Meet Our Team of Senior Care Professionals

Liza is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a broad spectrum of work experience, ranging from medical social worker positions at Chicago hospitals to work she completed in Cambodia, Ecuador and the UK. Liza is passionate about assisting at-risk populations, particularly older adults and refugees. She is a graduate of Cornell University (Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration) and New York University (Master of Social Work). Liza is a curious, lifelong learner, recently having earned the designations of QAPI Certified Professional (QCP) and Dementia Care Specialist. She also has a bit of an adventurous streak – recent trips include Guatemala and Gabon (Central Africa). Liza first joined Selfhelp in 2017 as the Director of Healthcare Admissions and became the Healthcare Administrator in February 2019.

“I feel an emotional connection with The Selfhelp Home. My goal is to work towards making Selfhelp the best facility possible for all its residents.”

Elizabeth (Liz) grew up in Danville, IL. After spending her college years in southern IL, she ventured to South Carolina where she focused her therapy career in acute inpatient rehabilitation services, along with finding her passion in geriatric care. Liz previously worked in Charlotte, NC, at The Cypress of Charlotte, a CCRC focusing on concierge type therapy services, serving as the Rehab Director and Lead Occupational Therapy practitioner.

Liz brings 13 years of occupational therapy experience to The Selfhelp Home, while returning to her home state of IL and her long-time desire to live in the Windy City. In her free time, Liz enjoys attending live sporting events, spending time with family and exploring new adventures with Duke, her 7-year-old Bull Terrier.

“What I enjoy most about The Selfhelp Home is the shared commitment and ongoing collaboration with the interdisciplinary teams to always provide the highest quality of care to our residents, and the approach of family caring for family.”

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 six 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 Portage Park with her partner, Cynthia, and enjoys reading current events, listening to music and spending time with family.

“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.”

Renee joined our team with 15 years of social work experience. She grew up in Cleveland, OH, and got her masters in Social Work at Loyola University in Chicago. Renee spent the past 11 years working in hospitals, most recently at Presence, Amita Health, in the skilled nursing unit. Renee lived in London for 3 years working with Children and Families Services. She lives in the neighborhood and has a dog named Daisy.

“What I love most about my job is that everybody treats everybody like family, I got the feeling of home, right from the very beginning.”

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. On Saturday’s you will find her as the weekend manager of the Home. 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.”

Joy is responsible for coordinating the plan of care for our short-term patients, overseeing assessments, and ensuring compliance with Medicare. Joy is a certified Resident Assessment Coordinator and works with the interdisciplinary team at Selfhelp (that includes nursing, rehab, activities, dietary and social services) to create a patient-centered plan, and ensures every patient’s care plan is followed through. Joy has become an important part of the healthcare department and has previously held other roles at Selfhelp, such as acting Director of Nursing.

“I love it here, it is like my second family. I truly enjoy taking care of the residents. It makes me happy to see the residents being taken care of and making sure their needs are met.”

John Paul “JP” joined the Selfhelp Nursing team in April 2019 as a Charge Nurse then moved on to becoming our first Infection Control Nurse in June 2020. His work is focused on facilitating SHH’s activities aimed at preventing healthcare-associated infections, and has taken a role in our regular COVID-19 testing in the home.

JP finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Manila, Philippines and worked as a nurse in Manila while also working as a Flight Attendant with Philippine Airlines for 10 years before immigrating to Chicago. He enjoys biking after work and on weekends. JP loves to travel and experience new cultures, adventure and the spontaneity that the journey brings.

“I am very happy to be a part of SHH family. I enjoy the personal growth that happens within me through the culmination of everything I experience and the people I meet.”