Our Staff

Littlefork Medical Community Staff

Kimberly Perkins
Kimberly Perkins
Extension 107

Kimberly Perkins is the Chief Executive Officer of the Littlefork Medical Community. Kimberly has served in various roles in all aspects of senior retirement including independent, assisted, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. Kimberly holds a Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Health Administration. She was recently selected to perform in a music video by the Assisted Living Federation of America entitled, “Every Day We Make a Difference.” Having lived as an undercover nursing home resident, she understands first-hand how to provide care to those in need. When not spending time with patients, residents, and staff, Kimberly can be found with her family enjoying the great outdoors.

Dr. Paul Havens
Dr. Paul Havens

Dr. Paul D. Havens brought 30 years of family practice and geriatric medicine with him when he joined the Littlefork Medical Community. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine and a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to practicing at the Health Clinic, Dr. Havens serves as the Medical Director of the Health Center which allows him to provide a holistic approach to care for both his residents and patients. Dr. Havens and his wife Claudia are both residents in Littlefork.

Nancy Burmeister Nurse Practitioner
Amber Peterson

Amber began working as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) after graduation from the program at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.  Prior to completing her Master of Science degree, she obtained her undergraduate Registered Nurse degree from there also.  She has nursing experience in general surgery, cardiovascular telemetry, ante-partum, labor and delivery, post-partum, and medical-surgical pediatrics at Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Hospitals.  Her interest and experience in women’s health, prenatal care, and pediatrics is an asset to patients here.  She is enjoying the many benefits of working in a small town near “home” in International Falls.

Heather Juen Physical Therapist
Heather Juen
Extension 131

Heather Juen is the Physical Therapist at the Littlefork Medical Community. She was born and raised in Littlefork and graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls high school in 1999. Heather obtained her master’s degree in Physical Therapy at St. Scholastica College in Duluth, MN in 2003. Heather started working at Littlefork Medical Center in 2004. “I love working at LMC. It is a very close knit work environment; it is almost like a family. I especially enjoy the variety of patients that I get to work with—from the young, school aged children, to the elderly. I also treat people after surgeries, injuries, and chronic conditions. Every day I get to see something different; it keeps my job very interesting.” Heather is married with two children and another one on the way.

Kathy Olson Social Services Director
Kathy Olson
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Kathy Olson is the Social Services Director at the Health Center of Littlefork Medical Center. Kathy obtained her Bachelor Degree in Social Work in 1981 and has worked as a Licensed Social Worker at Littlefork Medical Community since 1997. Kathy is a member of the Minnesota Nursing Home Social Workers Association and attends their annual conference. Kathy helps our new residents have a comfortable move into the Littlefork Health Center and Jackpine Chateau. Kathy also helps residents return to their homes after a short-term rehabilitation stay. “I enjoy helping residents maintain their highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well being in our health community.”

Bev Houglum Administrative Secretary
Bev Houglum
Extension 100

Working in the public sector has been a rewarding experience for Bev Houglum. She has been a public employee since 1978 when she was hired by the City of Littlefork as the Assistant to the City Administrator. In 1979, Bev was asked to consider preparing the payroll for the Littlefork Municipal Hospital. In 1991, Bev left her position with the City and was hired full-time to work for the Littlefork Medical Center as Administrative Secretary and continued her work as Payroll and Personnel Officer. In 2002, the Administrative Assistant position became available and she began sharing that position collaboratively with Chele Ziemba as well as continuing in her Administrative Secretary and Payroll and Personnel position.

Jennifer Fondie Director of Activities
Jennifer Fondie
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Jennifer Fondie is the Director of Activities at the Littlefork Medical Community. She is certified through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals and brings 25 years of experience to Littlefork. Helping Jennifer is a staff of three assistants who lead various activities seeing to it that resident’s emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs are met. In addition, activity staff spend time visiting with residents on an individual basis who are unable to initiate activities on their own. When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and playing with her four grandchildren. "I love my job as much today as I did when I started 25 years "

Kathy Boutin Clinic Manager
Kathy Boutin
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Kathy Boutin is the Clinic Manager at the Littlefork Medical Community. She started her career at age 19 as a laboratory technician in 1978. “I can still remember the butterflies in my stomach the first day as I took the lab tray and walked down the hall of the hospital to perform my first blood draw.” Kathy’s fortunate tenure has given her opportunities to learn new tasks and take on new challenges. “Of all the job duties I have performed over the years, I still love the laboratory work the best. I enjoy the face to face encounter with our patients and feel good when I have made their experience in the lab a pleasant one.” When not working, Kathy enjoys fishing, hunting, canoeing, gardening and just about anything outdoors. “I like to travel and I have a bucket list of things I hope to do and see.”

Lisa Wrabek Director of Pineview Recovery Center
Lisa Wrabek
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Lisa Wrabek is the Director of Pineview Recovery Center. Lisa has worked with chemically dependent people since 2001 and has formidable experience with individuals who have co-occurring disorders. Previously, she managed several foster care and group homes for cognitively impaired individuals. She has worked with several psychiatrists and physicians assisting with psychotropic medication monitoring. Lisa obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology and graduate degrees (Counseling) from Bemidji State University. “My dream was always to live near Voyageur’s and work in the chemical health field. Working at the Littlefork Medical Community has been wonderful. Our staff is friendly and caring people who do not judge others; this is our greatest asset compared to anywhere else.”

Ron Manka Maintenance Director
Ron Manka
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Ron Manka is the Maintenance Director at the Littlefork Medical Community. After graduating from Falls High School, Ron continued his education at Dunwoody Industrial Institute. Other than living in the Twin Cities for a brief period, Ron has lived in northern Minnesota his entire life. “I really enjoy working here. I especially love hearing stories told from the residents in the Health Center.”

Shannon Keeney Food Service Director
Shannon Keeney
Extension 122

Shannon Keeney is the Food Service Director at the Littlefork Medical Community. She has worked in the healthcare dietary environment and has been a member of the Dietary Manager’s Program for almost 20 years. Shannon realized her passion at age 11 when she began baking at home which is still one of her favorite hobbies. “It’s nice to work in a place where your passion is loved by everyone. The best part of being here is watching our resident’s face light up when they receive their favorite foods or at any of our special events we have.” In conjunction with Littlefork Medical Community, Shannon has worked for A’viands, Food Service Management Company for almost 11 years. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys camping on Rainy Lake with her family, playing cards, and traveling to Las Vegas.

Chele Ziemba Business Office Coordinator and Administrative Assistant
Chele Ziemba
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Chele Ziemba is the Business Office Manager at the Littlefork Medical Community. Chele started her career here in 1993 and has a range of responsibilities, all of which cater to those she serves. Primary responsibilities include accounts payable, accounting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, working with insurance companies, overseeing patient accounts, and ensuring that the Littlefork Medical Community complies with Medicare and Medicaid guidelines. When not working, Chele enjoys spending time at Rainy Lake with her family and working with her horses.

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