Meet Our Team
Jalove Johnson
Executive Director
jjohnson@carettaseniorliving.comWith 27 years of experience in healthcare, Jalove has dedicated her career to serving residents, families, and staff through a wide range of leadership and caregiving roles. Beginning as a Nursing Assistant and later working as a Social Worker, Home Care Agency Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Executive Director, she has developed a deep understanding of the many ways compassionate care can positively impact lives. Jalove is passionate about healthcare because each role has given her the opportunity to support residents, empower staff, and provide comfort and guidance to families. She believes strong leadership begins with investing in people and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow. Guided by a philosophy taught to her by a trusted mentor, “there is a leader in everyone”, Jalove is committed to mentoring and uplifting her team. She pours into her staff the same encouragement, compassion, and support she hopes they will extend to others. Her leadership style is rooted in teamwork, service, and inspiring others to recognize their potential while delivering exceptional care.
Emily Schommer
Director of Sales
eschommer@carettaseniorliving.comEmily began her career as a caregiver and has since grown into roles across management, sales, and admissions within senior living communities and home health. These experiences have shaped her strong heart for people and her passion for making others feel genuinely cared for. What drives Emily most is walking alongside residents and families through challenging situations, working as a team to help them find a place where they feel safe, supported, and truly at home. She finds deep fulfillment in building trust and being a steady, compassionate presence during some of life’s most important transitions. Emily is especially excited to connect with new families, learn their stories, and support them as they navigate the decision-making process. She takes pride in helping each family find not just a place to live, but a community where they feel a true sense of belonging, comfort, and home. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and follow-through ensuring families feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way. She values strong collaboration with her team and believes the best outcomes happen when everyone is aligned around what’s best for the resident. Outside of work, Emily enjoys singing at her church and spending time with her family, including her pup, Douglas.
Alex Dugas
Director of Nursing
adugas@carettaseniorliving.comAlex Dugas is a Director of Nursing who truly believes in caring for the whole person. She values a holistic approach to healthcare and knows that the best care happens when teams communicate, collaborate, and support one another. As a leader, Alex is approachable, communicative, and passionate about creating an environment where both residents and staff feel heard and respected. She lives in the community with her husband, stepson, and their dog, and enjoys building meaningful connections both at work and at home. In her free time, Alex loves reading, spending quality time with her family, and being outdoors whenever she can.
Kate Garbow
Life Enrichment Director
kgarbow@carettaseniorliving.comKate brings several years of experience in healthcare, with a background in marketing and event coordination within mental health treatment. A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, she brings a creative, highly organized, and fresh perspective to life enrichment. Her passion for working with seniors is deeply personal, shaped by close relationships with her grandparents and firsthand experience supporting family members through cognitive challenges and physical limitations. She is committed to creating a welcoming environment where residents feel respected, understood, and supported, believing that consistent opportunities for connection and a sense of purpose make all the difference. Minnesota born and raised; Kate is excited to return to the Twin Cities after her time in Wisconsin. She find enjoyment in all things golf after competing collegiately and coaching high school, as well as singing, and spending time with family and her cats.
Tammi Jones
Business Office Manager
tjones@carettaseniorliving.comTammi brings 20 years of experience in healthcare and administrative services. She is passionate about supporting residents and their families by ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience from the moment they arrive. Her work behind the scenes helps the community thrive, allowing the focus to remain on resident care and engagement. Known for her strong organizational skills, Tammi takes pride in being a resource for both families and staff.
Ceno Forest
Dining Services Director
cforest@unidine.comCeno Forest serves as the Dining Services Director at Caretta Senior Living in Maplewood, where he leads the dining program with a strong focus on hospitality, quality, and resident connection. With years of experience in senior living dining services, Ceno is passionate about creating meals that not only nourish residents but also bring comfort and enjoyment to their daily lives. He believes dining is one of the most important parts of a resident’s day and works closely with his team to ensure every meal is prepared and served with care. Ceno is known for building strong teams, listening to resident feedback, and continuously improving menus and service to meet the needs of the community. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork, consistency, and creating a welcoming environment where residents feel valued and at home. Outside of work, Ceno enjoys spending time with his children, supporting youth sports and activities, and working alongside his family to help build and grow Golden Heart Daycare.
Kyle Bischoff
Dining Services Director
kbischoff@unidine.comWith extensive experience in healthcare and senior living, Kyle leads the dining program at Caretta with a passion for hospitality and resident-centered service. He oversees all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu planning and budgeting to themed events and special occasions, always with the goal of making mealtimes a highlight of the day. Kyle is committed to providing not just nutritious meals, but memorable experiences that bring residents together. He and his wife live in Hugo, MN, where they share their home with a dog and a cat. In his free time, Kyle enjoys bowling, fishing, playing disc golf, and relaxing with his family.
Colleen Roloff
Executive Director
croloff@carettaseniorliving.comColleen Roloff brings over 25 years of experience in senior care, beginning her career as a Physical Therapist Assistant providing homecare services to older adults. She later earned her Master’s degree in Health and Human Services, further deepening her commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors. With a strong passion for creating a nurturing and engaging environment, Colleen is dedicated to ensuring residents feel at home while leading a team of compassionate professionals. Having personally experienced the challenges of transitioning loved ones into senior living, she understands the emotional journey families face. Her devotion to Memory Care is especially close to her heart, having cared for her mother during her decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s. Outside of work, Colleen enjoys agility training with her dog, quilting, and cheering on her favorite football team. However, her greatest joy comes from spending long summer weekends at the lake with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Andrew Villella
Director of Nursing
avillella@carettaseniorliving.comAndrew Villella brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for senior care to his role as Director of Nursing. With a strong background in healthcare, he is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care for residents while fostering a supportive and compassionate environment for both residents and staff. Andrew takes great pride in leading a team of skilled professionals who share his commitment to excellence in senior living. He believes in a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing not only on medical needs but also on the overall well-being of each resident. Outside of work, Andrew loves spending time with his wife and kids, especially enjoying anything outdoors. He is proud to be part of a team that prioritizes the health, safety, and happiness of every resident and looks forward to making a positive impact in their lives every day.
Valerie Gauster
Life Enrichment Director
vgauster@carettaseniorliving.comValerie brings over 25 years of experience in the service field and has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and engaging experiences for older adults. She believes in the power of connection and works to design programs that bring joy, purpose, and creativity into the daily lives of residents. Her approach centers on meeting everyone where they are, ensuring every resident feels valued and included. Outside of her work, Valerie enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring her many creative hobbies, which often inspire the activities she brings into the community.
Angie Kivel
Director of Sales
akivel@greatlakesmc.comHi! I’m Angie Kivel, the Regional Sales Specialist with Great Lakes Management Company. With a nursing background and extensive experience in healthcare sales and marketing, I am honored to support families as they navigate the journey of senior living. My goal is to be a trusted resource, providing guidance and compassion every step of the way. Outside of work, I stay busy with my three daughters, who range in age from 14 to 25—we love shopping, working out, and taking long drives together! I’m also a proud grand-dog mom to Harley, an energetic Golden Retriever who keeps us all on our toes. In my free time, I enjoy singing and performing, reading true crime books, and staying active through walking, running, and weightlifting. I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated team and am always available to support residents, families, and staff in any way I can. Come and enjoy a personal tour of our community and a special treat from our Chef!
Brian Glonek
Director of Sales & Marketing
bglonek@greatlakesmc.comBrian Glonek is the Director of Sales for Caretta Maplewood, bringing over a decade of experience in serving seniors and their families. He offers a unique perspective, having both personally navigated the challenges of transitioning loved ones into senior living and professionally served as a member of a care team. Brian's empathetic approach and understanding nature make him an excellent resource for seniors and families navigating this process for the first time. Outside of work, Brian enjoys staying active outdoors, attending concerts, exploring the Twin Cities, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
Melody Merrins
Life Enrichment Director
mmerrins@carettaseniorliving.comMelody Merrins is a passionate and dedicated Life Enrichment Director with three years of experience creating engaging, meaningful programs for senior living communities. She deeply understands the importance of social, mental, and physical well-being and works closely with residents to design personalized activities that promote wellness, connection, and lifelong learning. Driven by a love for helping others live their best lives, Melody has successfully implemented a variety of enriching programs tailored to diverse interests and abilities. Whether organizing fitness classes, cultural events, or creative arts projects, she goes above and beyond to bring joy to residents every day. Melody has a special passion for connecting with residents through music. Coming from a family of musicians and being actively involved in music promotion and the local music scene, she brings a unique and vibrant energy to Caretta that everyone enjoys. Committed to fostering an environment where residents feel valued, inspired, and connected, Melody is proud to be part of a team that enhances the lives of seniors through engagement and meaningful experiences.