ABOVE: Cheryl Ashland began her role as Housing Director at Ingleside in May. Ashland is committed to providing a welcoming environment where residents can pursue their lifestyle goals.

FAIRMONT — Ingleside Inc., a memory care, assisted living and independent living facility in Fairmont, is giving a warm welcome to Housing Director Cheryl Ashland.

Ashland is pleased to lead Ingleside as it carries out its mission of enhancing the lives of resident seniors and the community. She began her duties officially in May, after preparing for her role since last November.

“I love it. I enjoy it a lot,” she said regarding her work.

Ashland previously was a Human Services county case manager for one of the residents at Ingleside. After the resident in question mentioned the opportunity to succeed the role of housing director, Ashland saw it as an avenue to continue advocating for aging individuals.

With her new role at Ingleside, Ashland will oversee a broad list of duties, such as supervising the staff, the maintenance, dietary, clinical and activities departments, human resources and focusing strongly on resident care.

“One of the things I enjoy most about it is promoting independence in a safe way. Because we all have wishes and dreams for our lives,” Ashland said. “In this role, I get to work with others, very talented staff, in helping overcome barriers to encourage [residents] to live the lives that they want to live.”

In addition to her role, Ashland shared she hopes to bring a sense of growth to Ingleside, promote community engagement and offer a welcoming environment. Ashland said new additions have also been made, including more activities, sensory items, outreach opportunity expansion, activities department staff and more.

“I’ve really enjoyed just seeing the growth in the quality of life of our residents and their participation more in the community. And community members coming in and being a part of our life here,” Ashland said. “We’re continuing with encouraging family participation and friends and being welcoming. One of the things I think is neat is that we have several community members who come and participate in our activities program. Because they know that when the time comes, this is a place that they’re choosing to move. And they just enjoy that sense of community through our activities department and the friendships that they’ve made with our residents.”

According to Ashland, Ingleside currently has 21 units in memory care and 41 units in assisted living. Despite being recognized as a smaller facility, Ashland describes Ingleside as a hidden gem.

“One of the things that we actually pride ourselves on is being a smaller facility. Because it’s more home-like, a more person-centered care approach,” Ashland said. “It’s continually growing to meet the community needs and residents’ needs as well.”

Ashland encourages individuals to visit or schedule a tour at Ingleside and explore its opportunities and atmosphere. Ingleside is located at 2811 Roland Avenue in Fairmont. More information can be found and tours can be scheduled by contacting Ingleside at (507) 238-9654 or visiting www.colonycourtmn.com/locations/ingleside/.

“We want to support as many people as possible to support their lifestyle that they want to live in a safe way. And as independently as possible. And that quality of life is so important. And if we’re able to be a part of ensuring that somebody is enjoying life and has that quality of life, it’s an honor for us,” Ashland said.

*Editor’s Note: This article ran in the Sentinel’s Senior Sense on Sept. 25, 2025.