Meet the MNSWAP Board!
President- Jackie Klaphake
Meet Jackie: The Smile-Seeking, Garden-Growing, Dementia-Dazzling Dimensions Manager!
At The Sanctuary at St. Cloud, Jackie is more than just the Dimensions Manager—she’s the heartbeat of joy, purpose, and connection for residents living with dementia. With 3 years in her current role and a rich 8.5-year background in hospice care, Jackie’s journey has been rooted in compassion, creativity, and a deep love for making people smile.
Her career began as a CNA fresh out of college, eager to gain experience with seniors. That spark grew into a flame during her time in hospice, where she discovered the power of presence—whether through pampering, playing games, or simply holding a hand in silence. In volunteer services, Jackie became a mentor, showing others how even the smallest gestures can leave the biggest impact.
Now, she channels that wisdom into her work with dementia residents, crafting meaningful activities that help them rediscover their sense of purpose. Her motto? “If I can get you to smile, I’ve done my job.” And trust us—she does her job beautifully.
Jackie stumbled upon MNSWAP thanks to a coworker’s nudge and a boss who believes in lifelong learning. What started as a conference turned into a lifeline—a place to reset, recharge, and reimagine. Jackie attends every education session and regional meeting, soaking up ideas, sharing challenges, and connecting with fellow activity professionals. For her, MNSWAP is a creative playground and a support system rolled into one.
When Jackie’s not sparking joy at work, she’s outdoors living her best life. She’s a passionate gardener with perennial beds that rival botanical gardens and houseplants in every window. You’ll find her boating on the Mississippi, biking with her kids, fishing, painting, sewing, decorating, and relaxing in her hammock by a bonfire.
And did we mention her animal kingdom? Jackie’s home is a lively zoo with a dog, cat, snake, bunny, 11 chickens, and a pond full of 30 goldfish and 5 koi. With her partner of 17 years and two amazing kids (ages 16 and 8), Jackie’s life is a beautiful blend of nature, nurture, and nonstop creativity.
Past President- Monica Amaya
Monica Amaya: Director of Joy, Builder of Community, and Chief Memory Maker
If you walk through the doors of Boulder Estates in Marshall, MN, chances are you’ll hear laughter echoing down the halls, the hum of a lively activity, or the warm voice of Monica Amaya orchestrating another day of meaningful connection. As the Director of Tenant Services, Monica doesn’t just manage programs—she curates joy for a community of 135 residents who call Boulder Estates home.
Monica’s journey into senior care began at just 17, when she became a CNA/TMA in a nursing home. What started as a job quickly blossomed into a calling. From creating evening programs as a Health Support Specialist to leading a 76-bed long-term care facility as an Activity Director for six years, Monica has spent the last decade transforming everyday moments into extraordinary memories.
Since 2015, she’s been a proud member of the activity profession, and for the past four years, she’s brought her signature blend of heart, hustle, and humor to Boulder Estates. Whether she’s crafting an activity calendar, planning a themed event, or simply sharing a smile, Monica’s mission is clear: help others live life to the fullest.
A proud member of MNSWAP, Monica credits the organization with fueling her growth and connecting her with a tribe of like-minded professionals. Her first fall conference lit a fire in her soul—and she’s been blazing trails ever since.
When she’s not lighting up the lives of her residents, Monica is up before the sun, hitting the gym, and pouring love into her favorite people: her husband of 18 years, their four amazing kids (ages 17 to 5), and their fluffy moyen poodle, Teddy. The Amayas are active in their church and love spending time together—whether it’s game night, road trips, or just a cozy evening at home.
Fun fact: Monica was born in Texas, raised in Minnesota, and is proudly Hispanic—though she never learned Spanish growing up.
Monica Amaya is more than a director—she’s a spark, a storyteller, and a steadfast believer in the power of community, compassion, and a really good bingo night.
Vice President- Ashley English
Meet Ashley: The Puzzle-Loving, Dirt-Track-Romance, Next Gen Dynamo!
Ashley is the heartbeat behind the scenes at Riverside Church, serving as the Next Gen Admin Assistant with a passion that’s contagious and a smile that can light up a youth room faster than a pizza delivery on game night. With over 12 years in the activities world, she’s a seasoned pro at turning chaos into connection and spreadsheets into celebrations.
Her journey into the field wasn’t exactly textbook—unless that textbook was about unexpected career pivots. While studying something totally unrelated in college, Ashley picked up a part-time gig in activities and quickly realized she’d found her calling.
When she’s not wrangling calendars or coordinating the next big youth event, Ashley’s rare moments of spare time are filled with quiet joys: diving into a good book, conquering puzzles like a logic ninja, and laughing with friends until her cheeks hurt.
Ashley met her husband at a dirt track—he was racing against her dad, who promptly crashed him. Sparks flew (and maybe a little dust), and the rest is history. Who says romance can’t come with a little fender-bending drama?
Ashley brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of hustle to everything she does. Whether she’s building bridges with the next generation or solving mysteries one puzzle piece at a time, she’s all in—with purpose, passion, and just the right amount of sass.
Education- Pamela Hayle
Meet Pam: The Trailblazer of Therapeutic Recreation
Pam is not just a Director of Safety and Quality Support at Cassia Care in Edina, MN—she’s a living legend in the activity profession world. With 47 years of experience (yes, you read that right!), Pam has been shaping the field of activities. Her first 28 years were spent at a bustling 300-bed health care center in Minneapolis, where she turned “activities” into a cornerstone of compassionate care.
Pam’s journey began with a BA in Psychology and Education and a heart for helping others. After four years working with delinquent youth, a friend saw her spark and recommended her for a role at Augustana Minneapolis. That spark ignited a lifelong passion—and the rest is history.
Back in the day, before MEPAP and online learning, Pam found her professional lifeline in MNSWAP. It was the only place offering relevant, continuing education for activity professionals. She credits MNSWAP with helping transform the field from “playing games” to a therapeutic, assessment-driven, person-centered practice. And she’s been cheering it on for over four decades.
When she’s not revolutionizing elder care, Pam is cheering from the bleachers at her grandson’s games, rooting for the MN Twins, hiking scenic trails, working out, or vacationing with her family.
And here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: Pam co-authored a book on Governance in Nursing Homes with the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. Oh, and she once sea-kayaked solo across Lake Superior.
Pam is proof that passion, purpose, and a paddle can take you anywhere.
Secretary- Julia Austin
Meet the Wellness Dynamo of Highland Senior Living!
Nestled in the heart of Little Falls, MN, you’ll find a spark of energy and inspiration named Julia, the Community Life Director and Certified Personal Trainer specializing in Senior Fitness at Highland Senior Living. With over six years of experience in the activity profession, Julia has been the architect of joy, designing programs that weave connection, purpose, and play into the daily lives of both adults and adolescents.
Her journey began with a heart full of compassion and a CNA badge, but even before that, she was a volunteer bringing smiles to nursing home residents—back when activity programming was more bingo than brilliance. That early spark ignited a lifelong passion for engagement and wellness, and she’s been on a mission ever since: to prove that meaningful activities can transform lives.
Why MNSWAP? Because Julia knows that creativity thrives in community. MNSWAP is her go-to source for fresh ideas, professional growth, and the kind of inspiration that fuels the soul. The annual conference is her personal recharge station—where she gathers new perspectives to bring back to her residents and team.
When she’s not leading the charge at Highland, you’ll find her flowing through Pilates, scribbling poetry in her journal, or globe-trotting with her adorable pug, Deli. She’s a wellness explorer, always seeking new ways to blend creativity with self-growth.
And here’s a little-known gem: Julia is a published author and the visionary behind Blooming Wellness LLC—a holistic brand that fuses emotional intelligence, leadership development, and physical wellness into one powerful bouquet of transformation.
Vendors- Stacie Oakland
Meet Stacie: The Heartbeat of Benedictine Living Community Duluth
If you’ve ever wandered the halls of Benedictine Living Community Duluth and felt a burst of joy, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Stacie — the Wellness and Volunteer Director who’s been sprinkling sunshine and smiles in the activity profession for an incredible 38 years!
Stacie’s journey began with a simple truth: she’s always loved being around the elderly. Starting out as an Activity Assistant, she quickly discovered her calling — creating meaningful moments and unforgettable experiences for seniors. Fast forward nearly four decades, and she’s now the dynamic force behind wellness and volunteer programs that make every day feel like a celebration.
But Stacie’s magic doesn’t stop at her workplace. She’s a proud, passionate member of MNSWAP (Minnesota Statewide Activity Professionals), and has been for over 30 years. Her secret to staying inspired? Never missing a single MNSWAP conference — not once in 38 years! That’s right, she’s a conference legend. Stacie swears by MNSWAP’s power to connect, uplift, and energize activity professionals, and she encourages everyone in the field to dive in and experience the magic.
When she’s not orchestrating joy at work, Stacie recharges by spending quality time with her family, taking peaceful walks, and enjoying breezy bike rides. Her life is a beautiful blend of heart, hustle, and harmony — and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
So here’s to Stacie: a trailblazer, a connector, and a never-miss-a-conference kind of gal who proves that passion and purpose make the best kind of career.
Communications- Julie Reginek
Meet Julie: The Queen of Activities and Adventure!
If you’ve ever wondered what 40+ years of passion, purpose, and play look like, meet Julie — Ridgewater College’s beloved Instructor of the Activity Director Program and certification classes for the past 35 years. She’s not just teaching the next generation of activity professionals; she’s shaping the heartbeat of elder care one meaningful moment at a time.
Julie’s journey into the world of activities began with a simple post-college mission: find a job. Armed with a degree in Recreation and a spirit of service, she landed her first role in a small rural nursing home. That six-year chapter sparked a lifelong love for enriching lives through engagement. After a brief stint gaining management experience at another facility, Julie found her true calling — teaching — and has been inspiring students at Ridgewater ever since.
Why MNSWAP? Julie says it best: “Professional development is the lifeblood of our field. MNSWAP offers the tools, training, and support to help activity professionals thrive.” Whether it’s learning new techniques or swapping stories with fellow directors, Julie believes MNSWAP is the ultimate source for growth and connection.
When she’s not in the classroom or championing elder wellness, Julie and her husband are off chasing sunsets in their motorhome, casting lines in quiet lakes, or teeing off on scenic fairways. And here’s a fun twist — did you know Julie spent her third year of college studying in Denmark? Not only did she reconnect with her roots and relatives, but she also explored Europe like a true adventurer.
From rural nursing homes to international travels, Julie’s story is a testament to the power of purpose, the joy of lifelong learning, and the magic of meaningful activities. She’s living proof that when you follow your passion, every day becomes an opportunity to make life a little brighter.
