Assistant Executive Director
As our Assistant Executive Director, Annika is responsible for overseeing general operations of our Care Center for short-term transitional care and long-term care, as well as providing administrative support to the Care Center’s leaders and care team members. In her role, Annika gets to meet new residents and hear stories about their lives in their own words—it’s the part of her day she loves the most. When she’s not fielding questions about Care Center services, she enjoys learning about all facets of how we create a welcoming and strong community for residents and team members alike. Originally from the LaCrosse, Wisconsin area, Annika followed her heart to pursue a career at a faith-based organization and joined Ecumen Pathstone in 2024.
Annika’s favorite local amenities are not yet decided because she’s still exploring the Mankato area having recently relocated after five years living in the Twin Cities-Metro area while working on her undergraduate degree. She looks forward to finding her local faves of all kinds.
Away from work, Annika is pursuing her MBA and often dedicates her evenings and weekends to coursework. When she’s not working and studying, Annika enjoys reading and returning to Wisconsin for a restful stay at her family’s cabin.
Housing Director
As a Housing Director at Pathstone, Laura is the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking a living space in our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities. Her favorite aspect of work is helping prospective residents and their families find the right living space for their needs, where her extensive experience in senior housing helps guide them to confident decisions from inquiry to move-in. She also enjoys seeing residents thrive once in the community, and attributes that success to their ability to age in place at a campus that offers a full continuum of care. Originally from Le Sueur, MN, Laura joined Pathstone in 2007 because she believes in the Ecumen mission and non-profit status, and loves being part of a senior living campus that’s committed to all levels of service.
Laura loves Mankato. Her favorite local places to visit include outdoor adventures, such as walking the Minnesota River Valley Trail, attending a concert at Vetter Stone Amphitheater, and shopping Old Town.
Away from work, Laura is most likely walking her Goldendoodle when she’s not attending one of her daughter’s many tournaments (volleyball, softball) or recitals (dance), or taking in an outdoor concert.
Director of Nursing
As Director of Nursing for the Care Center, Heather leads our skilled care team and ensures regulatory compliance, while supporting quality, person-centered care. She works closely with team members, families, providers, and partners to meet the needs of our residents. A Mankato native, Heather began her healthcare journey as a nursing assistant and EMT before becoming a nurse, focusing much of her career on senior care. She joined Ecumen in 2022 and is passionate about serving older adults through a holistic, Montessori-inspired approach that aligns with Ecumen’s values.
Away from work, Heather enjoys family time, traveling, reading, and exploring local gems—from hidden restaurants to State Parks and Schmidt’s Meat Market in Nicollet.
Clinical Director
As Clinical Director, Kayla leads our care team while ensuring regulatory compliance across our full continuum of services. She works closely with staff, residents, and families to support compassionate, high-quality care. Originally from Mankato, MN, Kayla brings a strong background in medical-surgical, trauma, hospice, geriatric, and case management nursing. She joined Ecumen as a Nurse Manager in 2025 and now oversees Assisted Living and Memory Care. Passionate about aging services, she values the dedication her team brings to the Ecumen Pathstone community every day.
Away from work, Kayla enjoys kayaking on area lakes with her family, hiking local parks with her dogs Walter and Winston, and sipping London Fogs at the Coffee Hag. A proud mom of five, you’ll often find her at the ballfield or cheering from the bleachers. She also serves on the Nursing Advisory Board at Bethany Lutheran College.
Senior Living Consultant
As the Senior Living Consultant at Ecumen Pathstone, Jodi Meyer serves as the first point of contact for individuals and families exploring Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care options. Jodi enjoys guiding families through this important life transition—from the initial tour to move-in day—working to make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is seeing residents settle in and truly make Ecumen Pathstone their home.
Originally from Raymond, MN, Jodi joined Ecumen Pathstone in 2024 after six years in hospice care. A Mankato resident for over 15 years, Jodi enjoys supporting local, family-owned restaurants, attending outdoor concerts, and cheering on the Moondogs baseball team.
Away from work, Jodi loves traveling and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Community Life Director
