Introducing the leadership team of The Cedars of Austin
We take great pride in our exceptional leadership team, which has an average tenure of over 10 years working at The Cedars. We are fortunate to have such a talented, driven, and enthusiastic team of professionals committed to fulfilling the Cedars' mission and dedication to serving our residents.
What distinguishes us from the rest is the significant expertise we’ve built as a team, ensuring outstanding senior care.
The Cedars Leadership Team
Mary Barajas
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When she joined the Cedars team in 2018, Mary brought a strong business and senior housing background with her. She has worked for family-owned businesses and is passionate about the senior living industry, making the family-owned and operated Cedars a perfect fit for her! Mary can see things not only as a manager but also as a family member – her father passed away at a community where she worked as a Director. Mary is committed to serving seniors through compassion and respect. She lives and has raised her four children in Owatonna. Mary enjoys traveling and spending time with her family in her free time, preferably on the pontoon!
Melissa Block
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SPECIALIST
Over twenty years ago, Melissa found herself drawn to senior living while looking for a fulfilling job with purpose.
Melissa is passionate about bringing joy, love, and a life to our residents. Her background includes senior living activity director and sales director for assisted living and memory care, hotel and restaurant hospitality management, and retail management. Melissa is a Certified Validation Worker with The George Leader Institute, founded and developed by Naomi Feil, and a Dementia Champion with the Minnesota Act on Alzheimer’s.
In her free time, Melissa volunteers for The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Walk Committee, is a member of the Steele County Senior Alliance Committee, facilitates Dementia Friends, and is a strong advocate for those living with dementia, providing education on dementia and raising awareness.
Melissa was born and raised in Owatonna, MN, and currently resides west of Faribault. She enjoys spending time with her family, husband Craig, of 22 years; 2 adult kids & their spouses, Dillon & Kenzie and Hayley & Dan; 3 fur grandkids, and their English Setter, Rossco (you will see him from time to time in the community). She enjoys hobbies such as gardening, boating, music, hunting, trap shooting, traveling, crafty, and being a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan.
Cathy Ehley
RECREATION / WELLNESS DIRECTOR & DEMENTIA CARE COUNSELOR
Cathy has been at the Cedars since 2005. She has a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreational therapy and is certified through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals as an Activity Director specializing in memory care activities. Cathy is also a member of MnSWAP (Minnesota Statewide Activity Professionals), NCCAP (National Certification Council of Activity Professionals), and NAAP (National Association of Activity Professionals). She also holds a certificate from Leading Age of Minnesota and the Alzheimer’s Association in Dementia Care. She is constantly continuing her education in therapeutic recreation and dementia. Cathy’s mission is to enrich the lives of our residents through meaningful activities. She loves seeing their smiling faces enjoying the activities that are provided. Cathy is passionate about helping families go through the journey of the memory loss of their loved ones. It is difficult, and she doesn’t want anyone to go through it alone. Cathy’s passion and commitment to our residents shows - she was named a Caregiver of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota in 2014 - an AMAZING honor that is so well deserved! Cathy lives in Austin with her husband and two children. They love camping, outdoor sports, and movie nights.
Amber Sanvick
RN, DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE
Amber has been a part of the Cedars family since 2014. She has an associate’s degree in nursing and has been an RN since 2008. Amber loves working with the senior community and has done so since 2003. She is very close to her grandparents and has always bonded with the older generation. Amber likes working at the Cedars because it really feels like home. Amber lives in Austin with her husband and their two daughters. They're an active bunch and enjoy canoeing and camping.
DIRECTOR OF HOUSEKEEPING
Corienne worked in the senior housing and healthcare field for over 37-plus years in various roles before bringing her many talents to the Cedars in 2015. She has always enjoyed working with the elderly and says our residents always make her day shine a little brighter.
Corienne Scott
DIRECTOR OF BUILDING SERVICES
Pat had nearly six years of maintenance experience and over a decade of management experience when he joined the Cedars team in 2019. He says that what brought him to the Cedars was a love of serving the elderly.
Pat Michels
DIRECTOR OF CULINARY SERVICES
Jason brings a wide variety of culinary experiences to the Cedars team. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Jason worked in Napa & Sonoma Valley and at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.
Jason Hudock
We’re committed to helping you find the care that’s perfect for you and your family.
Are you interested in scheduling a tour, or do you have any questions about senior living at The Cedars of Austin? Please get in touch with us by filling out the form or reaching out to Melissa Block at 507-437-3246.
Address: 700 1st Drive NW, Austin, MN 55912