Meet our Board of Directors

---

Amy has worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years and has always had a passion for helping others and being the voice of her patients and those in need of care. Leading many initiatives with process improvements including Fall Risk Prevention Workgroup, Post Hospital Safe Discharges and Preventative Care Workgroup. The groups fall risk programs and cancer screenings with CMS were awarded at the highest state level for quality care initiatives.   Every provider, co-worker and patient will attest to Amy’s commitment to quality patient care and compassion for the community members that reached far beyond the clinic walls. And because of that passion, she found the gaps within the healthcare system, and founded a nonprofit to bridge the gaps with a patient centered focus. 

Dr. Rasquinha practices the true art of Geriatric Medicine. She loves to share her passion for geriatrics and aging by speaking on senior health topics to various organizations. Dr. Rasquinha graduated from Bangalore University in India, served her residency and internship at Bergen Pines County Hospital in Paramus, NJ, and completed fellowships in clinical nutrition, hospital leadership and is a board certified Geriatrician. She carries the title Certified Medical Director from the board of post-acute and long-term care medicine. She has served as medical director for home care, hospice, rehabilitation medicine and long-term care. She was instrumental in creating Clinical Pearls and Guidelines in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Rasquinha is married to husband, Cecil Asher; she has two adult children and is a dog enthusiast and counts a Portuguese water-dog and a Puggle among her family members. She enjoys cooking, walking outdoors and always strives to keep her mind and body active.

Steven Atkinson is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Geriatric Internal Medicine. He has worked with Dr. Rasquinha for more than 15 years. He is adjunct faculty at the University of Utah and has done so since 1994; he has been involved in medicine since 1988. He is dynamic speaker and lectures both nationally and internationally. He is a published author in the area of Geriatric Pharmacology and has served on several boards related to geriatric medicine and care. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys running in almost every destination he travels to. He enjoys working with the elderly and considers it his “passion” in life. His positive personality and energy have earned him several local awards in the arena of Geriatric Adult Medicine. 

Chief Koering is a 34-year veteran of the fire and EMS service. Koering has earned degrees in Fire Administration and Emergency Management. The department is widely engaged throughout the community on issues of wellness and improved health, care coordination, community risk reduction and resiliency. The St Louis Park Fire Department has adopted

mobile integrated healthcare by partnering with Care Resource Connection to form its

Community Health Alliance. This alliance develops programs that reduce 911 utilization by connecting patients to a broad base of community-based resources through a structured care coordination model. Chief Koering is a member of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs, Women in Fire International, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) EMS Section, and a former member of the IAFC Affordable Care Act Taskforce, and an Executive Board member for Career and College Readiness at St Louis Park Schools.

Talia Pletcher is a Risk Manager at M3 Insurance. She works with clients in the long-term care, assisted living, and social services industry to identify and develop risk management programs surrounding workers’ compensation and liability exposures.

Pletcher prides herself on her first-hand experience in health care with over 12 years of experience as an administrator for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and home care. In addition, she is an expert with the regulatory environment for long-term care with the removal of CMS Special Focus Facility list, quality management projects, and leadership development for administrators. She is experienced in bridging relationships between long-term care facilities and community organizations.

Talia has earned a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Bart is a nationally recognized healthcare data science leader and current Executive Director of Community Building Together (CBT) and CEO of BData Inc. BData’s mission is to put patients, providers, and their local communities in the driver’s seat of healthcare transformation. To do so, BData creates clinical data networks to engage all healthcare stakeholders to optimize the care delivery experience and improve clinical outcomes in a way that addresses long standing disparities in care. Over 100 of the leading health systems in the country leverage BData technology to understand a growing list of patient populations and develop targeted programs to address key gaps in care.

Through BData’s philanthropic foundation, CBT, Bart is working with a broad group of community, business, and health system leaders to use data science to elevate vulnerable communities across Minnesota. Focusing in parallel on STEM education and community health initiatives, BData and CBT are partnering with numerous universities, businesses, and government leaders to create a stronger and more diverse pipeline for STEM and community health worker careers. BData, CBT, and a growing number of public and private partners are united through a shared vision of driving Better Education. Better Employment. Better Health.™  for underserved communities.

Jennifer has lived in the Minneapolis Metro area her entire life and runs a successful sales and marketing company selling consumer products to major retailers. She enjoys spending time volunteering with her church, high school’s musical theater program, and swim teams. She has served on committees and boards as an advocate for families and seniors in our communities and abroad. As part of the Comfort Keepers® family, Jennifer provides interactive caregiving, meeting clients where they are and helping them enjoy life to the fullest while keeping them safe and healthy and engaged in everyday living. Comfort Keepers is a family-owned, local business, supported by a world-class organization.

Jason completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Dakota before completing his Master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of South Dakota – Sanford School of Medicine. After a brief stint as a personal trainer and outpatient physical therapist, he found his calling in home healthcare where he has spent the past 19 years in various capacities as a physical therapist, education director, administrator, and service line developer.  His passion lies in reaching and helping others and creating an environment for success.