Board Members
Kandyce Peton – Chair – Courtland, MN
Kandyce Peton’s career has centered around the health care industry started as a MLT receiving my degree from Alexandria Technical Institute. Ms. Peton then completed her RN degree from the University of South Dakota which led her to many diversified RN roles. Prior to her retirement she worked at the Sleepy Eye senior care facility providing care for our most vulnerable senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an avid quilter of which many of her projects have been recognized with local and state awards for design and creativity. Ms. Peton is a member of the Quilters Group of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. This organization provides quilts for Lutheran World Relief and our local graduating seniors, oncology patients and children with medical conditions.
Khou Lor – Vice Chair – Hutchinson, MN
As a first-generation immigrant, Khou spent many of her younger years advocating and navigating systems to be the voice for her immigrant parents. Through these lived experiences, she realized her love for creating space for people to speak courageously on behalf of themselves, in their truest form.
As the Rural Equity Specialist with Southwest Initiative Foundation Khou works to build and strengthen local Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders and organizations by defining strengths and challenges, building skills, and being a resource in the region. Khou currently serves as the Rural Equity Specialist at Southwest Initiative Foundation and has a background in community engagement work and as well as a passion for sharing resources and knowledge. She hopes to use her experience of bringing communities together to expand program reach and bridge support to older adults of all groups in the region.
In her free time, Khou appreciates visual arts and any opportunity to be creative. She is involved with the Hmong community in southwest Minnesota as a leader and organizer and is part of various community groups in the Tracy community. Khou makes her home in rural Minnesota, with her husband and daughter.
Candace Fenske – Secretary – Madelia, MN
Candace Fenske spent her career in health care management, starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), becoming a registered nurse focusing on geriatrics, and retiring as a rural hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms. Fenske has stayed active with MNRAAA as a volunteer through her role as a member of the Planning Committee. She focuses on developing affordable housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Ms. Fenske continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access for diverse populations.
Pam Radunz – Treasurer – Hutchinson, MN
Pam Radunz is the Resident Services Director at Harmony River Living Center and is a resident of Hutchinson. Radunz holds a Master of Science in Gerontology from Saint Cloud State University, a certified Independent Trainer for Dementia through Positive Approach, LLC, and a certified Teepa Snow trainer on Dementia. She has been an integral part of numerous committees, such as, Well Being at Work Wellness (consortium for McLeod, Meeker, and Sibley Counties), Meeker County Fair Board, Meeker Area Care Connections, and McLeod County Senior Providers.
“I have a passion for older people that I have grown and developed all my life,” said Radunz when asked why she was interested in joining MNRAAA.
Dianne Crowley – Slayton, MN
Dianne Crowley of Slayton recently retired as the Finance Director for the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC). During her tenure at SRDC, Crowley worked closely with the Southwest Area Agency on Aging from its inception and through the transition of Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc. into a separate entity. Crowley is familiar with many of the programs of MNRAAA and values them, especially the Senior Linkage Line, as a vital link for seniors and caregivers in the area. Crowley continues to work with her husband on the family farm. Crowley has been active in numerous organizations in Southwest Minnesota, including Girl Scouts, Hospice of Murray County, 4-H and Lake Wilson Study Club. Crowley is interested in assisting caregivers in finding services for their loved ones.
Kimberly Holm – Atwater, MN
Kimberly Holm is a graduate of Minnesota State University-Mankato with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Ms. Holm is currently the Executive Director of the Southwestern Minnesota Adult Mental Health Consortium (SMAMHC). SMAMHC is dedicated to improving the mental health of the 18 counties they serve. Ms. Holm worked at Woodland Centers, a Community Mental Heatlh Center where she was a supervisor and then a Unit Director for Adult Rehabilitative Programs, and a past Mental Health First Aid Trainer. She is a registered yoga instructor. Ms. Holm is active in her community as a volunteer in her church and assisting fundraisers for the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter. One of Ms. Holm’s favorite quotes is, “There is no health without mental health.”
Catherine (Catie) Lee – Benson, MN
Catie is the Director of Swift County Human Services. Swift County is located in West Central Minnesota, a primarily agricultural county with 9,329 residents. Catie completed the Equity Works Leadership Institute in 2019 and became the Equity Chair for MACSSA the following year and continues in this role. Catie received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota TC in Child Psychology and her Masters in Business Administration from Capella University.
Catie brings extensive experience in behavioral health from the provider to payor end of the spectrum birth to death and everything in between. She brings a rural perspective to equity, which has a different growth process in her equity journey. Catie is married to a seed farmer in Benson and has 3 adult children and is starting to embrace the empty nest.
Kellian Clink – Mankato, MN
Kellian Clink, of Mankato, currently serves as a Professor at Minnesota State University-Mankato within the library and has been an active member on campus and in her communities. She has experience volunteering with hospice and at the Connections Ministry. Ms. Clink also has worked with the Blue Earth County Social Services Task Force and acts as a liaison between the student government and the faculty association. A member of the American Library Association and the Minnesota Library Association, Ms. Clink has received awards from Minnesota State University-Mankato and the Being a Difference Award from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Center for the Public Trust.
When asked why she was interested in serving with MNRAAA, she responded with, “As with other marginalized populations, it is hard to get it right. Is it hard to age? Yes! Is there much to celebrate in aging? Yes. What are the struggles? How do we, as a community, respond to the needs? With strong listening and research skills, concern, and sensitivity, we can discern the needs, celebrate the triumphs and lived experiences and make our community the best place to age!”
Julie Holtz – Mankato, MN
Julie Holtz is a retired county human services employee who remains active in her community through various organizations. Ms. Holtz worked with Blue Earth County and Carver County where she served as the supervisor in the Aging Unit prior to retirement. She has also served as a financial worker, family support worker, and assistant to the Director of Human Services. As a member of the state Minnesota Association of Financial Assistance Supervisors meeting with members of the Department of Human Services in implementing and educating regarding policies and processes for counties. Ms. Holtz is involved with the Blue Earth Historical Society, a member of her church’s stewardship committee and she is active in attending MNRAAA booths.
Luke Schryvers – Slayton, MN
Luke Schryvers is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the Murray County Medical Center. Mr. Schryvers worked as a licensed nursing home administrator for over twenty years in Minnesota, including the Veterans Home in Luverne. He is active in his community through his participation in the Slayton Kiwanis, Operation Prairie Venture, and Medisota Healthcare – not to mention his active involvement with his children’s youth sports. Mr. Schryvers looks forward to ensuring our communities are aware of the services and utilize them to improve their overall well-being.
We have openings on our board!
Please contact Jason Swanson if you are interested.
