Stars Among Us Awards Given to 20 Deserving Recipients During 2025 Institute and Expo

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Ben Hansen

Each year, our Stars Among Us Awards recognize incredible individuals – whether staff, volunteers, or leaders – and entire organizations who demonstrate unique commitment to transforming and enhancing the experience of aging across Minnesota.

This year’s award winners were honored at a special Awards Banquet during last week’s 2025 Institute & Expo. The full list of winners is below. Congratulations to these individuals, organizations, and communities honored. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serving older adults in Minnesota.

Caregiver of the Year Award Winners

• Statewide Volunteer of the Year - Marta Leveron (Samaritan Bethany, Inc.)
• District A Volunteer of the Year - Karen Hedman (LifeCare Medical Center)
• District B Volunteer of the Year - Connie Kalli (Evergreen Knoll)
• District C Volunteer of the Year - Janelle Kressin (Eventide Senior Living Communities)
• District D Volunteer of the Year - Shay Grant (The Levande, Vivie)
• District E Volunteer of the Year - Maria Montelongo (Avera Morningside Heights Care Center)
• District F Volunteer of the Year - Alyssa Neumann-Fasching (Birchwood Cottages)
• District G Volunteer of the Year - Marivie Peterson (Boutwells Landing, Presbyterian Homes)

Volunteer of the Year Award Winners

• Statewide Caregiver of the Year - Bruce Nolan (Catholic Eldercare)
• District A Caregiver of the Year - Pastor Steve Norby (Crystal Brook Senior Living, Vivie)
• District B Caregiver of the Year - Legacy Lake Fishing Volunteers (Minnesota Veterans Home)
• District C Caregiver of the Year - Laurie Lahman (St. William's Living Center)
• District D Caregiver of the Year - Dale Oscarson (Rusheba Senior Living)
• District E Caregiver of the Year - Diane and Bryce Maurice (Bethesda)
• District G Caregiver of the Year - Charlotte Selby (Saint Therese)

Individual Awards

• Rising Star Award Recipient- Sam Pahl (Chapel View Campus, Cassia)
• Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient - Adam Masloski (Boundary Waters Care Center)
• Spirit of Aging Award Recipient - Lenice Renner (Praha Village, Cassia)

Excellence in Practice Award Winners

• Catholic Eldercare Inc., Minneapolis Excellence in Quality of Life, Integrative Therapy Program for Staff and Residents
• Benedictine, Excellence in Workforce Development, Benedictine Staffing LLC and Internal Float Pool

To view photos from our Awards Banquet, please click here.