We are excited to formally announce the NHS Northstar Employee Owner of the Year recipient, Christine Giersdorf! Christine was presented with this award at our annual ESOP event on June 9, 2026, at the MN Discovery Center.
The Employee Owner of the Year award in presented annually to an employee who has stood out and exhibited the characteristics of an employee owner by making decisions based on our guiding principles:
What is in the best interests of our clients?
- Dignified Care
- Personal Development
- Individual Choice
- Community Integration
What is in the best interests of our coworkers?
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Health and Wellness
What is in the best interest of NHS Northstar and our ESOP?
- Financial Integrity
- Stewardship
- Growth and Sustainability
Christine began her career with NHS in 2010 as a Direct Support Professional, serving in that role with dedication for many years. In 2024, she was promoted to Residential Service Supervisor at our Horizons home in Chisholm and was recently recognized as a RSS II—a well-deserved achievement.
Christine truly defines compassionate, impact-driven care. She approaches her work not simply as a job, but as a calling. With a rare blend of advocacy and patience, she ensures every individual she supports feels seen, heard, and deeply valued. Whether implementing personalized support plans, teaching skills to foster independence, or helping individuals integrate into their communities, Christine inspires those around her through her focus, passion, and commitment to true person-centered care.
Christine is always willing to step in wherever needed—whether that means cross-training across homes, supporting individuals with complex needs, assisting, training, supporting and mentoring staff and new supervisors, or ensuring budgets are followed and staffing hours are in line. These are just a few of the many ways she represents the very best of NHS Northstar.
One recent story stands out. A couple celebrating their 20th anniversary (one individual in residential services and the other in Community) had planned a special trip, but their paid travel companion arrangements fell through. Christine refused to let them miss this milestone. She stepped forward, planning to accompany them to Disney—initially believing she would need to use her own PTO to do so. When we learned of her plan, we worked together to support the trip appropriately—but what mattered most was her willingness to give so selflessly. Because of Christine, that trip truly became magical. And as it turns out, when you combine Disney and Christine—dreams really do come true.
Christine believes in our mission and our guiding principles. She consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service to her clients, coworkers and external contacts. The entire organization benefits from Christine being at NHS Northstar, which is why she has been chosen as our Employee Owner of the Year.
Congratulations, Christine!