Privately Owned and Managed
In the mid 1980’s, The Kenwood was built by two friends, both military veterans, who wanted to offer active retirement living in a community that was full of life, service, and spirit. For more than 35 years, The Kenwood continues to be owned by the two friends who today remain very involved and deeply committed.
When they built the community, there were precious few senior living communities in the country. There were a few “old people’s homes” mostly run by religious organizations and nursing homes. Period. They thought, “There’s got to be a better way to care for our older adults.”
No Corporate Red Tape
Many cookie-cutter retirement communities are managed by corporate offices located thousands of miles away. The Kenwood owners provide autonomy to provide care that is centered around the individual, transparent pricing, and strong support to the management and staff.
Long-term Staff Means Familiar (and Friendly) Faces
The longevity of staff members at The Kenwood is attributed to the involvement and support of the ownership. Led by Executive Director, Jennifer Volkenant, a Kenwood staff member since 2001, the front office boasts more than 100 years of combined experience and employment at The Kenwood. Three managers have been at The Kenwood for more than 20 years. Consistency of leadership and long-term frontline managers provide unmatched stability and support for the community.
Staff Members
Jennifer S. Volkenant
Executive Director
“I feel fortunate to work with our phenomenal residents and staff at The Kenwood. We are more than a place of residence, we are a loving community where residents make new friendships and care for each other like family. Having the opportunity to learn from our resident’s life experiences and observing our wonderful staff interactions makes my job very enjoyable and fulfilling.”
Jennifer joined The Kenwood team in September 2001. Since then she has held positions as Resident Services Director, Director of Homecare and was promoted to Executive Director in 2009.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Minnesota, Mankato, with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master of Science. She also is a licensed social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor. She has worked with older adults in various settings for the past 22 years.
Karen Edberg
Marketing Director
“Having the ability to assist residents and families in opening a whole new world, makes my job very rewarding. From the initial tour, to coordinating the move, I thoroughly enjoy what I do, watching new residents blossom at The Kenwood.”
Karen Edberg has been in the senior marketing industry for the past 11 years. Prior to marketing, she managed a country club where she developed strong customer service skills. Karen orchestrates the marketing operations for The Kenwood. She conducts tours with seniors and their families and coordinates the move-in process to ensure a smooth transition. She enjoys assisting seniors in finding the perfect apartment and making them feel welcome in their new community.
Karen makes her home in Edina with her husband Jeff. She is the mother of three sons and is also a proud grandmother.
Brandy Rhodes
Activities Director
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work in an environment with passionate staff who love what they do and vibrant residents who amaze me every day with what they can accomplish. It is such a unique opportunity to do what I do and I’m so fortunate to be here.”
Brandy joined The Kenwood team in August of 2016 as the Director of Activities. She ensures the residents have the best opportunities possible by providing high quality programs and outings that meet their needs.
Brandy was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelors of Music in performance. Her studies continued as she pursued a Masters in Music Therapy with the hopes of using her music to help heal, comfort, and teach others. Brandy has worked with seniors and directed their purposeful activities for the last 18 years in a variety of settings including a very rewarding time as a Memory Care Director on an Alzheimer’s neighborhood.
Brandy is married and has two beautiful and energetic daughters and a cuddly cat. In their down time they enjoy going for long bike rides/walks, sewing/crafting, cooking, and lots of laughing and singing!
Anna Lantto, RN
Director of Nursing
“Joining the dedicated staff at The Kenwood is a dream come true. I enjoy getting to know each of the residents, their families, learning their history, and watching and assisting them with living the best that they can in their present. ”
Anna worked 18 years as a nurse’s aide, which helped her realize that working with the elderly is what she was born to do. Being a nurse, and especially as a part of The Kenwood community, is a gift she cherishes deeply.
Anna grew up in White Bear Lake, spent her 20s living in Minneapolis and moved back to White Bear Lake to raise her 2 children. Being a nurse and a mom are her joys in life. Her many life experiences help her relate to others and share in their pain and recovery.
Jeff Edberg
Culinary Director
“Fresh produce and ingredients, made from scratch is the basis for our menus. I design seasonal menus that compliment the seasonally fresh ingredients in Minnesota. Jeff sets the bar high and leads the culinary department with lighter, healthier food choices. Not only do we offer the new and exciting trends in dishes we serve, we will also serve traditional ‘comfort foods’ but cooked in lighter and healthier ways.”
Chef Jeff leads the way to provide the most satisfying dining experience possible at The Kenwood. Jeff joined The Kenwood team with 25+ years’ experience in the restaurant industry serving as Executive Chef at Stone brook Country Club and Minnesota Valley Country club as well as years as Culinary Director in other twin cities senior retirement communities. Jeff was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He makes his home in Edina with his wife Karen and son Jared.
Jean Golden
Business Office Manager
“I really enjoy working with our residents. They are all very special people and unique in their own way. Visiting with them and hearing their life stories inspires me and touches my heart.”
Jean joined The Kenwood in January 2013 as the Business Office Manager. Her responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and other business functions including working closely with the residents with rent questions. She enjoys working in the accounting field and comes to The Kenwood with many years of experience.
Jean has made her home in Eagan for more than 25 years and enjoys spending time with her son and family. She is very proud of her son who is currently serving in the military as a C130 Mechanic and who has also been called to active duty overseas throughout his 14 years of service.
She also enjoys spending time at the lake with her family, gardening and trips up to the North Shore.
Andrea Dammann
Housekeeping Supervisor
“I began working for the Kenwood in 2019; I am excited to transition from hotel management to residential management where I can engage in and be a part of a community that takes great pride in the residents, the building and its surroundings.”
Andrea was born and raised in Minnesota and began a career in hospitality upon graduation. She has over 30 years of experience working for various hotels, including the last 10 years with Marriot Hotels as a Manager. Her family is the cornerstone of who she is and while not at work, she enjoys time being a wife, mother to two beautiful young women and a proud grandmother to an amazing grandson.
Rick Hatfield
Building Engineer
“I enjoy being a member of The Kenwood staff. The appreciation I feel from the residents is quite rewarding. Not only am I the engineer for The Kenwood mechanical operations, I also strive to get to know every resident to ensure they are comfortable in their home.”
Rick joined The Kenwood in August 2001. He is responsible for the overall maintenance of the building which includes heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and care of the grounds.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the maintenance field. Prior to joining The Kenwood he served as a Maintenance Supervisor for the Eagan School District. Rick is Licensed by the State of Minnesota as a Chief Boiler Operator and is a Certified Pool Operator.
Rick has made his home in Eagan for more than 25 years with his wife Nancy and daughters Cassie and Mattie.