Meet Our Team
We believe every family in the area deserves tailor made in-home senior care with a compassionate touch. That's why we established Home Instead® of Baxter, MN.
Proudly Serving Aging Adults & Their Families
Our Promise
- Do what we say we’re going to do – each and every time
- Solve care problems using compassionate, person-centered solutions
- Engage in thoughtful relationships with the families we serve
- Give back to our community
Deb Cranny, Director of Finance
I’m the Director of Finance at Home Instead since we opened the doors in the Brainerd Lakes Area on January 24, 2005.
I opened the business not only to serve our seniors, but also because I have a passion to be able assist families in finding the right solutions for their loved ones. Being a daughter of aging parents myself, that I’m not able to help as much as I should, I understand the stress and emotions of all that. There’s nothing better than having a daughter tell us she has such peace of mind knowing are Care Professionals are with her parents when she can’t be. What I didn’t know when I began this business was how rewarding it was going to be to work with our Care Professionals. They are wonderful, compassionate, dedicated people that love to provide services for their clients. They work hard at their tasks, but they also develop very important relationships with their clients.
I’ve worked with seniors my entire career. The day I graduated from college I worked with a national nursing home organization in business/accounting. The most rewarding part was working in local communities and assisting the families as they moved their loved ones to their new home. Even though that was a difficult situation for them, I felt I could help them get through it.
I have two beautiful adult daughters, two son-in-laws, and 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson, and a beautiful angel grandson watching over us from Heaven. We have so much fun when we are together and I cherish that time! I enjoy just about anything that happens in the summer – golfing, boating, campfires, going for walks or runs, or any adventure that involves the outdoors. In the winter, I just want to curl up indoors by the fireplace – and maybe add a beach vacation.
Michael Cranny, Director of Business Development, Emeritus
I started with Home Instead the fall of 2004 when Deb and I decided that after serving in the Senior Living industry in a more institutional role for many years – let’s create a service in that folks are asking for – I heard so many times in my role as an Executive with a Long Term Care Organization – that this place (nsg. home, asst. living, senior apts., etc.) is OK but I would rather be at HOME!!
That is what Home Instead is – helping people stay at home – wherever that may be!! My primary role at Home Instead is to meet with prospective clients and their families to discuss how we may help them continue to successfully age in their own home. This includes discussing our wide range of services and capabilities.
I enjoy Home Instead because of our mission to help people stay at HOME!! My experience serving seniors started in the late 70’s – so I have been in the vocation of helping others in need most of my career. My Master’s Degree is from the Center for Studies in Aging at the University of North Texas – it has been a rewarding career.
I little bit about me – I love to be with family, enjoy outdoor activities, like a good book on a cold winter day and enjoy cooking but not the cleaning up part:)
Katelin Hohertz, LICSW Executive Director
Molly Haskins, RN Nurse Directed Services Manager
Angie Brickweg, COTA/L Home Care Consultant
Angie joined Home Instead in 2020, bringing with her a background as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She has experience working with older adults in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and in-home therapy. Throughout her career, helping older adults remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes has been the most rewarding part of her work. As a Home Care Consultant, Angie’s primary focus is supporting clients and their families by helping them navigate care options and creating personalized plans that allow individuals to continue living well at home.
"I appreciate that not only is Home Instead committed to providing the highest quality care in the comfort of home, but they are also committed to giving back to the local community as well. I value being part of a team that is making a meaningful impact every day in the lives of others."
Angie moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area in 2019 with her husband, Randy, and their three children, Elsie, Nola, and Eli. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the lake, relaxing on her front porch swing, sitting around a campfire, or curling up by the fireplace with a good book or movie.
Jaide Gaona-Coppa, Client Care Coordinator
Jaide joined Home Instead in August of 2023 as a Care Professional after moving from Omaha, NE, to Brainerd. Previously working as a Physical Therapist Assistant in a Skilled Nursing Facility, she fell in love with the change of pace and the one-on-one care she could provide to all her clients at Home Instead. Helping seniors adapt and recover so they can remain in their homes has always been her passion, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
After a few months as a Care Professional, Jaide stepped into the role of Client Care Coordinator in October 2023. Embracing this new challenge excites her, as it allows her to utilize the skills she gained after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration. As a Client Care Coordinator, Jaide is responsible for managing client satisfaction and quality assurance by addressing each client's unique needs. She focuses on creating tailored service plans through ongoing communication with clients, their families, care professionals, and every member of the office team.
Outside of her role at Home Instead, Jaide continues to work as a PRN Physical Therapist Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring everything Minnesota has to offer with her husband and children. She loves spending time at the lake paddleboarding, cross-stitching, golfing, and enjoying quality time with her pets and family. Additionally, she is a fan of football and baseball (Go Big Red) and is rediscovering her love for reading.
Monica Schrader, Engagment Coordinator
Monica began her journey with Home Instead in 2018 as a Care Professional. The flexibility of the role allowed her to balance life at home with her three children, care for her growing homestead, and even manage a full-time job on the side. When that second job became too demanding, Monica made the decision to fully embrace her role with Home Instead.
In July 2021, Monica stepped into her current position as Engagement Coordinator, bringing with her a deep passion not only for our clients but also for the Care Professionals she now mentors and supports. In this role, she facilitates classroom training, conducts on-site supervisions, leads continuing education efforts, and helps foster professional growth. Monica plays a vital role in ensuring that the Home Instead culture remains strong, supportive, and centered on compassion.
Outside of work, Monica enjoys the simple joys of home life—raising chickens, gardening, canning, and pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle. She lives by the motto “Live and Learn” and believes that while not everyone can do great things, we can all do small things with great love.
Jessica Senn, Service and Accounting Coordinator
Jessica joined Home Instead in July 2020 as a Care Professional, quickly standing out for her compassion, dependability, and strong organizational skills. After taking on the On-Call role to support clients and Care Professionals during evenings and weekends, she officially joined the administrative team in September 2021. Today, she serves as our Services & Accounting Coordinator, where she excels at scheduling, Care Pro/Client matching, and supporting the financial and operational side of our work.
Jessica is passionate about enhancing the lives of everyone she encounters, a value that perfectly aligns with our mission and core values. Whether she’s coordinating services, solving scheduling puzzles, or offering a kind word, she works each day to treat others with dignity and respect while building value in the care we provide.
Originally from Wisconsin, Jessica moved to Minnesota in 2010 and has worked in both healthcare and corrections, gaining valuable experience at Lakewood Care Center and the Crow Wing County Jail. She now lives in Motley, MN, with her husband and two children, Emma and Austin. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, camping, and playing board games with her family.
Samantha Keehr, Office Coordinator
Sam joined the Home Instead Team in February of 2021 as an Office Coordinator, bringing previous experience from a hospital and dialysis clinic settings. Sam strives to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes so that our team can focus on delivering the exceptional care and service that the Brainerd Lakes has known of Home Instead for years. Whether she’s coordinating events, assisting staff, managing marketing, or helping a client or family member. Sam’s goal is to create a welcoming, organized and compassionate environment.
"I’m grateful every day that I get to play a role in something bigger than myself – enhancing the lives of everyone we encounter. Being apart of this team that leads with heart and purpose, makes me look forward to continuing to serve our community with care, integrity, and grace."
Outside of the office, Sam enjoys raising her children, embracing life as a farmer’s wife, spending time with friends, gardening, and curling up with a good book.
Jackie Churack, Recruitment Coordinator
Jackie joined Home Instead in November 2024 as the Recruitment Coordinator. Prior to joining Home Instead, she spent 28 years in the optical field, where she built strong relationships and developed a passion for helping others. Ready for a meaningful career change, Jackie was drawn to Home Instead’s mission of providing compassionate care for seniors. She had been involved in the Be a Santa to a Senior program for many years and was excited to join this great team.
As Recruitment Coordinator, Jackie enjoys connecting with care professionals and finding individuals who are the right fit for both the team and the seniors they serve. Her warm personality, relationship-building experience, and caring nature make her a valuable part of the Home Instead team. Jackie lives in Brainerd with her husband, Brian, and daughter, Katie.
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, relaxing by the lake, spending time with family, traveling, and sharing wellness with others.
Our Team
Your Home Instead team in Baxter, MN possesses a heartfelt desire to work with seniors in the community. It is our ultimate goal to forge extraordinary relationships between our clients and their Care Professionals.
When you are ready for help, our caring staff is on call to quickly answer your questions and accommodate your senior services needs.