Meet Our Team

Jim Pitzner is the owner and President of the Maplewood and Mendota Heights franchise offices of Home Instead. Jim’s early experience being a Caregiver in an Alzheimer's and Dementia facility while attending college at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse made a lasting impression on him. It was during that time that Jim developed a passion for serving aging adults and is ultimately what led him to becoming a franchise owner for Home Instead. Jim's career has included sales and marketing experience as well as owning his own E-Commerce business for over 10 years.

"I believe strongly in providing excellent service to aging adults in our community. At Home Instead, we are committed to helping aging adults maintain their independence and quality of life with compassion and integrity."

Jim enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah and two sons Cole and Drew.​ He also is the owner of two very large (and furry) Maine Coon cats.

Lisa started her career with Home Instead as a Care Professional in 2007. Just a few months later Lisa moved into a Lead Recruitment Coordinator position where for many years she enjoyed managing a team in recruiting, hiring, training and support of Care Professionals. In July 2014, Lisa transitioned into the finance side of Home Instead as the Accounting Coordinator and now more recently into the role of Finance Manager in 2021. Lisa received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel University.  Lisa was very close to her grandparents and from a young age knew that she wanted to work with older adults.

Throughout high school and college Lisa worked in assisted living facilities as a dietary aide and an activities coordinator.

Lisa enjoys being a part of a fun team of coworkers at Home Instead and appreciates working for a company whose values align with her own. Outside of work Lisa enjoys exploring new restaurants with her husband, activities with her church, cooking, traveling, trips to the north shore and making memories with her closest friends and family.

Deborah joined Home Instead in January 2022 as a Home Care Nurse Manager.

Her nursing experience includes 22 years in California doing hospital and home care work. In 1996, Deb moved back to Minnesota and started in a clinic setting as a Nursing Supervisor and Anticoagulation Specialist.

Deborah became acquainted with Home Instead when her family contracted with them to provide home care for their mom. The level of the care professionals and their commitment to helping older adults be able to stay in their home proves to be a positive experience. Working with the staff members at Home Instead to provide others with this level of quality of life is very rewarding.

Deborah enjoys spending time with her mom, family and friends, singing in choir, playing handbells, volunteering as medical responder at church and sampling new restaurants in the area. Deborah also LOVES to travel – especially to California where she remains strongly connected with family and friends there.

Deb joined the Home Instead team in August of 2019 as Home Care Nurse Manager.

Her nursing experience expands from Pediatric to Geriatrics since 1984 when she graduated from St Mary's in Minneapolis. 

Working for Home Instead provides her the opportunity to work closely with the senior population who she holds a special place in her heart for. Working with others who share the same philosophy is an added bonus.

Deb loves spending time with her five children, their spouses, and her 13 grandchildren. She has a dog, enjoys vacationing in Mazatlan, reading, Netflix, and Sunday family dinners.

Christine worked as a Care Professional in Brainerd in 2021. After she relocated to the Twin Cites, she rejoined Home Instead in 2023 as a Care Coordinator.

Some of Christine's duties include meeting with potential clients and families to discuss their needs, developing care plans, providing Care Professional introductions and Quality Assurance visits, and working with other team members to coordinate care.

Prior to Home Instead, Christine was in Food & Beverage Management at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. She also has her Culinary Arts degree and is a sommelier. She loves hiking, biking, travel and cooking for friends.

“I became interested in Home Instead when I had caregivers for my Dad in 2020. I loved how they helped him, provided companionship and how important it was to our family.  I love the team here; they genuinely care for the clients and their families.”

Hi! My name is Ashley Guthrie. I am a Client Care Coordinator for Home Instead. I have a daughter and a dog. My favorite color is purple and I enjoy art. In my free time I enjoy going to sports events, movies and playing guitar. I graduated from The University of Minnesota with my Masters degree. My passion is helping others and making people smile. 

Nicole joined Home Instead in April 2021 as a Service Coordinator. She went to college at Winona State University for her Therapeutic Recreation degree and developed a passion caring for others.  After graduating, she became a Caregiver at a group home and later became a Program Manager.

Nicole enjoys working for Home Instead because she values the importance of caring for our seniors and providing them with the opportunity to remain as independent as possible. She values the knowledge and life experiences seniors can share and teach to others.

Nicole is married, and has a newborn daughter, a step-son and a golden retriever that she enjoys spending quality time with, along with all her extended family and friends.  She also enjoys traveling, going on walks, eating out, going up north, attending sporting events and going to concerts.

Bonjour!

 I was born and raised in France and graduated with a degree in International Business and Marketing many moons ago. I spent 20 years in the hospitality industry while volunteering in a Memory Care community on Saturdays. This sparked my interest for Senior Care. I have a passion for connecting with Seniors through our referral partners while being a resource and helping them stay in their homes longer. 

 In my personal life, I am a mother of 2 adult children (Kevin, 27 and Emily, 24) and an empty nester. I also share my home with Penny, my dog and Little Goat, my cat. 

 In my spare time I enjoy walking my dog, baking, swimming and of course shopping! I look forward to meeting you all.

Laura serves as our Training and Engagement Manager. She joined Home Instead in 2015 as a CAREGiver and moved into her current position in 2021. Prior to that she had hired Home Instead to help with her mom after a recommendation from Mayo clinic. Introducing her to the distinctive care of Home Instead.

Laura has a Bachelor of Social Work, with a minor in business and psychology. She also attended Luther Seminary in the MDIV department. She started her career as a social worker in a program/shelter for teens. She also opened her own homecare business in which she served seniors, until she was called into ministry. Laura served as a children’s minister for 20 years. Training hundreds of volunteers, parents, kids, and staff over the years, with monthly training/teaching events.

“What I love most about working for Home Instead is our clients!!! Getting to serve them is not work its pure joy. The whole team here puts them first! I also love the team atmosphere where there is always someone here to help, listen, partner, and train.“

Laura loves to read, spend time with family and friends, be on her pontoon, and volunteer. She and her husband Todd have a daughter, Amber and a “grand dog” Bella, who they really enjoy spending time with.

Mary is a Care Professional Recruiter for Home Instead.  “Hello! My name is Mary and I’m happy to be the new Recruitment Coordinator. I am originally from Southern California, and I’ve been living in Minnesota for 10 years. I’ve become accustomed to our winters! I’m an avid forager in the warmer months hiking through our forests looking for berries, nuts and even mushrooms! I’m motivated by community building and recruiting helps me accomplish that goal. Thank you for welcoming me to Home Instead!”  Mary joined the Home Instead team in November of 2022.

Lyn joined Home Instead February 2013. She started as a Caregiver and eventually split her time working in the office assisting in the Recruitment Department. She is now the full-time Receptionist.

“I enjoy talking with Seniors and in general helping people. I enjoy my work at Home Instead, it’s a wonderful company to work for. “

Lyn has a 2 year degree in Legal Administration. She enjoys reading, cooking/baking, walking, movies, cross-country skiing, being at the cabin in Ely, spending time with family, friends, and most of all her son, Blake who is stationed in Japan in The U.S. Navy.

Hi! My name is Damara; I am the Onboarding and Training Coordinator. I have worked as a Care Pro for Home Instead and absolutely adored all the personal connections I've made with my clients.  I am a HUGE people person and extravert, so it is exciting to now be a key player in welcoming new Care Pros to the Home Instead family and ensuring that every new team member feels supported and equipped for success. In my spare time I check off items from my travel bucket list, going on exciting adventures such as becoming scuba diving certified and swimming alongside dolphins! For calmer days you can catch me in the kitchen concocting unique sourdough bread flavor recipes.

Randee became a CAREGiver with Home Instead in 2011 and has been serving as the On Call Service Coordinator since 2013. She enjoys the many opportunities this role provides to assist and support CAREGivers, clients, and families outside of business hours. Randee has always enjoyed assisting people and has served as a teacher, student life administrator, and a caregiver.

Randee has a BS in Chemistry and a MA in Higher Education but has learned even more from her interactions with people and their stories. Some of Randee's favorite storytellers include her husband, four children, and very expressive chocolate Labrador.