Congratulations to our 2024 MNSWAP award winners! Thank you for all you do to support the activitiy profession and our seniors!
Activity Professional of the Year
Jocelyn Jacoby
Activity Director
Tuff Memoria Home
Jocelyn provides quality of life for her residents, builds community, is always a positive leader in her facility, Region 5 and MNSWAP as a whole. She goes above and beyond in her everyday work and does it all with a smile. The residents and their families and FEEL that and it’s made a HUGE impact in Tuff Memorial Home and their community. Congratulations Jocelyn!
Volunteer of the Year
Gary McPherson
Presbyterian Homes Minnetonka Shores
Gary has volunteered more than 1300 hours to the enrichment of all residents. He is open and willing to volunteer step in to help whenever it is needed. Gary embodies our mission to the fullest. His generous giving of self to enrich all our residents lives better. Gary is a pillar of our culture of inclusion and engagement, and he demonstrates this on a daily basis by his actions.
Excellence in Administration
Jennifer Smollen
Administrator Cura of Monticello
Nominated by Brooke Moran, Activity Director
Jen has worked in the same building for over 15 years serving in various roles including social worker in LTC, social services director of the campus, and Care Center Administrator. With her social service background, she understands the importance of leisure activity on mental health. She has been supportive and willing to increase the staffing in the activities department leading to evening programming 7 days a week. When certain activities haven’t necessarily been in budget, she has helped to think creatively to make them happen such as having a sled dog team come to visit the residents during the winter. Brooke states: she has supported my passion and goals to practice Horticultural Therapy. Congratulations Jennifer!
