About Us

Pictured above: Stephanie Alexander

Illuminating Paths to Independence

At Northern Lights Living, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live life their way - with dignity, joy, and connection. We provide personalized in-home supports that help people thrive in the place they love most: home.

But our story begins long before this agency was founded.

Our Story: Sitting on the Other Side of the Table

For more than twenty years, I worked in disability and aging services — first as a CADI and BI waiver case manager, later as the Manager of Aging and Disability Services at Ramsey County, and then in leadership roles in public transit and nonprofit work. I’ve spent my career helping families navigate complex systems, access resources, and build stability.

I thought I understood the challenges families faced.

Then everything changed.

In 2024, my cousin moved in with us after spending her entire life living with her parents in Oklahoma. Born and raised in New Mexico, this was her first time building independence outside her childhood home. Even with all my professional experience, I suddenly found myself overwhelmed by county processes, Social Security visits, MNChoices assessments, scheduling, and staffing.

The truth hit hard:
If someone who knows the system still struggles — how must it feel for families who don’t?

Living this experience as a family member deepened my understanding in ways no job ever could. It’s what inspired me to build something different — something more personal, more supportive, more human.

Northern Lights Living was born from that experience and built around a simple promise:
You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Why Northern Lights Living

We chose our name because the northern lights guide people through darkness with beauty, steadiness, and awe. That’s how we approach care, as a source of support and illumination when life feels complicated.

We don’t believe in rushing people, confusing people, or hiding things behind corporate language. Instead, we operate with:

• Transparency

• Compassion

• Respect

• Authenticity

• And a deep belief in choice

These aren’t business buzzwords to us - they’re lived values.

Our Mission

Helping people live life their way - at home and in the community they love.

Our Vision

To grow into a statewide provider that redefines home supports by offering innovative, compassionate, and comprehensive services that help people live fully at home and in their communities.

Our Core Values

Independence – Supporting people in directing their own lives.
Dignity – Honoring every person as worthy of choice and respect.
Compassion – Caring with empathy and understanding.
Quality – Delivering reliable, high-standard services.
Empowerment – Equipping individuals and families with tools and confidence to thrive.
Community – Strengthening connection and belonging.
Integrity – Doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Meet the Founder - Stephanie Alexander

I’m a lifelong advocate for independence, inclusion, and systems that actually work for people.

From overseeing countywide waiver programs, to directing operations at SouthWest Transit, to growing volunteer-driven services through WeCAB, my career has always centered around creating solutions that lift people up.

Northern Lights Living brings together all those experiences - but with a personal touch inspired by my own family’s journey.

Outside of my professional work, I’m a storyteller and someone who leads with humor, heart, and authenticity. I live with my husband, Varghese, and my cousin, who reminds me every day that independence isn’t defined by ability - it’s defined by opportunity.

What Families Can Expect From Us

At Northern Lights Living, we promise:
✔ Respectful, person-centered care
✔ Transparent pricing with no surprises
✔ Fairly paid, well-trained caregivers
✔ Strong communication
✔ Support navigating a complicated system
✔ A partnership built on trust

We believe that independence shouldn’t feel out of reach.
It should feel like home.

Let’s Talk

If you’re exploring services for yourself or someone you love, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step.

Contact us anytime — you don’t have to navigate this alone.