Here at grandPad, we believe that technology should be intuitive, engaging, and transparent. Unfortunately, we have found that most technology isn't as simple as it should be. This is why we created grandPad: a simple senior tablet that anyone can use.
Paul "Gawkie" Peters
grandAdvisor
Bio:
Gawkie is a grandAdvisor and one of grandPad's very first customers. He was introduced to grandPad by his grandson, Michael, who works there as a software engineer. Gawkie served in the US Army during World War II and followed a career as a chef for much of his life. He loves seeing photos of his new great-grandchildren and playing solitaire on his grandPad.
Interests:
Telling jokes, spending time with family, playing solitaire
Quote:
"My children--they were my life. But my grandchildren--they were the delight of my life."
Betty Parker
grandAdvisor
Bio:
Prior to her role as a grandAdvisor, Betty worked as a school teacher and freelance interior designer. Her daughter, Kerry Burnight, is Chief Gerontologist at grandPad. When she's not helping the grandPad team test out their latest features, Betty spends her time enjoying the sunny California beaches and visiting family.
Interests:
Family, interior design, art, golf
Quote:
"Be truly interested in others--you'll always have friends."
Gloria Sall
grandAdvisor
Bio:
Gloria was a school teacher before she became a grandAdvisor for grandPad. Throughout her life, Gloria has always had a strong interest in history, politics, and current events. She once met President Harry Truman in person and shook his hand. Gloria loves sharing stories with her friends, family, and fellow grandAdvisors.
Interests:
Family, keeping up with the news, socializing
Quote:
"My father was an immigrant, and he came to this country penniless. I was always impressed with what he was able to do with his life."
Gay Turner
grandAdvisor
Bio:
Gay is a 2nd-generation Southern Californian and an extremely active grandAdvisor. Gay had zero experience with computers, but she is now a "pro" at using her grandPad. Her favorite thing to do is to take photos with the grandPad camera and share them with her loved ones. Gay says she loves working with the young college grads at grandPad.
Interests:
Photography, spending time with her family, charitable causes
Quote:
"Let's take one more photo of you. These photos don't do you justice."
Scott Lien
CEO & Co-founder
Bio:
Having previously developed user-friendly software for companies such as Target, Best Buy, and Bank of America, as well as having led the mobile technology innovation group at Intuit, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to the team. Scott is a practitioner of the LEAN Startup Method, which emphasizes putting users first, and designing specifically to their needs. With grandPad, Scott is building a company people are proud to work at, connecting family members of all ages and technological skills, and finally has a stress-free way to keep in touch with his family.
Education:
B.A. Computer Science & B.A. Business Management, Luther College
Interests:
Music, traveling with family
My Senior Once Said:
"I love it when I get pictures of sunsets from my son Scott."
Isaac Lien
Product Design & Co-founder
Bio:
Isaac has devoted his life to creating software. Meanwhile, Isaac's grandmother has never owned a computer, and lines of communication he uses every day, such as email and Facebook, are completely foreign to her. Attempting to find a way to bring his grandmother up to date using current technology proved to be an imperfect solution, and resulted in more tech support than quality time. Through grandPad, Isaac is bridging this gap and creating an easy way to keep older generations up to date with their younger family members. During his free time, Isaac is a serial-hobbyist, and can often be found happily spending his evenings bent over his desk, working on anything from new app concepts to designing video games.
Education:
B.S. Computer Information Systems (In Progress), Chapman University
Interests:
Travel, Disneyland, coffee
My Senior Once Said:
"My husband always says that I'm a 'food pusher.' I don't think so, I'm a 'love pusher.'"
Kerry Burnight
Chief Gerontologist
Bio:
Kerry is a Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She's the founder and director of the nation's first Elder Abuse Forensic Center and the national non-profit, Ageless Alliance: United Against Elder Abuse. She was a speaker at The White House, and an expert on shows such as: The Dr. Phil Show, CBS news, and Money Matters. She joined grandPad because of the firm's ability to prevent one of the most significant risk factors for elders: social isolation.
Education:
PhD in Gerontology, University of Southern California
Interests:
Family, music, ocean swimming, yoga, marathons, reading
My Senior Once Said:
"The secret to aging well: Be deeply and sincerely interested in others."
Dallas Steiner
CFO
Bio:
After starting his career as a CPA with Deloitte, Dallas has spent the past 15 years of his career helping entrepreneurs by providing finance and operational structure for early stage companies through to exits. He enjoys the challenges associated with bringing new business offerings to market. His desire to help seniors had its beginnings from spending time with his grandmother who lived to be nearly 100 years old and from his work with one startup that worked closely with those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The spirit and selflessness of those he encountered continues to inspire him to work with companies and people whose mission is to make things better for the senior age group.
Education:
B.S. Business, University of Mary; Master of Professional Accountancy, University of South Dakota
Interests:
Sports (especially basketball), spending time outdoors with his wife and twins
My Senior Once Said:
"Shouldn't you be working?" (His grandmother, then age 98.5 upon showing up for a visit during the week)
Ann Lockhart
Director of Partner Relations Management
Bio:
Ann is an experienced leader with 10+ years portfolio of success with client implementations, both in the healthcare and consulting industry. Ann first came to know grandPad as an user but then her love of the product, as well as, how it has changed her grandma and family's life drove her to pursue a career at grandPad. She has a passion for data analytics and looks forward to using data patterns to help improve Senior's lives. When Ann isn't at her desk working, she loves spending time with her husband, her new daughter, and her two dogs.
Education:
B.A. Business Management, University of Northern Iowa
Interests:
Spending time with family, being an aunt, mentoring others
My Senior Once Said:
"What's worth having is what's worth working for."
Andy Pawlowski
Gerontologist & Product Manager
Bio:
Andy was the first person in the U.S. to complete a dual Master's degree program in Gerontology and Business Administration. For over 25 years, she has worked for companies that put older customers first. Eventually, her passion led her to grandPad. Andy loves to find opportunities to innovate and delight customers by drawing from her breadth of experience in gerontology, healthcare, financial services, senior housing, social services, and wellness. She believes that old age can be a precious time when we continue to learn and grow, live life to the fullest, and share our learnings with people of all ages.
Education:
M.S. Gerontology, M.B.A., University of Southern California
Interests:
Gardening, watching other people cook, listening to podcasts, going to stand-up comedy, outdoor concerts
My Senior Once Said:
Grandma Martha would say with a wink, "Cold hands, warm heart."
Dave Jaqua
VP of Member Experience & Partner Relations
Bio:
Dave is a veteran of the Minneapolis consulting scene with over 25 years of experience helping clients leverage technology for competitive advantage. At grandPad, he's harnessing that experience to put the customer back into customer support. "We're not about 'minimizing average talk time' or 'press 5 if you have technical issue'. We're about real people helping seniors and their families stay connected, and we'll do all we can to make that experience a positive one." Dave and his wife, Pattie, are recent empty-nesters, although with 4 kids spread across the Big Ten (University of Minnesota, University of Iowa, University of Michigan) they spend a lot of free time cheering Big Ten athletics.
Education:
B.A. Business, University of Michigan
Interests:
Hanging out with family on lake Minnetonka, snowboarding with family "out west" in Colorado
My Senior Once Said:
"I don't care if you get C's and D's, just have common sense!"
Karen Seaton
Director of Member Services & Partner Relations
Bio:
Karen is passionate about coaching, training and mentoring people. She believes that at the core of anything successful in life is the people. During her 23 year career at Lifetouch she held various roles focused on operations, support, implementation, and training. Outside of her career at Lifetouch, she has served as Director of Girl's Ministries and Children's Pastor. She has also owned two businesses. Karen believes her personal mission of enhancing the lives of people aligns perfectly with grandPad's mission. She is honored to be sharing her personal and professional experiences with the grandPad team and its members.
Education:
Communications, School of Communication Arts Minneapolis; Ministry, Global University Springfield MO
Interests:
Traveling, gardening, cooking, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"I don't like to eat in the dining room at the assisted living center, it's full of OLD people."
Tim Oesau
Partner Relations Manager
Bio:
Tim has spent the last 7 years working as a board-certified music therapist in hospice. He has a passion for working with seniors and improving their quality of life. Prior to becoming a music therapist, Tim worked for 10+ years in the IT world as a Quality Assurance Lead. He is excited to use his love of music and technology to serve seniors.
Education:
B.M. Composition, New England Conservatory of Music, B.M. Music Therapy, University of Minnesota
Interests:
New York Times crossword puzzle, music, spending time with his children
My Senior Once Said:
"Everything in moderation, including moderation."
Ryan Burns
Engineering Team Lead & Chief Mobile Engineer
Bio:
Ryan has been with grandPad since day one when he built the very first software prototype. Although he is a mobile software engineer at heart, he is very passionate about working with all variations of thriving and emerging technologies, especially those that have potential to positively affect the lives of others. Ryan also teaches introductory computer science and mobile software development courses at Chapman University.
Education:
B.S. Computer Science & M.S. Computational Science, Chapman University
Interests:
Bike rides, golf, android, programming
My Senior Once Said:
"I love this amtrack (she means the grandPad)! I see photos from my whole family!"
David Tyler
Chief Architect
Bio:
David's past projects include building websites for radio stations and working as a software engineer at DevIO. He is a lead developer for the Chapman's research group MLAT where he has been working on AMP - a behavioural tracking app for children with Autism. In addition to being a seasoned software engineer, David is also well-traveled, having visited Australia, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands, been inside Egyptian pyramids, and swum in the Amazon River. David enjoys developing products from the ground-up with the end user in mind, and makes technology delightful for seniors by creating devices entirely built for them.
Education:
B.S. Computer Science & M.S. Computational Science, Chapman University
Interests:
Coding, coding and more coding
My Senior Once Said:
"Live long and prosper."
William Kilday
Principal Software Engineer
Bio:
Bill has been developing software professionally for over 10 years. Growing up in the green mountains of Vermont, his passion for programming brought him out to southern California where he's enjoyed working for a number of startups and small companies. Now he's bringing that same passion to grandPad.
Education:
B.S. Computer Science, Daniel Webster College & M.S. Software Engineering, California State University Fullerton
Interests:
Programming, video games, energy drinks
My Senior Once Said:
"Technology!" (with equal parts sarcasm and astonishment)
Justine Stewart
Product Development
Bio:
Justine moved from Seattle to SoCal to pursue her passion for animation. Having worked at a film studio, a game studio, and an international avionics company, Justine quickly developed a love for User Experience design in all forms. She hopes to use her passion for design and technology to achieve grandPad's mission: to help seniors "Live Grand"!
Education:
B.F.A. Digital Arts, Chapman University
Interests:
Playing and making videogames, rock climbing, reading comics, hanging out with friends
My Senior Once Said:
"What are these 'Pokemon'? They sure have silly names."
James Lyons
Lead Designer
Bio:
James brings his passion for clean and user-friendly design to the grandPad team. Afer studying Graphic Design at Cal State Fullerton, he went on to teach himself more about UI and UX design, as well as Front-End Web Development. Outside of grandPad, James teaches a local highschool drumline and strives to learn something new everyday.
Education:
B.F.A. Graphic Design, California State University Fullerton
Interests:
Drumming, music, health and nutrition, puppy-watching
My Senior Once Said:
"If you swallow the watermelon seeds and drink water, you're gonna grow a whole watermelon in your belly."
Lori Balik-Maldonado
HR Leader
Bio:
Lori has spent the past 19+ years working in various customer service related rolls. Prior to grandPad, she worked for Target in the Human Resources department. Her love and passion for teaching and helping others translates seemlessly to her current roll as a Member Experience Agent at grandPad. She wants to ensure that all seniors have a way to stay in contact with their families and loved ones!
Education:
Studied at Kirkwood Community College and the Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork
Interests:
Gardening, refurbishing, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"Treat others the way you want to be treated."
Chelsea Jones
Partner Relations Specialist
Bio:
Chelsea grew up in a small rural community in East Central Iowa. She discovered her passion for helping others while she was working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. In this role she worked with Medicare patients which further developed her interest in helping seniors with health and well-being. This led to her role at grandPad as a Member Experience Agent. While working extensively with seniors and seeing them stay connected with their loved ones, she witnessed the quality of life improve for seniors. Chelsea's experience has enriched her passion for building a strong connection with customers and motivate grandPad partners to help revive quality to the senior-care market.
Education:
B.A. Healh and Human Physiology, University of Iowa
Interests:
Spending time with her two pugs, boating with her family, coffee, Coldplay, traveling, watching movies
My Senior Once Said:
"It don't make no never diff!"
Michael Fourre
Software Engineer
Bio:
Michael is a software engineer with a passion for entrepeneurialism. When he isn't on StackOverflow and Github contributing to the software community, he is sipping on a cup of coffee next to his laptop in one of the many coffee shops of southern California. A programming enthusiast, Michael sees no greater joy than using the power of technology to bring seniors closer to their families through grandPad.
Interests:
Programming, startups, music, cooking
My Senior Once Said:
"Getting old ain't for sissies."
Joe Schneider
Product Development
Bio:
Joe is an Idaho native from a tight-knit matriarchal Norwegian family. At grandPad, he is pursuing his passion for both business and technology. He is studying computer science and economics at Chapman University, while simultaneously pursuing a career in film. He is constantly involved in extracurricular projects including app development and TV production.
Education:
B.S. Computer Science & B.S. Economics, Chapman University
Interests:
Film, tech, tennis, friends
My Senior Once Said:
"The best days are when my grandson calls me on his portable telephone."
Amanda Benavidez
Software Engineer
Bio:
Amanda is a California local who has been interested in working with computers from a young age. She is now excited to be pursuing that interest with grandPad as a software engineer.
Education:
B.S. Software Engineering, Chapman University
Interests:
Programming, developing video games, going to concerts, time with friends
My Senior Once Said:
"All I do is drive down the street and whoops! I'm at Macy's!!"
Alec Richter
Software Engineer
Bio:
Alec is a recent computer science graduate from Chapman University. In addition to the projects he's involved in at grandPad, Alec enjoys coding Android apps and drumming (which he teaches at a local high school). Alec was born in Europe and spent much of his childhood traveling back and forth between the U.S. and Germany to visit family.
Education:
B.S. Computer Science, Chapman University
Interests:
Running, skiing, music, traveling
My Senior Once Said:
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
Ani Khalili
Software Engineer
Bio:
Ani grew up in Yorba Linda, only 20 minutes away from Orange. After graduating from UCLA in 2013, Ani decided that she wanted to pursue a career in technology so she applied to Chapman University to study Computer Science. She graduated in the spring of 2016 and remains involved with the Machine Learning and Assistive Technology Lab at Chapman (MLAT).
Education:
B.S Computer Science, Chapman University; B.A Economics, University of California Los Angeles
Interests:
Reading, spending time with family, going to the beach, watching old movies
My Senior Once Said:
"Where you end up in life is up to you."
Corey Lowe
Software Engineer
Bio:
While attending Chapman University, Corey worked at Apple as a technician at the Genius Bar. During his time at Apple, he saw many of the frustrations seniors experience with technology. He is excited to bring his experience at Apple to grandPad, and help seniors connect through technology.
Education:
B.S. Computer Informations Systems, Chapman University
Interests:
Road trips, spending time at the lake, spending time with his girlfriend, wrenching on cars
My Senior Once Said:
"Love to get little messages from my grandchildren... makes my day!"
Mo Kantari
Production Operations
Bio:
Mo has worked primarily as an IT consultant, providing both hardware and software support to homes and businesses. Prior to grandPad, Mo worked at Apple as a technician at the Genius Bar for 4 years. He is looking forward to utilizing his tech background to help bridge the gap between seniors and their loved ones.
Interests:
Traveling, basketball, fishing, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why."
Phil Sims
Production Operations
Bio:
Phil worked for RadioShack for 30-years, both in a family owned dealer store and on the corporate side as a store and district manager. Phil loves working at grandPad as it combines his passion for the technology industry with his desire to work directly with customers.
Education:
B.A. Marketing: Management & Sales
Interests:
Fishing, snow skiing, camping, biking, family time
My Senior Once Said:
"Age is an attitude. I'm not going to grow up."
Maddy Transue
Quality Assurance
Bio:
Throughout her life Maddy has noticed her grandmother's inability to navigate technology. She feels passionate in helping change the gap between elders and technology. She wants to use her skills to ensure that a simple and enjoyable tech experience is available for all seniors.
Education:
B.S. Software Engineering, Chapman University
Interests:
Living, laughing, loving
My Senior Once Said:
“A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”
Terri Balik
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Terri brings 34 years of customer service experience as a police, fire, and EMS clerk-dispatcher to grandPad. She has always enjoyed helping and empowering others to do things for themselves. Always on a quest to learn something new, she feels at home working at grandPad.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Travel, reading, crafts, pets, fitness, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"I can fix anything but a broken heart and a bent tail."
Ann Baxter
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Ann brings her extensive experience of account management and customer service to grandPad. The majority of her career was spent in pharmaceutical sales specializing in metabolic disease management. She enjoys working with people of all ages but has always had a special interest in working with seniors. Ann possesses a talent for developing and maintaining positive working relationships with customers and colleagues.
Education:
B.S. Marketing and Communications, St. Cloud State University
Interests:
Photography, traveling, watching her son play sports, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"There is a sock for every shoe!"
Ashley Henry
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Ashley has worked as an in-home daycare provider for over 10 years. She loves to help others and is always eager to learn. Her generosity, patience and commitment to others makes grandPad a great fit for her.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Hiking, kayaking, reading, music, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"Never forget to take the time to look at how far you've come."
Brenda Bullerman
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Brenda has worked in the medical field for the last 18 years in a variety of roles including scheduling, insurance and billing, and the last 10 years as a Registered Nurse.
Education:
A.D. Nursing, Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, reading
My Senior Once Said:
"You are never too old to learn, and an education is something that can never be taken away from you."
Christa Taylor
Member Experience Manager
Bio:
Having a background in sales and customer service, Christa has a passion for working with people of all ages. She is motivated to connect seniors with their loved ones and inspire others along the way.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Traveling, watching her children play sports, Iowa Hawkeye football, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."
Cynthia Butikofer
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Cindy comes to grandPad with over 20 years of customer service experience. She has been in Human Resources for several years and enjoys helping people. She comes from a large family and knows how difficult it can be to stay connected. Cindy enjoys being part of a team that is dedicated to helping Seniors.
Education:
Studied at Hamilton Business College
Interests:
Spending time with her family, watching her children's sporting activities
My Senior Once Said:
"Be yourself because everyone else is taken."
Danielle Balik
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Danielle has worked in a variety of customer service and business careers over the past 15 years. In her current role with grandPad, she enjoys connecting seniors with their families and bringing them closer together.
Education:
B.A. Business Marketing, University of Northern Iowa
Interests:
Interior design, photography, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"Growing old isn't always easy, but it is a blessing denied to many."
Denise Elsbernd
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Denise comes to grandPad with over 20 years of customer service experience. She is eager to help seniors regain their independence and reconnect with their family. She says her greatest reward of all is seeing the grandPad revitalize the lives of those in need.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends, reading, card games, watching golf and football
My Senior Once Said:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Erin Jacobsen
Member Experience Supervisor
Bio:
Before coming to grandPad, Erin taught preschool and worked with children with behavioral disabilities. As a member experience agent she is thrilled to witness grandPad’s impact on the lives of seniors first hand.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Family time, repurposing furniture, decorating, watching her kids participate in activities and sporting events
My Senior Once Said:
"All the best people have some kind of scar."
Hayli Netterlund
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Hayli has always had a passion for helping people, whether peers, children, or seniors. She has worked as a personal care attendant for children and young adults with special needs as well as a direct support professional for adults and seniors with special needs. Hayli loves working for grandPad and helping seniors connect with their families.
Education:
B.S. Vocal Performance, North Central University
Interests:
Traveling the world, camping, hiking, music, learning new languages, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"They (other drivers) are all idiots, but only when they're driving!"
Heather Tigges
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Heather has worked in the dental field for over 20 years fulfilling a variety of roles ranging from administrator to financial manager. Heather knows that teamwork is the most important virtue in the workplace.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Camping, kayaking, traveling, watching her boys play sports, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"Always respect your elders."
Jean Sims
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Jean's passion for people and products has always been the focus of her career. Prior to grandPad she spent 12 years in the merchandising field and customer service. Her gift of nurturing has helped her excel in positions helping both children and adults with disabilities. She is thrilled to be part of a team working to create a product that enriches the lives of seniors and their families.
Education:
B.A. General Studies, University of Northern Iowa
Interests:
Traveling with family, scrap-booking, playing cards with family
My Senior Once Said:
"Time is a matter of perspective - the older you are the faster time goes."
Jessica Skoda
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Having worked in long term care for over 12 years, Jessica is excited to bring her talent in marketing and community relations to the team at grandPad. She loves seniors and enjoys helping people solve problems.
Education:
B.A. Graphic Design, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Interests:
Art, design, family time
My Senior Once Said:
"Mind your p's and q's."
John Wendling
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
John has owned and managed multiple businesses in the past, but left them behind to find a more fulfilling job. He found what he was looking for in the Human Service field, where he managed homes for the intellectually disabled as well as helped clients live independent lives. John brings his passion for helping people to grandPad, where he enjoys connecting seniors with their families.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Playing board and card games, fishing, spending time with family
My Senior Once Said:
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."
Kally Miller
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Kally comes from a tight-knit family from a small town in Iowa. Previously working with seniors and those with disabilities, her compassion and patience is put to good use at grandPad. She enjoys helping others, and working with people who share the same compassion for family and keeping loved ones healthy.
Education:
Studied at Windemere Institute
Interests:
Family, animals, playing with her daughter, being outside, watching good movies
My Senior Once Said:
"You're as sweet as chocolate and I love chocolate!"
Kari Rowland
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Kari worked for many years supervising at various telecommunication centers in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis. Prior to working for grandPad, she ran her own childcare business for twelve years. At grandPad she is thrilled to help seniors reconnect with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
Education:
Studied at Aveda Institute
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends, camping, enjoying Minnesota summers
My Senior Once Said:
"Don't try to change your appearance, just grow old gracefully.”
Kathryn Uthoff
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Kathryn has had a lifelong passion for working with people. For the past 18 years she has nurtured young minds as an elementary teacher. She treasures her relationships with family and friends, and looks forward to the opportunity to help others strengthen connections with loved ones through grandPad.
Education:
M.S. Education, Viterbo University
Interests:
Being outdoors, sewing, biking, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"A little hard work never hurt anyone."
Kelcie Johnson
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Kelcie enjoys adventures and meeting new people. As a sports coach, encouraging others to reach their goals comes naturally to her. She loves working in customer service and is thrilled to be a part of the member experience team at grandPad.
Education:
Studied at Alexandria Technical College
Interests:
Music, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors in summer
My Senior Once Said:
"Don't be afraid to explore the world because you can always come back home."
Kris Timp
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Kris has worked in a variety of service organizations providing support to individuals with disabilities, domestic violence victims, and low income housing recipients. She has also worked in the financial administration of Community Development Block Grants for improving housing stock and city infrastructure in Northeast Iowa. She is proud to be a part of grandPad because it provides a life changing experience for seniors, their families, and their caregivers.
Education:
Studied at Winona State University
Interests:
Live music, Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, campfires, spending time with family and friends
My Senior Once Said:
"One day at a time. One foot ahead of the other. And so it goes."
Kylie Hanson
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Having a background in customer service, Kylie enjoys helping people of all ages. She is very caring and compassionate and is thrilled to be part of a team committed to helping seniors stay connected to their loved ones.
Education:
B.A. Esthetics, Capri College
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends, traveling
My Senior Once Said:
"Don't worry about what other people think."
Lacy Troendle
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Having worked in the Powersports industry for the past 5 years, Lacy enjoys working on motorcycles and nurturing friendships with colleagues and clients. She is eager to help others and is thrilled to utilize her problem-solving skills to connect seniors with their family.
Education:
Studied at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute
Interests:
Spending time with family, riding motorcycles, fixing things, fishing
My Senior Once Said:
"I am thankful for all days, even the bad. Every single day we get is a gift!"
Lindsay Zahasky
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Lindsay has a passion for working with people and making a difference in their lives. Prior to working at grandPad, Lindsay owned and operated a salon; she had the privilege of working one on one with people everyday. She is honored to work with seniors everyday and help them connect with the ones they love most.
Interests:
Art, animals, food, family
My Senior Once Said:
"Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest!"
Lisa Wahoski
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Lisa is a strong believer that listening is the best way to approach any problem. Previously working as a life coach, grandPad has allowed her to continue using her talent of active listening to assist people overcome barriers that hinder their well-being.
Interests:
Traveling, gardening
My Senior Once Said:
"I hope to live long enough to speak at your funeral."
Lynette Barloon
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Bringing 20 plus years of customer service experience to grandPad, Lynette values the ability to nurture strong relationships with customers. She loves helping people and finds a great amount of joy working with seniors by helping them connect with their families in new and exciting ways.
Education:
Studied at North Iowa Area Community College
Interests:
Spending time with family, gardening, crafting, watching her children's sports
My Senior Once Said:
"All you have to do is smile, you know? It's a small gesture that doesn't cost a thing and can change someone's day."
Pam Phillips
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
For the past 25 years Pam has run her own daycare business, helping shape the minds of young children with a focus on morals and values. She is caring and empathetic towards all people and is thrilled to have a positive impact on seniors' lives.
Education:
Studied at Northeast Iowa Community College
Interests:
Golfing, camping, fishing, boating, drag racing, spending time with the family, helping others
My Senior Once Said:
"You can do anything that you set your mind to."
Sadie Johnson
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Sadie has many years of experience working in the healthcare field. She brings her passion for helping others, willingness to learn, and problem solving skills to the grandPad team. Being from a tight-knit family, she knows the importance of keeping loved ones connected.
Education:
A.D. Health Science, University Center Rochester
Interests:
Spending time with family and friends, camping, concerts/music, running
My Senior Once Said:
"You will never know the value of something until it becomes a memory."
Tara Clawson
Member Experience Agent
Bio:
Before working at grandPad Tara spent her years developing a small business and actively participating in volunteer events. She is thrilled to combine her passion for teaching and connecting people to help impact the lives of those in need.
Education:
B.S. English Education, Indiana State University
Interests:
Traveling, watching the kids' sports, volunteering, walking with friends
My Senior Once Said:
"You'll finally know everything when you realize you know nothing!"