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There’s no doubt the residents of RiverView’s Care Center are cared for by the very best. Proof? Mary Stortroen, trained medical aide at the Care Center, was recently awarded the 2019 LeadingAge Minnesota District A Caregiver of the Year honor.

The District Caregiver of the Year Award honors individuals in older adult services who demonstrate exceptional commitment to older adults and enhance and enrich the quality of life of those in their care. Stortroen was one of seven caregivers selected for the regional award out of a field of 60,000 professional caregivers throughout the state.

Stortroen is a highly recognized individual. She was also named RiverView’s 2019 Employee of the Year. This year marks a big milestone for Stortroen; she will celebrate her 40th anniversary with RiverView in August. Over the years, she has worked at RiverView as a CNA, trained medical aide, and Rehab aide.

A Warren native, Stortroen and husband Allen live in Crookston. The couple has three grown children: Nicole (Brad) Nelson, Tanya (Nate) Roppel, and Travis (Lynsie). They also have six granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great-grandson.

“Mary has been a great member of the Care Center team for many years, and we are so fortunate to be able to learn from her,’’ shared Kelly Beiswenger, Care Center administrator. “When approached with the opportunity to nominate a staff member for this award, there was no doubt in my mind that Mary would be more than worthy. The opportunity to watch Mary walk across the stage to accept her award was inspiring, she has truly made our Care Center proud!’’

Stortroen accepted the award at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute, the state’s largest and most comprehensive aging services conference. Nearly 4,000 professionals in all aspects of older adult services attend the annual three-day event to learn about new and innovative programs, share best practices and network with their peers.

LeadingAge Minnesota works alongside its members, caregivers, advocates, and consumers to collectively shape the future of aging services and ensure older adults in every community live with dignity, meaning, and purpose. Together with more than 60,000 caregivers, LeadingAge Minnesota members provide quality services and supports to nearly 70,000 older adults every day in independent senior housing, assisted living, adult day, home care and skilled nursing settings.

Pictured above: Left to right: Sara Sterling, chair, Awards and Recognition Committee, Gayle Kvenvold, president and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota; Stortroen; and Nancy Stratman, chair, LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors.