Community

Minnesota United and Allina Health recognize the significance of active community involvement. We commend the participants and volunteers that dedicate their time, talents, and compassion to the hundreds of programs that help support our community. That's why, at every home game, we spotlight a community member for their exceptional contributions. Watch the pre-game video board to see who's being honored for making our shared community a better place to live and flourish.

Past Award Recipients

Dr. Christine Athmann

Dr. Athmann – a descendant of the White Earth Tribe of Ojibwe who grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota – is the Lead Physician for Allina’s Float Pool team within outpatient primary care and family medicine, and is also a member of Allina’s BIPOC Employee Resource Group – one of six Allina ERGs that help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Through her work with the BIPOC ERG, Dr. Athmann supports Native American students who are looking to go into health care and takes tremendous joy in seeing Native students accomplishing their dreams and improving the health and wellness of tribal communities.

Date Honored: July 20, 2024

Betsy Brandes

Minnesota United and Allina Health are proud to recognize Betsy Brandes as today’s “Honorary Scoreboard Keeper.” Betsy is a volunteer Tour Guide at the Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, serving as the first volunteer in this new program. Betsy has been instrumental in launching the tour program for expectant couples and families and also for her work in supporting new volunteers. As a retired employee of The Mother Baby Center, Betsy finds volunteering there especially rewarding and loves being back in a new capacity to work with expectant families again.

Date Honored: July 17, 2024

Mark Lavoie

Mark is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant at Allina Health’s Centennial Lakes Clinic working in Family Practice and is also a member of Allina’s Pride Employee Resource Group – one of six Allina ERGs that help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Serving as an active volunteer since age 12, Mark started with community lunches for his local church and is now a regular presence at Allina’s booth at the annual Twin Cities Pride Festival. Mark’s favorite part of volunteering is how he can benefit his community while meeting people from all walks of life.

Date Honored: June 8, 2024

Adam Warden

Adam has volunteered with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation program since 2017, serving as coach for the track & field and competitive swim teams. In these roles, he plans workouts, works with athletes to develop sport-specific adaptations, and leads weekly practices. Adam’s favorite part of volunteering is using the skills he acquired while re-learning how to race after losing his own leg to help others find ways to adapt their training and maximize their potential.

Date Honored: June 1, 2024

Eric Jezierski

Eric is a Security Training Specialist for Allina Health’s Security Support Department and is also a member of Allina’s Veteran’s Employee Resource Group – one of six Allina ERGs that help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Eric is a current member of the Minnesota Army National Guard and serves as Commander of Headquarters Support Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion. In addition to volunteering for 23rd Veteran, a veteran’s support group based in Minnesota, Eric is a frequent speaker at Allina ERG forums, sharing his perspective on the qualities that make veterans great employees.

Date Honored: July 3, 2024

Jarrelle Waldorf

As the Stroke Program Coordinator at United Hospital in St. Paul, Jarrelle is passionate about bringing stroke awareness and education to her community. In addition to her role at Allina, Jarrelle volunteers her time with the Minnesota Stroke Association Strides for Stroke Walk and Be the Match. Jarrelle’s favorite part about volunteering is the learning that happens from sharing knowledge and experiences with others.

Date Honored: June 22, 2024

Katie Johnson

In her role with Allina Health Research, Katie works at United Hospital supporting Neuroscience, Mental Health and Cancer Research. In addition, Katie is a frequent and passionate volunteer in her community, providing support for a number of organizations, including the Division of Indian Work's food shelf, the Lung Cancer booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and the Allina Health Stroke booth at the Pierce County Fair. Katie believes that by volunteering, she can actively contribute to creating a healthier and more inclusive community for everyone.

Date Honored: May 18, 2024

Dr. Daniel Hurley

In his role as System Clinical Director of Psychological Services for Allina Health, Dr. Hurley leads psychological services across all Allina hospitals and clinics and is passionate about supporting and growing quality mental health care. He is proud of the work that Allina frontline providers and staff do day-in and day-out to help serve patients, their families, and our communities.

Date Honored: May 15, 2024

Zuly Duarte

Zuly has graciously dedicated over 115 hours as a Eucharistic Minister at United Hospital. In her volunteer role, she provides prayer and spiritual support to patients, contributing positively to their healing journey. She particularly enjoys connecting with Spanish-speaking patients and visitors, using her native language to foster meaningful connections.

Date Honored: March 16, 2024

Sarah Clark

In addition to being an Oncology Pharmacist at Allina’s Specialty Pharmacy, Sarah is a dedicated volunteer with the Pay It Forward Fund, a non-profit organization that helps alleviate financial burden for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Hearing patient stories and the impact of the work inspires her to continue going above and beyond in our community.

Date Honored: March 2, 2024

Rebekah Ferguson-Shand

Rebekah's lifelong dedication to volunteering began in childhood and remains integral to her life. As a devoted participant in Free Bikes 4 Kidz, she helps provide bikes to children who might not be able to afford one so they can lead healthier lives. Her contagious compassion and drive to create a positive future for her neighbors and community inspire all those around her.

Date Honored: April 6, 2024

Stella Frangiadakis

Stella is currently a student at the University of Minnesota and enjoys spending her free time volunteering for Abbott Northwestern’s Phillips Eye Institute Early Youth Eyecare program. As a lead vision screener, Stella is passionately committed to creating a more equitable community by increasing access to vision care for children. The Early Youth Eyecare program operates in Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts, helping more than 27,000 students annually.

Date Honored: March 20, 2024

Kent Peterson

Kent has volunteered for 5 years at Allina Health’s St. Francis Regional Medical Center, serving as the go-to person for patients and visitors, helping them navigate the campus and feel welcomed and comfortable. For Kent, volunteering is especially rewarding when he is able to provide comfort and reassurance to patients and families in a difficult time.

Date Honored: April 27, 2024

Cindy Andrade

Cindy is a Business Supervisor within Allina's Business Operations Department and actively participates in the BIPOC Employee Resource Group. Being a first-generation Latina in her family, she believes in the importance of assisting fellow people of color in accessing career-building opportunities and guidance within fulfilling environments like healthcare. Cindy serves as a beacon of possibility for other women of color, encouraging them to pursue and achieve leadership roles.

Date Honored: April 13, 2024