JONI LENZEN
Owner and Creative Director
After caring for her mom (with Alzheimer’s) at home for 2 years, Joni researched and consulted with professionals in the area of residential care, especially memory care. She and her husband, Ray, then built Renewed Spirit Care Home. They live on site with her mom, Joann, and are very involved in the daily operations. Joni’s background is in Art Education, teaching art for 17 years, as well as working in management of senior housing for 10 years. Joni is an ARTIST, has a home studio, and is excited to bring many creative ideas forth in the daily life at Renewed Spirit! Joni loves people, of all ages, and especially enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
“The creative, joyful living experience at Renewed Spirit makes it a fun place to live and work! I love getting to know families, and doing special activities that create a meaningful life for residents, their friends and families!”
RAY LENZEN
Owner, Business Manager and Maintenance
After working for over 30 years in property management, primarily in senior housing, Ray has a wealth of knowledge in finance and operations. He oversees the business, maintenance, and financial operations at Renewed Spirit. Ray adds humor as well as care for our residents, providing RAY’S ROAST premium fresh roasted coffee for all! He is a coffee roaster, and works out of his on site home roasting shop. Don’t miss his monthly pancake breakfast for residents and families!
“We do promote healthy living here, but that includes quality coffee and sometimes bacon with our pancakes!”
SUE NORDBY
Registered Nurse
Sue has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. She attended Bethel University, receiving a B.S. in Nursing. Sue worked 13 years at St. John’s NE Hospital caring for medical, surgical, neurology, pediatric, GYN, and obstetric patients. She had roles as her unit preceptor, quality assurance monitor, and charge nurse. As well as being a nurse at Renewed Spirit, Sue works periodically in public health, providing Early Childhood Screening and flu shots.
Some of her favorite experiences have been serving on multiple medical mission trips, as well as volunteering at church in children’s and women’s ministries, eventually becoming Coordinator of Women’s Events (12 years) and Director of Women’s Ministries (3 years).
Sue enjoys reading, hiking, attending her son’s school events, gardening, stamping cards, traveling, movie dates with family, and meeting friends for coffee.
“I am delighted to be able to work as a nurse in such a lovely, caring environment and support the spiritual needs of the staff and residents as well as the physical and psycho-social ones.”
JONNA CROSS
Care Attendant
Jonna, Ray and Joni’s oldest daughter, is a trained care attendant and has spent much of her life caring for her Grandma. She has learned and grown in her knowledge of dementia by experiencing her Grandma’s decline. Jonna is a licensed elementary school teacher, and has a tutoring academy helping students succeed in school. She loves helping others, and is dedicated to creating an inspiring and loving home environment, caring for the physical as well as emotional and spiritual needs of our residents. Jonna enjoys spending time with friends, riding bikes with her husband and directing the children’s ministry program for her church.
“I am so happy to be working at Renewed Spirit, helping my parents, and embracing this lifestyle, caring for many more grandmas and grandpas!
KAROLINA COPELAND
Care Attendant
Karolina is a 4th year nursing student at Bethel University and is excited to use her skills and knowledge to better care for others while always learning! She has past work experience as a nursing assistant caring for those needing dementia care and clinical experience through her schooling. As a care attendant for the residents at Renewed Spirit, Karolina loves the family-oriented and faith-based atmosphere she is able to work in.
Karolina hopes to use her work experience to better herself as a nurse someday and serve others in a missional career. In her spare time she enjoys baking, kayaking and fun in the water, reading, and spending time with friends and family. As a member of a big family herself, Karolina loves the way she can share life with the staff and residents in a beautiful way.
“I love that my job isn’t just a job; it’s being part of a loving family!”
LENA COPELAND
Care Attendant
Lena has experience as a caregiver, companion for her grandmother during the later and end stage of her grandmother’s life. Lena has a very compassionate heart, as well as being a gifted musician and songwriter. She often blesses us with her music.
Lena volunteers her time as the Food Service Manager for the Freedom Truck. The Freedom Truck is a food truck that uses its profits to raise awareness about Human Trafficking, and gives to organizations that help to free modern day slaves. In her spare time, Lena enjoys cooking, watching old black & white movies and long walks. Her favorite color is orange!
“I appreciate serving the residents of Renewed Spirit and working at a job where I can truly make a difference!”