Meet Our Team Senior Care Professionals

Lauren has enjoyed a full career in healthcare and joins The Selfhelp Home with 7 years of experience in the senior living field. After spending many years on the business side of healthcare, she decided to return to school and obtain her certification in Nursing Home Administration and licensure. Her passion is to serve others and improve the overall quality of life for the residents. Lauren mostly enjoys the small boutique setting at Selfhelp that allows her to interact more with the residents and families to ensure they have 5-star experience. Lauren is an alumni of Northwestern University and lives in Skokie, she has two adult children and in her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, and her dog Rory.

“From the moment I entered the doors of The Selfhelp Home, I knew it was a very special place. I could sense the staff were compassionate and caring immediately. I am thrilled to be a part of this team and carry out the Home’s mission of caring for the Jewish community in Chicago.”

Elizabeth joins our team as an experienced Director of Admissions in healthcare. She has a Bachelors in social work from Northeastern Illinois University and has nine years of experience working in a skilled nursing facility. She is passionate about helping patients and their family transition to a comfortable homelike setting such as The Selfhelp Home. Elizabeth lives in Albany Park and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

“Everything happens for a reason. To feel truly accomplished, you must love what you do. The opportunity to work at The Selfhelp Home has been the best decision I’ve made professionally. I immediately felt a connection to The Selfhelp Home and the team’s compassion and dedication to ensuring the high quality of care. Our team always goes the extra mile for guests and residents.”

Erica joins our team with over 22 years of experience working in the senior care industry, including 20 years at various Skilled Nursing Facilities in the role of Director of Social Services. Erica grew up in Chicago. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Erica also enjoys cooking, reading and watching movies and sports.

“I chose and continue to work in the social services field due to my love of helping others. I continue to find joy in interactions with the residents. I have learned so much from the conversations I’ve had with residents throughout the years. What I enjoy most about my work are the special relationships that are formed amongst residents, their families and the staff, I am happy to be here.”

The best part about Carmen’s job is experiencing life through the residents. Carmen’s positive energy meets residents on whatever level they are on. She’s passionate about discovering new programs that enhance the life of the residents. Her winning attitude and dedication creates an inviting and warm atmosphere wherever she goes. Carmen is a certified Dementia Care Unit Manager and a Certified Activity Director.
“Over the years, the residents have helped me grow as a person, and I have learned so much about life through them.”

Adwoa was introduced to Selfhelp by her sister and her mom, who both still work at Selfhelp. She started in the dietary department as an aide and worked her way up to Supervisor. Adwoa went to Northern Illinois University, was born in Ghana and came to Chicago’s north side when she was 8 years old. She graduated from Senn High School. Most of all, Adwoa enjoys working with the staff and residents.

“The love and care that I get- once I step in this building makes it very easy to say this is my second home. They are my grandparents; I am their grandchild and we are family!”

Pio joined the team as the first male nurse at The Selfhelp Home. He started out part-time on the 11pm-7am shift and today he assists the Director of Nursing with hiring and training staff. Pio supervises all of the nurses and CNA’s, ensuring the highest quality of care is being delivered to the patients and residents in both the Health and Rehabilitation Center and on our long-term healthcare floors. Pio lives in the neighbored, has an impressive shoe collection, and has a passion for fixing hearing aids and eyeglasses.

“My favorite part of the job is compassion. I love taking care of our residents because my parents live far away, so the residents are my substitute parents.”

Kate knew her career as early as 15 years old when she discovered her passion for working in healthcare when she went to work with her mother on Saturdays to help feed the residents to earn allowance money. 27 years later, Kate still loves working with seniors and being in the healthcare field. She has worked in both in long-term care settings and hospitals, and has spent 12 years as a caring, compassionate bedside care nurse.

“I’m excited to be part of The Selfhelp Home team, it feels like I’m finally — home.”