our memory care dining room or assisting a resident to an activity. She believes everyone is here to serve the residents who call Benedictine Windermere Way home, no matter their job title. Her responsibilities may keep her busy with paperwork, but interacting with residents is her passion.

Kendra has worked with seniors since she was a pre-teen, with a heart that is firmly attached to the senior living world. Starting as an activities volunteer, she was over the moon to obtain her CNA and get paid to do something she loves to do — care for seniors! From there, she continued on to earn her Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Licensed Assisted Living Director licenses. 

After obtaining her licensure, Kendra started with Benedictine as the Housing Administrator at Benedictine Living Community-Osseo. After over four years at that community, she is very excited to be joining our community in Shakopee. 

Kendra is married with two dogs and two young kids. Family is everything to her, and most of her free time is spent with them. Kendra also loves to read and crochet, and has been part of an avid book club for over 5 years! 

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

Environmental Services Director

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!