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Leadership

Executive Staff

Mary Casarez
Mary Casarez
Executive Assistant
Mary joined the Avinity family in January 2005 as Receptionist and IT Assistant. She led the IT Department for many years, as well as supporting the Executive Office team. She then transitioned to her current role as Executive Assistant in January 2021. Mary chose Avinity because she enjoys working with older adults and using her God-given talents to further Avinity’s mission and culture.
Chris Schmidt
Chris Schmidt
Vice President of Finance
Chris came to Avinity with more than 30 years of experience in accounting and finance at public, private, and non-profit organizations. With his in-depth accounting knowledge, analytical thinking and teamwork, Chris has successfully led the Finance Department at Avinity since 2001.
Theresa Burns
Theresa Burns
Staff Accountant
Theresa joined Avinity in March 2018 and has used her varied work experiences to improve the accounts payable processes. She has played an integral role in our accounts receivable reduction in aging accounts and is also our elderly waiver expert.

Community Leaders

Cassandra Manning
Cassandra Manning
Housing Director, Scandia Shores
Cassandra (Cassie) Manning is the Housing Director at Scandia Shores in Shoreview. She joined the Avinity team in May of 2024 but has been a part of the Presbyterian Homes and Services family since 2010. Cassie has served in a few different roles, Life Enrichment, Resident Services Director, and Campus Administrator and holds her Licensed Assisted Living Director License (LALD). Cassie attended Bethel University and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Gerontology
Georgene Gray
Georgene Gray
Housing Director, The Wellington
Georgene Gray is the housing director at The Wellington in St. Paul. Georgene joined the Avinity team in September 2023. She first joined PHS in 2008 and has served in various wellness, recreation, volunteer, life enrichment and housing counselor roles, and she has completed the MN Licensed Assisted Living Director (LALD) program. A native of Stillwater, MN, Georgene is an avid runner and cyclist and is also a certified Life Coach.
John Dellwo
John Dellwo
Housing Director, Mill Pond Gables
John Dellwo has been with Avinity in a couple different roles in two different locations since 2005. He is currently the Housing Director at Mill Pond Gables, a senior apartment community in Champlin, MN.
Mari Erickson
Mari Erickson
Housing Director, Riverwood Village
Mari Erickson began her career at Avinity Mainstreet Village as a Life Enrichment Coordinator in 2021. She is transitioning into her current role as Housing Director of Riverwood Village, an Avinity senior community in Cambridge, MN.
Sara Harriger
Sara Harriger
Housing Director, WestRidge
Sara has been with Avinity at WestRidge of Minnetonka since 2003. From Caretaker to Office Coordinator, she developed a strong passion for supporting the residents she serves. Armed with that passion, and having gained knowledge and understanding, she is ready for her new role as Housing Director at WestRidge as of October 2021.