WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     westbrook  — Westbrook Good Samaritan Society has a new face in the administrators office.

    Daren Rife, a native of Sioux City Iowa, began his duties as Westbrook and Mountain Lake administrators June 10.

    Rife was hired by Good Samaritan Society January 3, 2012. He was assigned to Sioux Falls Village where he took 5 months  of administrator training.

    Rife is married to his wife Kalyn and they are expecting their first child. Kalyn is a Registered Nurse and is working in the Avera Clinic in Windom. They are buying a house in Windom where they plan to make their home.



    Rife has a bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Iowa, and a Masters degree in accounting from the University of South  Dakota. He also is working on  his masters in Health Care Administration at St. Joseph’s University of Maine.

    Prior to coming to Good Samaritan, Rife lived in Sioux Falls for the past eight years, and worked the past two years working as a tax manager as  an Enrolled Agent. It is a role similar to a C.P.A. and is administered by the I.R.S.

    When asked about his impressions of the facility, Rife said, “I think it’s fantastic, and the staff here is great! They really take pride in their work — the facility has been kept up very nicely.”

    When going to meetings with administrators from other companies he has learned the Good  Samaritan does a great job compared to the competitors. He said Good Samaritan does a tremendous job investing in facilities, providing adequate care and quality of life for our residents.

    “One thing, we not only treat the mind and body, we also treat the soul. Our Christian mission allows us to pray with the residents and show compassion towards them,” he said.

    “We really are proud of our kitchen staff, they put out very good quality food which the residents really enjoy,” said Rife. “Some of our food is home made, like pies, cakes, and cookies. The staff does a really good job of presenting the food to the residents.”

    Another area he was proud of was activities. “Last week we had a bon fire and made “Smores” for the residents. Some of our residents will be going on a boat outing at Lake Shetek coming up next week,” he said. “We like to provide as much activity as possible for the residents.” Rife feels a variety of activities for the residents is important to their minds and bodies.

    Recently the center built a new employee parking lot on the south side of the facility to free up more space in the main lot. “We hope to eventually pave and landscape the area as well,” he said.

    Rife commented, Westbrook is a great looking  community. “I am looking forward  to getting to know people here,  my experience here has been great,” he said.

    Rife said, “I really enjoy fishing, both on the water and ice fishing.” His parents have a home on Lake Okoboji so he does a lot of fishing in northwest Iowa. He also enjoyed playing hockey growing up. During his college years he got to play with Zach Parise, (Parise recently signed a contract to play with the Minnesota Wild).

    “I am really happy to be here. I am so proud of our company, I don’t think anyone does a better job as an organization. I feel lucky to be here, and we hope this will be our home for some time to come,” Rife said