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.

Mary is the Home Care Sales Manager for Home Instead.  “Hello! My name is Mary and I’m happy to be the Home Care Sales Manager. 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 serving my community and my work at Home Instead helps me accomplish that goal. Thank you for welcoming me to Home Instead!”  Mary joined the Home Instead team in November of 2022.

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 has a fiancé, 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.

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.

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 has a fiancé, 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 a 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.

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.

Juliane joined Home Instead in December 2024. She used to work in other industries such as dealership, freelance, and digital marketing but now she’s a Service Coordinator at Home Instead working alongside Nicole. 

Joining home instead is close to home to Juliane due to her first hand experience in caring for her late grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s for almost 10 years. That experience shaped her care for seniors as she knows their struggles together with their families.

Interesting fact, Juliane is in the Philippines! She’s living with her long-term partner and their Golden Retriever (Addison) and Corgi (Olivia).

Robert “Chip” is the Training and Onboarding Coordinator at Home Instead. He has worked within the education space for the past five years. Before coming to Home Instead he worked within the Minnesota Historical Society as a program facilitator. While there he interacted with all types of people from different cities, states and countries during my time with MNHS. Chip moved to Minnesota to continue his education and received master's degree from UMN. During this time, he was also a teaching assistant for different history of science, technology, ad medicine courses. He has a passion for teaching and training and with Home Instead hopes to use the previous experiences he gathered to make sure every new CarePRO is set up for a successful time with Home Instead and is excited to be a part of this team. 

Outside of work Chip enjoys watching any and all sports, with an emphasis on Florida State football in the fall. He also enjoys a good audiobook and spending time with my friends and family and exploring the Twin Cities and the surrounding area as he still learns new things to do all the time and always appreciates a good suggestion.