How one team member grew through every role and found a family along the way.
When Jessica Vinkemeier started working for Mount Olivet Rolling Acres (MORA) in 2014, she had no idea how deeply the people she met — those she supported and those she worked beside — would shape her life.
“I fell in love with my Waconia guys,” she says with a smile. “Even when I left for a bit in 2015, I couldn’t stay away. I came back in 2018 because I missed them so much.”
Jessica’s story is one of resilience, growth, and finding purpose in the everyday moments that matter most. Starting as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), she steadily climbed the ladder: Lead DSP, Medical Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and today, she proudly serves as a Program Supervisor.
“I like to tell people that,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve done every role. It’s been a journey.”
Finding Support and Paying It Forward
Her proudest moment came when she was invited to step into leadership. “I was shocked they were willing to take a chance on me,” she recalls. “But my supervisor, Vera Ausk, saw something in me. She walked with me through the Leadership Development Program, mentored me, supported me, and truly shaped me into the leader I am today. Vera is one of the best human beings I know.”
Now, Jessica brings that same spirit of encouragement and mentorship to her own team, supporting staff and helping them navigate their paths, just as others did for her.
Moments That Matter
Jessica’s work is full of meaningful, joyful moments. Whether it’s seeing the individuals she supports light up during a trip to McGregor or watching them relax and enjoy a day in Duluth, every experience reminds her why her work matters.
“MORA helps people live life,” she says. “We go to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, take vacations. It’s about more than care. It’s about dignity, joy, and giving people the opportunity to choose their own path.”
That idea — person-centered care — is at the heart of MORA’s approach. “It means giving our individuals real choices. Whether it’s planning outings or deciding what they want to do in their day, we make sure they have the tools to make their own decisions,” she says. “Sometimes that means creating visuals so they can choose more easily. It’s about meeting people where they are.”
A Culture of Care and Community
And MORA’s culture? Jessica describes it simply: “Everyone is willing to help. If you need something, people are there. Leadership supports you. Your coworkers support you. That kind of environment changes how you show up every day.”
She’s learned big lessons along the way, including how to stay calm under pressure, how to develop lasting relationships, and how to appreciate the small things.
“The people we support find joy in the simplest things,” she says. “It’s a constant reminder to be grateful.”
Advice from Someone Who Knows
So, what advice would she give to someone considering a role at MORA?
“Take a chance,” Jessica says. “MORA took a chance on me. And because of that, I’ve grown, I’ve been promoted, and I’ve found a place where I truly belong. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”
Looking to the future, Jessica is excited. “We’re becoming more person-centered than ever. The opportunities we’re offering the people we support are growing. I can’t wait to see where we go next.”
For Jessica, and so many others at MORA, it’s not just a job. It’s a calling. A community. A chance to make a difference, one day, one smile, and one story at a time.
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