MNHPC Staff
Meet Kristina Wright-Peterson, Executive Director
Kristina Wright-Peterson brings a blend of heart, healthcare experience, and nonprofit leadership to her role as Executive Director of the Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care (MNHPC). A former nurse turned nonprofit leader, Kristina is passionate about making sure people have what they need to live — and die — according to their wishes.
Before joining MNHPC, Kristina led Seasons Hospice in Rochester and founded Red Drop Resources, a nonprofit that supports individuals and families facing serious illness. She's spent her career building organizations that are rooted in compassion and driven by purpose.
Kristina is a connector by nature and believes that big change happens through collaboration. She loves working alongside providers, caregivers, and advocates across Minnesota to strengthen our system of care.
When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Kristina cheering on her kids at sporting events, reading a good with her dogs or starting a new house project. She’s based in Rochester, MN and loves any chance to bring people together for good.
Ara Elizabeth
Director of Marketing, Development & Engagement
Phone:
763.221.1112
Email:
Address:
3001 Broadway Street NE, Suite 170
Minneapolis, MN 55413
About
Ara Elizabeth is a multifaceted professional whose life is intricately woven with threads of education, art, and compassionate care. With a foundation in Early Childhood Education, Ara is an advocate for incorporating nature and outdoor experiences into daily living,, believing it enriches both professional and personal realms.
Her unexpected journey into end-of-life care began during the pandemic, where she cared for individuals with dementia. This profound experience reshaped her understanding of life and death, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the sacredness of death work. Ara views this role as a true passion and an integral part of her life's mission.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ara is a devoted mother to her three children—Wren, Kaj, and Freyja—who serve as her guiding stars. Known for her warmth and empathetic nature, Ara strives to spread light and inspiration, encouraging those around her to share in this collective magic.
As an innovative and creative professional, her career spans early childhood education, retail management, hospice and dementia care, and a variety of creative development projects. She seamlessly blends imaginative solutions with strategic thinking, delivering exceptional outcomes. Her passion for excellence and artistic approach ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Ara's love for planning and art permeates her professional life. Whether designing promotional campaigns or creating visually compelling materials, she brings a unique perspective that drives engagement and achieves goals. With a commitment to excellence and a flair for creativity, Ara Elizabeth continues to inspire and be inspired, leaving a lasting impact on all she encounters.
Lores Vlaminck
Consultant
About
Lores Vlaminck, MA, BSN, RN, CHPN, is the founder and principal of Lores Consulting, LLC. With over 21 years of experience, Lores has been providing consulting, training, and mentoring services to hospice, assisted living, home health care, and palliative care organizations. Currently, she is focusing on hospice and palliative care.
Leveraging her 48 years of professional nursing experience, Lores empowers client agencies and facility providers to achieve their fullest potential. Her extensive background in nursing encompasses clinical practice in cardiac and intensive care, outpatient clinical services, and serving as the founder and director of a home care and hospice agency for 19 years in greater Minnesota.
Additionally, Lores is an approved trainer for the End of Life Nursing Education Curriculum (ELNEC) and is an active member of a large non-profit board in Minnesota. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her Master’s degrees from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.