Aging Better Expo

Event Details

Join us online for a week of fun and learning opportunities delivered by local experts. Our annual Expo will feature presentations on aging in place, health/wellness, insurance, legal matters and more.

Each day will feature music of the decades with trivia, brain games, bingo or cooking classes. Your chances to learn, win prizes, have fun and connect with friends awaits!

Once you register, you'll be entered to win prizes. After attending each day, you will be sent an evaluation form. Once you fill out the evaluation at the end of each day you attend, you will be entered to win more prizes.

New this year, you'll have options for how you can participate.

Attend Elderwerks Virtual World. Build your own avatar, visit the sponsors in their booth, chat with the speakers, attendees, and sponsors, attend the live educational sessions, hunt for Elderwerks butterflies in the scavenger hunt, play games, and more. Participating in the Elderwerks Virtual world will also offer you extra chances to win prizes. Works best on a computer with a mouse.
Watch presentations on the Elderwerks Facebook page. Like us on Facebook here.
Watch presentations on the Elderwerks YouTube channel. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.
Fun sessions will take place from 2:30pm-3:30pm each day. Click here to join on Zoom. The Meeting ID will be 868 6997 2935 and the Passcode is 668991. The link for the fun sessions will be the same for all five days.

For those who are attending the Virtual Aging Better Expo in Elderwerks Virtual World, Elderwerks will be sending out information on training days. We will walk through the event, discuss your options, and view the available rooms. You will receive a map, a list of sponsors to visit, the Agenda, and a list of prizes.

Agenda

August 9, 2021
August 10, 2021
August 11, 2021
August 12, 2021
August 13, 2021

August 9, 2021

Expo

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Keynote Presentation by Paula Basta, Director of Illinois Department of Aging

Keynote Speaker, Paula Basta talks about Illinois and aging.

Paula Basta (Director of Illinois Dept. on Aging)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Surrogacy, the Decision Makers, and the Lack of Planning

Kerry Peck, Managing Partner at Peck Ritchey, LLC, will discuss what happens when someone doesn't put all the necessary legal documents in order to protect their healthcare decisions and the finances. Families need to know their legal options before a crisis occurs, and if no legal documents are in place what the next steps would be.

Kerry R. Peck (Managing Partner at Peck Ritchey, LLC)

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Planning for Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Health care planning is a key component to a solid financial plan. As you are nearing retirement there are steps you can take to position yourself for success in your next chapter. Carrie Espinosa has decades of experience helping her clients navigate their health insurance and health care. Pre-retirees increasingly cite the cost of health care as their top financial concern and appropriately so. During this interactive session Carrie will share cost information and helpful strategies to plan for your healthcare costs in retirement.

Carrie Espinosa (Owner, Principal Advisor at Horizon Benefit Services)

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fall Prevention: I'm Still Standing!

Concerns about falling is a wide spread concern in healthcare and for all of us in the community. People over the age of 55 represent over 50% of trauma fall related visits to the ER. Learn the many ways you can lower your fall risk through understanding what risky behaviors, biological and environmental factors are putting you at risk and how easy it can be to change them so you can continue to live an independent, high-quality of life!

Sue Grossinger (Senior Services Coordinator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital)

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM

Making Turkey Chili with Instant Pot

Robin will give a brief overview of how to use a Instant Pot for those who may not be familiar with the appliance and would like to learn more about how it works. Then she will be demonstrating how to make Turkey Chili using the Instant Pot.

Robin Ross (Culinary Leader at Kraft Heinz Company)

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Paying for Long-Term Care: Debunking the Medicare Myths

When you are diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, not only do you need to prepare medically, you need to prepare legally and financially. Besides having the proper estate planning documents, you need to know what legal options are available in planning and paying for long-term care. That Medicare will pay for everything is a myth. This session, presented by an elder law attorney, will focus on the limitations of Medicare and how Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and personal care contracts can be used to maximize you and your loved one’s quality of life. Bring your questions.

Kathryn Casey (Partner & Certified Elder Law Attorney at Dutton Casey & Mesoloras)

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Name that Tune

Do you want to have some fun? Just like the hit TV Show Name That Tune, Mary Ellen will be hosting this fun, interactive game of music from the decades. Prizes will be awarded to top performers.

Mary Ellen Heelan (Neurologic Music Therapist, President & Owner at Heelan Music)

Speakers

Joy Aaronson

Benefits Access & Information Specialist at AgeOptions

John Abromowicz

Certified Senior Exercise Specialist at Destination Fitness In Home Training, LLC

Jenifer Anderson

Group Exercise Director of Advocate Good Shepherd Health & Fitness Center

Paula Basta

Director of Illinois Dept. on Aging

Jacqueline Boyd

Founder, Owner of The Care Plan

Kathryn Casey

Partner & Certified Elder Law Attorney at Dutton Casey & Mesoloras

Dr. Shane Creado

Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Sleep Medicine Physician at Amen Clinics

Jesus Enriquez

Information & Outreach Specialist at AgeOptions- Illinois Senior Medicare Patrol

Carrie Espinosa

Owner, Principal Advisor at Horizon Benefit Services

Monica Gavran

Doctor at Northwestern Regional Medical Group

Sue Grossinger

Senior Services Coordinator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

Dr. Lisa Gumina

Audiologist at Finer Hearing

Maria Guzman

Community Educator at University of Illinois Extension- Illinois Nutrition Education Program

Mary Ellen Heelan

Neurologic Music Therapist, President & Owner at Heelan Music

Kris Hoff

President & CEO of Happy Times Tours & Experiences LLC

Michael Iwanicki

Superintendent at Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County

Jill Lindberg

Owner, Exercise Physiologist at Destination Fitness In Home Training, LLC

Vicki Madigan

Owner and Benefits Consultant at Madigan Insurance Group

John McNeely

Retiree

Rosemary Monahan

Founder, President of Improve-ization

Katie Monahan Brooks

Transitions Hospice

Sarah Moore

Director of Community Relations at Revere Court

Cori Moschberger

Therapist & Clinical Coordinator of Senior Services at Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness

Caren E.I. Naidoff

Attorney at Shire Law Group®

Gail Niksic

Vice President at Elderwerks Educational Services

Kerry R. Peck

Managing Partner at Peck Ritchey, LLC

Chris Petrik

Training Specialist at Elderwerks

Jennifer Prell

President at Elderwerks Educational Services

Alan R. Press

Attorney at Shire Law Group®

Robin Ross

Culinary Leader at Kraft Heinz Company

Julia Tarnorutskaya

Owner & Licensed Massage Therapist at J2 Massage

Jim Whittington

Business Development / Accessibility Specialist at Lifeway Mobility

Lisa Wieland

Nurse Practitioner at Advocate Aurora Health

Jennifer Wilson-Binotti

Doctor at Compassionate Neuropsychology

Joy Aaronson, M.S. Ed. is the Benefits Access & Information Specialist at AgeOptions, the Area Agency on Aging for Suburban Cook County.

In addition to screening and application assistance for benefits including SNAP, Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help, and Medicaid Spenddown for LIS, Joy does outreach in the community, focusing on partnerships with local libraries, community groups, and senior buildings.

She is also part of the Information & Assistance team that assist seniors, their loved ones, and professionals with resources and referrals.

Joy speaks Spanish and is able to help Spanish-speaking clients. She is a Certified SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counselor.

Joy holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University. She has many years of experience building community partnerships, developing and delivering staff/ client training, and in volunteer management. Joy has also taught all levels of English as a Second Language to immigrants and refugees.

John's love for athletics led him into coaching his daughter and son on their baseball, softball and basketball teams for 13 years. In 2000, at 42 years old, John again found himself heavier than he wanted to be. Through proper nutrition and exercise, he lost 70 pounds and has maintained it to this very day!

In 2005, John became a Certified Fitness Trainer through the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) so that he could help others attain the many benefits of a healthy, fit lifestyle. John’s own real-life experience gives him a unique understanding of how to succeed in attaining fitness as efficiently as possible in our busy lives.

John’s continuing education has earned him the following certifications: CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) from ISSA, TPI CGFI (Certified Golf Fitness Instructor) from Titleist Performance Institute, and Certified Speed and Agility Trainer from The Agility Training Institute, Sports Nutrition Specialist, Exercise Therapist to help people recover from injury, post surgery and to help those who need to regain balance, strength and mobility. John is also an Exercise Therapy Specialist and has specifically designed exercises to help people recover from injury, post surgery, pre or post rehabilitation and to help those who need to regain balance, strength and mobility. Lastly, John is a Certified Senior Exercise Specialist to help our 55 and up clients maintain strength, balance, agility and mobility as they age gracefully!

John has worked with athletes from junior high through college and adult and senior of all ages and abilities. He is associated with physical therapy clinics to stay current on the latest injury rehab techniques. John has worked with patients recovering from stem cell transplants, knee replacements, back surgeries and rotator cuff surgeries. John also works with clients who have been referred to Destination Fitness from Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Marionjoy Rehab Institute! John has worked with Destination Fitness for 10 years!

Paula Basta was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Aging in March of 2019, becoming the thirteenth director, and seventh woman to lead the agency. As a lifelong advocate for the care and treatment of senior citizens, Paula brings her institutional knowledge of senior services, policy, and social justice to lead the Illinois Department on Aging.

Paula has over 40 years of experience working with Older Adults. The first 20 years of Paula's career was spent in the field of Aging for not-for-profit organizations such as Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.). While at H.O.M.E., Paula was named Executive Director following the retirement of its founders and remained in that role for five years before embarking on a 20-year career in government.

Paula's most recent 20 years has been in government with the City of Chicago's Department on Aging as the Director of Information and Assistance. Paula then transitioned within the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services- Senior Services division to begin a 14-year career as the Regional Director of the Northeast (Levy) Senior Center. Her most recent position prior to joining IDoA was with the Chicago Housing Authority as the Director of Senior Services and Health Initiatives. While serving as Director of Senior Services and Health Initiatives, Paula oversaw social services for 54 senior buildings and 10,000 seniors throughout Chicago.

Paula received a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio and a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She has been an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University in Chicago and mentored students through the Chicago Bridge program, focusing on the field of Aging. Paula was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2009 and is a graduate from the Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership Class of 2010. Paula has dedicated much of her free time to serving on several not-for-profit boards.

Jacqueline Boyd brings passion and expertise to the field of aging and LGBTQ+ advocacy. A dynamic speaker, facilitator, and entrepreneur, Jacqueline is the owner of The Care Plan. The Care Plan is the country’s first LGBTQ+ centered care management company. The Care Plan’s innovative model of client directed care provides advocacy, care navigation, and advance planning for successful aging experiences.

As part of The Care Plan’s leadership, Jacqueline has consulted with national and local organizations such as SAGE, Howard Brown Health Centers, and AIDS Foundation Chicago to enhance services offered to LGBTQ+ older adults.

Jacqueline is a sought-after speaker and author, having presented at the American Society on Aging National Conference, Creating Change Conference, the Los Angeles County Older Adult Summit, and University of Chicago, among others. She recently contributed a chapter to Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Health and Aging, available from Springer Publishing and authored the guide Create Your Care Plan: An LGBT Person’s Guide to Preparing for Medical Procedures.

Katie is one of only a few Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Illinois. She has practiced exclusively in elder law since 2004. Her practice focuses on long term care planning, estate planning, special needs planning, Medicaid planning and applications, and probate and trust administration. She devotes a substantial portion of her time to helping families plan for the care of a loved one with a chronic care need. Katie represents her clients with a continuity of care that extends from the creation of a long-term care plan through the execution, implementation, and administration of that plan.

Since 2016, Katie has been named by the Leading Lawyers Network as one of the “Top 10 Elder Law Attorneys in Illinois” and a “Top Leading Women Lawyer." She has been named a “Top Elder Lawyer” by Chicago Lawyer and was recently selected by her peers as a “Super Lawyer.” Katie is a frequently requested presenter for community groups and professional associations. In addition, Katie often trains other attorneys in connection with the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

Katie is a dedicated bike commuter and enjoys riding 20 miles roundtrip to her office. She also enjoys gardening on the weekends. Katie and her husband, a professor of philosophy at a local state university, reside in Chicago.

Dr. Shane Creado is a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician. He did an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, and went on to do an MD, graduating at the top of his class, and received the gold medal for obtaining Honors in every subject in medical school. He completed his psychiatric residency and sleep medicine fellowship at the University of Wisconsin where he was awarded the graduating resident award for academic achievement. He is also a sports psychiatrist, and is on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry, as its Chairman of Memberships. He is on the registry of Sports Psychiatrists for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Dr. Creado has clinical experience with the veterans population, college mental health, exercise prescription and mental health, co-morbid psychiatric and sleep problems, CBT-Insomnia, alcohol recovery groups, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), administrative psychiatry, health care policy, cultural psychiatry, couples therapy, and regressive hypnosis. He uses the skills he acquired in these disciplines to holistically apply evidence-based medicine in the service of his patients.

Jesus A. Enriquez is an Outreach and Information Specialist at AgeOptions. He works with the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to educate older adults about health care benefits and empower them to protect themselves against health care fraud. He conducts community outreach, makes presentations at various organizations, and participates in community events and health fairs to educate the public about health care fraud.

His background includes working in non-profit, community health, adult education, and community outreach. Jesus was an ACA Navigator at the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services, in Houston, TX, where he did community outreach and assisted people with enrolling in Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance.

Jesus was also a Health Navigator and a Health Promotion Outreach Associate at Erie Family Health Center where he helped uninsured and under-insured patients research health topics and connected them to community resources. He also managed referrals and conducted patient scheduling and represented Erie at health fairs and events throughout Chicago and gave presentations on health topics.

Carrie Espinosa is an experienced Benefits Advisor, Medicare Specialist, advocate and humorist with an unparalled passion for her industry. She is committed to helping her clients navigate their insurance and healthcare options and helping them make smart decisions. While very few people love health insurance, they do love working with Carrie because she is funny, smart, and genuinely cares about her clients.

Carrie received her AA from the College of Lake County and her BA from DePaul University. She serves on the Board for Assistance in Healthcare Zion, is a contributing member of the Senior Service Coalition of Lake Co and the Legislative Chair for CNIAHU (Chicago Northern IL Association of Health Underwriters). Previously she served on the Latino Advisory Committee for Blue Cross, Athena Powerlink, was on the Board for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and served as an Awana Director at her Church.

Sue Grossinger is the Senior Services Coordinator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. She has worked with older adults and their families for almost 30 years in several different capacities including, case management, community program coordination and training, senior services coordination and Medicare/SHIP counseling. She has been at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital for over 19 years as the Senior Services Coordinator. Her duties specifically include providing resource information and assistance to older adults and their caregivers, Medicare navigation as a Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor for the last 15 years. She also coordinates and has been running the Matter of Balance fall prevention program as a master trainer since 2012. She represents the hospital out in the community through educational programs and volunteering on organizations’ board of directors.

Dr. Lisa Gumina is practicing Licensed Audiologist with 27 years of experience in the Hearing Healthcare Industry and is Board Certified in Audiology. Most of her career was spent in patient care throughout the western Suburbs of Chicago. Dr. Gumina is a Fellow member of The American Academy of Audiology, an active member of the Academy of Doctors in Audiology, The American Speech Language and Hearing Association, and the Illinois Academy of Audiology.

Dr. Gumina has served on the Illinois Academy board and various committees for several years. Dr. Gumina holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology through the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Dr. Gumina is Dementia Certified and holds a Certificate in communication, activites of daily living, end of life support, combative behaviors, and understanding the brain. Dr. Gumina is a musician and an active educator in hearing conservation. Dr. Gumina enjoys spending time with her family and four children, she teaches Sunday school and leads a children’s choir in her church. Her company, Finer Hearing, is an outreach Hearing Healthcare Service based company that brings the Highest Quality Hearing Care right to you.

Kris has been in the tour industry for over 21 years. Her extensive experience, research and passion for the travel industry helped her to transform her vacation packages and operations to operate tours during the pandemic. The customer and staff safety is and always will be the first concern. Ms. Hoff has held many different roles within the tourism industry which affords her the ability to look at everything from different perspectives to develop the effective protocols and some great vacations! From Daycations to Extended Vacations, every tour is created with special care to include local experiences, unique attractions and some one-of-a-kind trips like Schlemiel, Schlimazel MKE, the only Laverne & Shirley themed tour of Milwaukee.

Michael Iwanicki served honorably in the US Navy. After earning his degree in Management and Economics he began his career in Retail Management and Customer Service. In 1998 Mike was offered a position with the Veterans Assistance Commission and was elected to the position of Superintendent by the county’s veterans service organizations in 2003. Working with the Commission the VAC’s mission was redefined to include prioritizing assisting veterans and their families with the presentation and prosecution of VA claims. Michael shares his knowledge of working with the VA to help train other Veterans Service Officers as well as the public. Michael had served 6 years as President of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions, and is currently serving as President of the Illinois Association of County Officials. He lives with his wife Stacy their 2 dogs and 2 cats. When not helping veterans and their families he enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and cooking.

Destination Fitness is owned and operated by Jill Lindberg, retired Nurse and Medical Health Care Professional. While working in the healthcare industry and raising a family, Jill saw the need for Seniors, Adults and Children who wanted to become fit and healthy in the comfort of their own home without having to waste precious time running back and forth to the health club. She also saw a need for people who wanted quality exercise therapists who would give them their undivided attention without having to compete for fitness equipment, parking spaces or a free shower stall. Jill Lindberg, along with her team of Rehab Therapists, Certified Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists and Registered Dietitians go above and beyond to ensure clients receive the most attentive care possible. Whether you are learning to climb a mountain or learning to walk again, Jill and her team will find a creative solution to help your needs and do it with patience, guidance and the utmost care. Jill loves to help her clients have hope again. It brings her such joy when the trainers call in to let her know that the clients are reaching their goals. Jill and her husband live in Northern Illinois and enjoy volunteering, traveling, outdoor fitness activities, healthy cooking, and spending time with their family, and adorable 2-year-old granddaughter!

Vicki Madigan is an Agent/Broker owner of Madigan Insurance Group, Inc. Prior to opening her insurance agency in 2011, she spent most of her career in public education and corporate training. As an Agent/Broker she draws heavily upon her vast background in teaching to help present complex insurance issues in a style that makes sense and are easy to understand.

Educated consumers are in much stronger position to help structure healthcare coverage that meets their specific needs. Techniques developed for successful teaching meld easily with the concept of a consultative enrollment process and produce positive outcomes for her clients.

Along with her specific insurance related education, Vicki has a BS in Corrections and Alternative Education from Western Illinois University, and MS in Managerial Leadership from National-Louis University, Chicago, IL. Her post-graduate credit in Technology in Education from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. She holds a valid teaching license in grades K-12 in Illinois.

For the past 30+ years Rosemary has been dedicated to making individuals and organizations stretch and grow to achieve their full potential. She has taught at Arizona State University and College of DuPage, and held leadership positions at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Lee Hecht Harrison and Scherer Schneider Paulick. She is Founder and President of Improve-ization, an Executive Coaching Practice; and Executive Director of The Job Search Circle, a professional support network of 4500 executives in the greater Chicago-Milwaukee area who are, or have been, in transition.

When her 83 year old mother (now deceased) was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2007, Rosemary became a caregiver and entered into the brave new world of gerontology and assisted living. Through self education, trial and error and often feeling alone, she navigated both the Arizona and Illinois court systems to obtain guardianship; the Illinois state aid/Medicaid system to obtain funds; and the inconsistencies of care in four assisted living/memory care facilities. As a result, she has become a vocal and relentless advocate for caregiver education and better institutional care. She feels keenly the responsibility to ‘pay it forward’ and help others navigate the twists and turns of the mental health care system, create a community of caregivers for support and education, and advocate for those who have no voice.

Whether in the classroom, the Corporate Boardroom, behind the podium, in a church basement, or advocating for the elderly, Rosemary believes passionately in human potential, respect for the individual and empowerment, and has built a career improving processes, institutions and people. Her personal values of respect, education, accountability, responsibility, humor and pay it forward form the foundation of both her executive coaching practice and The Job Search Circle.

Rosemary facilitates the Care Giver Support Group at First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville.

Katie Monahan Brooks is the Director of Community Relations for Transitions Hospice. She provides continuing healthcare education for both the professional and consumer, builds partner relationships, manages social media for the business and guides prospective patients through the palliative care and hospice process.

Katie earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Alverno College in Milwaukee, has 16+ years in the healthcare industry. She began her career as a Music Therapist with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music working with the geriatric population; became a Resident Social Service Coordinator for dual diagnosis seniors; worked as a property manager in low-income senior housing; was the Marketing Director in skilled home health care; and assisted in opening an inpatient psychiatric hospital in northern Illinois as the Community Liaison. A commitment to respect and servant-leadership as organizational values brought her to her current role with Transitions Hospice in 2019.

A firm believer in the importance of volunteerism, Katie serves in several volunteer leadership positions. She is the Vice President of Continuity of Care – State Board, Vice President of Continuity of Care - Lake McHenry Chapter; President of the Senior Service Coalition of Lake County; founding member of the Coalition for Aging Resources & Education; and is the past Corporate Sponsorship Chair for the Lake County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, past President of Continuity of Care - Lake McHenry Chapter and past Vice President of the Lake County Behavioral Health Alliance. She has also served on several professional advisory committees for both hospice and not-for-profit home health agencies.

When not working, Katie enjoys travelling both locally and abroad in search of the perfect oyster, learning about craft distilleries and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

To contact Katie about speaking engagements, hospice and palliative consultations or healthcare resources in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, please call 815-687-4274 or email her at kmonahan@transitionshospice.com

Cori Moschberger is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the field since 1998. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003.

Cori uses a strengths-based approach with all her clients. She creates a safe and comforting environment that allows clients to discover and capitalize on their strengths in order to thrive through crisis, navigate relational challenges and live a happier and more enriched life.

Cori works with a variety of ages and clinical issues. She specializes in adults, young adults, couples, and seniors. She addresses depression, anxiety, grief & loss, chronic pain / illness, disabilities, self worth, codependency and identity issues. Cori is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In her work with couples Cori uses Gottman methods to help couples learn to manage conflict and increase the positive interactions within the relationship.

As Clinical Coordinator of Senior Services, Cori serves Seniors in-home and in residential facilities. Cori has completed the Alzheimer’s Association approved dementia care training and utilizes person-centered care. She is able to coordinate care between the family, POA, caregivers and physicians or facility staff.

Historically, Cori has been involved in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director and has provided crisis counseling to women. Cori also provides clinical supervision to other clinicians. In addiction, she provides corporate consultation to small businesses assisting with team building, conflict resolution and on site crisis management.

Gail joined Elderwerks as a Senior Care Consultant with more than twenty years' experience in the sales and marketing of senior living communities from independent retirement properties to skilled nursing homes. She also worked as a Director of Business Development for a national home care and care management agency. Gail was a co-facilitator at an Alzheimer's Disease support group at Northwestern Medical Center.

Gail is well known to Geriatric Care Managers and Case Managers within the Northshore areas of Chicago. She has developed many community based education and resource events that help adult children in finding resources for elderly parents. With her extensive network of professional healthcare relationships, Gail brings her own passion and dedication to seniors and their well-being.

Gail has an extensive knowledge of geriatric resources, as well as the professional standards and compassion needed to facilitate the needs of seniors and their families while maintaining their dignity with minimal stress.

For over 17 years, Jennifer Prell, President of Elderwerks Educational Services, has been an expert in senior housing, care and the transitioning of older adults. She helps facilitate services and new living arrangements for seniors. Through education Jennifer believes we can better prepare for aging and avoid crisis’s that can occur. She is a Board member of CHUG (Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group), Vice President of Continuity of Care McHenry/Lake, Board member of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Palatine Chamber of Commerce, member of the McHenry County Task Force on Aging and a member of many other groups supporting older adults in Illinois.

Jennifer is also the founder and president of Paxem, Inc. an A+ Accredited Senior Move Management company that helps seniors and families through the sorting, right-sizing and moving process.

Elderwerks Educational Services

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Event Details

Agenda

August 9, 2021

August 10, 2021

August 11, 2021

August 12, 2021

August 13, 2021

August 9, 2021

Expo

August 10, 2021

Expo

August 11, 2021

Expo

August 12, 2021

Expo

August 13, 2021

Expo

Speakers

Joy Aaronson

John Abromowicz

Jenifer Anderson

Paula Basta

Jacqueline Boyd

Kathryn Casey

Dr. Shane Creado

Jesus Enriquez

Carrie Espinosa

Monica Gavran

Sue Grossinger

Dr. Lisa Gumina

Maria Guzman

Mary Ellen Heelan

Kris Hoff

Michael Iwanicki

Jill Lindberg

Vicki Madigan

John McNeely

Rosemary Monahan

Katie Monahan Brooks

Sarah Moore

Cori Moschberger

Caren E.I. Naidoff

Gail Niksic

Kerry R. Peck

Chris Petrik

Jennifer Prell

Alan R. Press

Robin Ross

Julia Tarnorutskaya

Jim Whittington

Lisa Wieland

Jennifer Wilson-Binotti

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Hit Parade Sponsors

Artis Senior Living Lakeview

Brandt Financial Concepts, Inc.

The Cottages of Fox Lake

Crystal Lake Park District

Dutton, Casey & Mesoloras PC