Employee of the Month – February 2025
March 13, 2025

We’re super excited to announce that Heidi Stolhanske has been named our March 2025 Employee of the Month! Heidi began working for Homeward Bound in June of 2024. She quickly became a key part of the team, bringing tons of passion, dedication, and care for the people she works with every single day. Heidi is originally from this area but recently moved back to be closer to her family and friends. Previously, she worked as a nursing assistant in Wisconsin, where she gained a lot of hands-on experience in patient care. Outside of work, she loves walking her dogs, painting, camping, and just spending time outdoors to stay inspired and balanced.
Her journey into healthcare is really personal. Growing up, she took care of her mom, who had some serious health issues. This experience sparked a deep desire to continue helping others. She shares, “Taking care of my mother led me to want to continue taking care of people. It’s something I’m passionate about.” When asked what keeps her going at work, Heidi says, “It’s all about the residents and patients. I try to put myself in their shoes—what would I want if it was me or my family? Seeing the team’s care and dedication is so inspiring. It’s all about making a real difference for the people we care for.”
She also has some great advice for anyone new to the field: “Don’t be afraid to dive in. It might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s so rewarding. You’ll learn a ton, and eventually, you’ll experience it all. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a little time to bond with the people you’re caring for. It’s totally worth it when you see that recognition from the residents.”
Heidi’s coworkers can’t say enough good things about her. One colleague shared, “Heidi really embodies teamwork. She brings such a positive vibe, and her dedication to our residents is amazing.” We couldn’t agree more. Heidi’s kindness and professionalism are great examples for the rest of us.
Thank you, Heidi, for everything you do! We’re so lucky to have you on the team.
Employee of the Month Program
Each Employee of the Month receives a $1000 bonus and is entered into the Employee of the Year contest. The Employee of the Year is announced at the annual Employee Anniversary Dinner in June of the following year and the winner receives a $1500 bonus and a trophy. Anyone can nominate an HBI employee for Employee of the Month, or you can nominate yourself! Contact Kathleen Prouty, HR Manager, at kprouty@hbimn.org for a Nomination Form.