‘I love being part of an organization that is built upon service to the community’

“Before joining Ridgeview, I was on the job search for a part-time EMT position. At the time, no positions were available at Ridgeview, but someone told me there was an open Security Officer position — four and half years later, here I am.

Outside of work, I have a passion for music. I recently began experiencing vocal issues and was seen by John Meccia, MD, Otolaryngology, at Ridgeview Clinics in Chaska. With his help, I am now preparing to return to live performing.

I have two sons who were both born at Ridgeview. My oldest son spent about three weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Ridgeview Waconia Campus. Shortly after birth, we learned he has Down syndrome. While this was a shock, every single staff member we encountered made both the stress of not being able to bring our newborn baby home and the unexpected Down syndrome diagnosis immeasurably easier.

Today, both my boys are happy and healthy. Ridgeview is not only my employer, but it is the trusted health care provider for me and my family.

I love being part of an organization that is built upon service to the community. As Ridgeview grows, so does its security needs. I enjoy being part of a great team and doing our part to help shape what security looks like today and how it will look in the future. I look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead and celebrating the successes along the way. I am honored to assist in keeping Ridgeview an anchor of our community for many years to come.”

- Mike Villalva, Manager, Security Operations, Ridgeview