Susan Heymann

Certified Dementia Practitioner
Co-Founder of Senior Living Specialists Chicago
Senior Advisor

I was born and raised in the North Shore of Chicago. After attending Miami of Ohio, I worked as a stockbroker for several years before settling down in Deerfield where I raised three wonderful children. My recent experience, caring for my aging father, connected me with many different people in the greater senior living community. I love helping all people and finding meaning in working alongside seniors and their families. ​In my spare time, I enjoy painting, antiquing, gardening, playing with my dogs and being a proud board member of Project H.O.O.D. of Chicago.

Reach Susan by phone – 847.710.3255

Lorri Bernstein, MSW

Certified Dementia Practitioner
Senior Advisor

With an MSW from UC Berkeley, my personal experience providing guidance and placement for family and friends has inspired me to open the Senior Living Specialists branches in Philadelphia and Chicago. To help families who are overwhelmed with the maze of senior care options and in need of guidance in placing a loved one into the appropriate senior residence community provides immense personal fulfillment.

Reach Lorri by phone – 717.648.6319

Jody Birnbaum, BASW

Social Worker
Senior Advisor

After spending over 35 years as the founder of Pear Tree Catering and as a mentor, coach and educator, I have recently transitioned into a new and rewarding career path as a Senior Living Specialist. I am a focused and empathic communicator who listens well and is able to facilitate an effective communication strategy for families who are facing difficult decisions. Using my unique blend of experience, knowledge, humor and compassion allows me to transverse a multi-generational approach to finding the right solutions for families in need. I hope you will allow me to help you find just the right spot for your special someone, somewhere they will feel safe and cared for.

Reach Jody by phone – 847.514.7166

Karin Kreisman

Senior Advisor

I was born and raised in the North Shore of Chicago. I went to the University of Miami to get out of the Midwest weather only to realize that there is no place like home. I worked as an HR specialist at CBRE before moving into office management at a turnaround firm. After having my first child I decided to stay home and have absolutely loved raising my 2 children in Deerfield. They are now old enough that I would like to get back to work. My MIL, unfortunately, was diagnosed several years ago with Alzheimer’s which connected me with Senior Living Specialist Chicago. I met Susan and Lorri and decided this would be the most wonderful and rewarding company to work for. My goal is to work with families and get their loved ones placed in the best location for them!

Reach Karin by phone – 847-997-9903

Ben Bernstein

Community Outreach Manager

My Chicago roots brought me back to the city five years ago, where I’ve since worked in the mental health field with a startup company. In that role, I recruited therapists for our platform and collaborated with insurance companies to ensure individuals could use their insurance benefits for mental health services. Outside of work, I’m an active coach at a workout class and lead a run club in Chicago.

At Senior Living Specialists Chicago, our complimentary service is dedicated to helping individuals and their families navigate the senior living space to find communities that meet their needs and preferences. I am passionate about making a positive impact and, here at Senior Living Specialists Chicago, we genuinely care about your experience and strive to build & maintain a meaningful connection with you.

Reach Ben by phone – 717.602.2606

Emily Czuba PT, DPT

Community Outreach

As a licensed physical therapist with over 25 years of experience working in healthcare with patients and their families, I have developed a passion for an individual’s mobility, safety and most importantly, quality of life. I bring my clinical perspective to the organization with the hopes of offering objective advice to our clients on concerns related to the continuum of independence in the communities we partner with.

Reach Emily by phone – 773.612.6553

Jori Slade, LCSW

Senior Advisor

I earned my degrees in Social Work from the University of Iowa and the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a focus on aging and family support. Early in my career, I worked in community-based case management and later as a behavioral health consultant in a primary care setting. After taking time to raise my three children, I’m thrilled to return to the field of aging, a passion that began with my deep appreciation for older adults and their families. I find great meaning in helping people navigate life’s transitions with confidence and care.
 
I live in Deerfield with my husband and kids, and when I’m not working, you can usually find me cheering at swim meets, baseball games, or ballet recitals.
 
Reach Jori by phone – 224.285.0647

Julie O'Hara

Senior Advisor

My passion for helping others, combined with my personal experience caring for my grandparents and my mother through her journey with Alzheimer’s, inspired me to pursue a career in senior living. With a background in education, management, marketing, and senior community sales, I find great fulfillment in supporting families as they navigate the often-complex process of finding the right place for their loved ones.
 
I live in Evanston and am a proud mother of three wonderful children and grandmother of two. I’m excited to bring my experience, compassion, and love for connection to help families find comfort and confidence in their next chapter.
 
Reach Julie by phone – 847.477.8497
Let Us Help You
  • * Free Guidance
  • * Compare Communities
  • * Unbiased Referrals

"*" indicates required fields