Meet Our Team of Senior Care Professionals

Janell joins The Selfhelp Home team as the Director of Assisted Living. Janell is originally from Minnesota, but has lived in Chicago for the last 40 years. Janell received her Bachelor of Nursing from Resurrection University. She was most recently an RN supervisor at Amita St. Joes Hospital. Before her nursing career she had 12 years of experience in hospitality. Janell is pursuing her nurse practitioner degree in geriatrics at Oak Point University. Janell’s daughter and son-in-law recently had their first baby, and Janell is looking forward to spending time with her first grandson.

“Selfhelp Home’s reputation drew me in. I never thought I’d leave the hospital setting, but I saw the quality of care and service here at Selfhelp and knew I wanted to be part of this community. Selfhelp feels at home, right from the start.”

Jessica joined The Selfhelp Home in 2022 after volunteering with her certified therapy dog for several years before the start of the pandemic. Her past work in the Jewish community includes serving as the Development Manager for The Ark and as the Director of Operations for Emanuel Congregation. An Evanston native, Jessica was a Vermont resident for 8 years and has lived in the Edgewater/Andersonville neighborhood for nearly a decade. When not spending time supporting Selfhelp residents and their loved ones and working within the Jewish community, Jessica serves as the founder and executive director of Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue (CLEAR).

“To be embraced by The Selfhelp Home first as a volunteer and now as a staff member is a dream come true. I strive to imbue every interaction in my life with honesty, respect, and compassion – and I truly believe SHH embodies these three tenets. We are a home, we are a family here; I am grateful to and empowered by our community.”

A native of North Carolina, Benna moved here to attend the University of Chicago as an undergraduate, and has lived in Chicago for the past 10 years. She received her MSW at the University of Michigan School of Social Work where she focused on aging and participated in a geriatric scholarship program. She has worked as a program aide at a day center for adults with dementia, and in several skilled nursing and long-term care facilities as a social worker. She is fluent in Yiddish, loves to travel, and has spent time living in France as a volunteer farmer. She is thrilled to work with The Selfhelp Home team.

“The Selfhelp Home feels more like a family than any other place I’ve worked. The longevity of some of the staff is really impressive and inspiring, and this longevity contributes to making Selfhelp special!”

Laura Zellhofer joined The Selfhelp Home in May of 2017. She had been a Retirement Counselor at Montgomery Place in Hyde Park for 12 years prior to joining our team. Laura attended the University of Chicago and earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology. She also attended Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania. Laura was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., but has made Chicago her permanent home for the past 35 years. She is married to a retired physician and they have two dogs, Samantha and Shelly. Her strength is in fostering long lasting partnerships with her clients to enable them to make a smooth transition from their home to our community.

Jonathan’s role is to enrich and grow Jewish learning and engagement at the Home. Jonathan has a background in Jewish communal service, having served as the Assistant Director of the Chicago Chapter of the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Previously, he practiced law in Chicago and earned his J.D. at DePaul College of Law. Jonathan and his wife Dafna live in Skokie with their 13 year old daughter who attends Chicago Jewish Day School.

“I love learning with and from our residents. Each resident brings a unique Jewish history and identity with them, and together, with kindness, open minds and mutual respect, we have created a nurturing, pluralistic Jewish community devoted to study, prayer and Jewish culture.” – Jonathan

“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein

James, who also goes by Jimi, recently joined our Assisted Living nursing team. Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Jimi has been in Chicago since January 2014. He has been an LPN for 10 years, and is in the process of returning to school to become an RN. Before coming to work at The Selfhelp Home, he worked at a residential home for people with mental health needs in Lakeview.

When not working, Jimi enjoys film photography and singing karaoke. He especially enjoys taking pictures of old architecture in Chicago. He wants people to know that he is fun, open minded, and inquisitive.

“Since coming to work at Selfhelp, I’ve really enjoyed the good camaraderie among the team and I appreciate how welcoming everyone has been!”

Ratchanee “Richie” Nuchprayoon joins the assisted living care team as a Wellness Nurse. Richie is a Licensed Practical Nurse from Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology and has a Bachelor’s degree from Thammasart University in Accounting.

Richie was born in Bangkok, Thailand and has lived in Chicago for 12 years. She has 8 years of experience as a nurse and has worked in restorative and wound care. In her free time, Richie enjoys traveling around the U.S.

“At Selfhelp, the staff treat each other like a family. The residents are warm and friendly. I am looking forward to being a part of this great community.”