Shay Jacobson received her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Iowa with a major in nursing.  She is the founder and president of Lifecare Innovations and the related companies Lifecare Home Solutions and Lifecare Guardianship. The services include Lifecare Management, advocacy, guardianship, life care planning, expert witness, property services, and companion caregiver services.  She is a National Master Guardian and is on the board for ElderCare Matters. The company has been a member of the Better Business Bureau for many years and in 2008 won the prestigious Torch Award for Ethical Business Practices, enjoys an A+ rating, and has received the Complaint Free award for 2009.

Her career has included extensive clinical and management expertise in the health care field in a variety of settings including: nursing home administrator, clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse manager, and post graduate adjunct faculty for the University of Iowa and Rush University.

She is a prolific speaker and author to both lay and professional groups. She has been quoted twice in Forbes magazine, been a guest on local TV and radio public education programs, and recently co-authored four book chapters for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.  Shay is a member of the National Education Committee and an approved educator for the National Guardianship Association. Over the past two years she has been sought out by many professional groups locally and nationally for her expertise on hoarding, criminal diversion for individuals with mental illness, and Lifecare Planning.

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Lori Lomahan is Chief Operating Officer and an Expert Lifecare Manager. Lori earned her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions with a concentration in Health Care and a minor in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. She earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Health Care from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Adams College of Social Work. Lori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Lori has served actively on the program committee for NAPGCM’s annual conference, and has also been a member of the Illinois State Hospice Organization. Lori is the recipient of several customer service awards and led Lifecare Innovations to the 2008 BBB Torch Award for Ethical Marketplace practices. Lori has worked extensively in home care and hospice prior to coming to Lifecare Innovations, and she has spoken widely about grief, ethics, and end-of-life issues.

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Lauren Sherman is a Senior Lifecare Manager and the Director of Lifecare Guardianship. As one of only six National Master Guardians in the state of Illinois, Lauren brings a superior level of guardianship knowledge and experience to the program. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her Master of Social Work from The University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work. Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Guardianship Association. Lauren has co-authored several journal articles and has experience in numerous clinical settings, including a university research program, long-term care facility, acute care hospital, couples counseling program, and a psychiatric care program.

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Martha Kern is Director of Marketing for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Martha’s tenure with the company has been long and varied.  While she initially worked in the field as an Assistant Lifecare Manager, she later moved on to focus on Special Services (client insurance issues, bill-paying, entitlements) and then played a pivotal role in the launch of the Lifecare Home Solutions caregiver program.  Martha also worked to develop and expand the Property Services group and ran that program for a number of years.  Each of these experiences prepared Martha to present and promote company services in the community and among our professional referral sources. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Iowa, and is a published writer.  Martha worked for a number of years in the Market Research field before joining the Lifecare Innovations staff.

 

Erin McArdle, is Director of Lifecare Home Solutions, Inc. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University, and her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Concordia University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, with clinical strengths and an expansive knowledge base of disease states, diagnoses and disabilities as related to all ages. Erin’s professional experience has provided her with a clinical base that is strengthened by a knowledge of medical social work, Illinois State entitlements, and successful ways to holistically manage all facets of a client’s care. Erin has successfully managed complex cases and is a versatile, solid member of the team.

 

Patricia Cline is an Expert Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Patricia’s extensive professional experience in home care, medical and rehabilitation hospitals, state facilities, and private settings is well reflected in her service to clients. Patricia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePaul University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work. As an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker also credentialed in Wisconsin, and a National Certified Guardian, Pat shows her professional excellence through her ability to perform thorough, insightful bio-psycho-social assessments that are specifically tailored to meet the presenting need of the clients and referring parties. Patricia is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, National Guardianship Association, Illinois Guardianship Association, and the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

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Laurine Tucker is an Expert Lifecare Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University and is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Illinois. Laurine has extensive professional experience working within multiple service arenas and with many different client populations. Laurine has expertise and knowledge in the fields of medical social work, addictions, adult and geriatric mental health, and gerontology.

 

 

 

Susan Garrison is a Senior Lifecare Manager, Guardian Representative Supervisor and Guardianship Team Leader.  A Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois preceded Susan’s Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago.  Susan has a vast degree of courtroom and guardianship experience, and is very knowledgeable about Illinois state entitlements, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Benefits. Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, National Certified Guardian, and a member of the National Guardianship Association. She is conversant with Illinois guardianship regulations, and brings her considerable experience to the cases she oversees.

 

 

Julie Peschang is a Senior Lifecare Manager and Team Leader for Lifecare Innovations, Inc.  Julie has an ever growing skill set in Lifecare Management and of those impacted profoundly by mental illness, catastrophic medical complexities, dementia, and geriatric related disabilities and issues. Julie earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in English from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. Julie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. Throughout her tenure with Lifecare Innovations, Inc. and its affiliated companies, Julie has assisted clients as an Assistant Lifecare Manager, Lifecare Manager, Senior Lifecare Manager, and now as a Team Leader.

 

Marcela Eckles is a Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Marcela has a particular affinity for utilizing art assisted therapeutic activities as means of relaxation and expression with clients. Marcela earned a Master of Arts in Psychology equivalent degree from Presov University. Marcela’s international upbringing and educational experience has provided her with the capabilities of speaking and writing English, German, Polish, and other Slavic languages. Marcela’s ability to manage both medically and psychiatrically complex cases has made her an asset to Lifecare Innovations Inc., Lifecare Guardianship, Inc., and Lifecare Home Solutions, Inc.

 

Jennifer Gazda is a Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Valparaiso University, her Master of Social Work from the University of St. Francis, and is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. Over the past ten years, Jennifer has developed diverse professional experience working with individuals and families in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and the legal arena. Jennifer’s knowledge of medical, clinical, and family court issues is thorough and extensive. Additionally, Jennifer has specialized training in crisis intervention, with particular areas of specialization in abuse and neglect, and developmental disabilities.

 

Roanne Rebenson is a Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Roanne has worked to assist Lifecare clients in multiple positions and in multiple programs within the affiliated Lifecare companies. Roanne earned her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Saint Francis and her Master of Social Work Degree from Aurora University. Roanne’s volunteer experience has encompassed Meals on Wheels, Kendall County Health and Human Services, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. As a Certified handler for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International, Roanne has a marked proficiency for bringing Animal Assisted Therapy services to Lifecare clients.

 

Holly Zaborowski is a Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University and her Master of Science in Social Work from Loyola University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Holly is skilled in crisis intervention and has clinical prowess needed to effectively manage the needs of those with complex and catastrophic medical needs. Holly’s professional experience has spanned all age groups, and she has worked extensively in hospital settings.  She is especially effective in managing the often intricate discharge process.

 

 

Nicole Barry is a Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and her Master of Social Work Degree from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL. Nicole has worked extensively with both caregivers and property issues for our clients. Nicole has also served as a volunteer for the Autism Support Group and has conducted extensive research into the interactions between family systems, including sibling rivalry issues. Nicole excels in the area of assessing a person’s present status, needs, and recommendations to obtain a greater quality of life and quality of care. Nicole is also a member of the Animal Assisted Therapy team at Lifecare Innovations, Inc.

 

Jennifer Axelson is an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Relationships from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, her Secondary Education Teaching Certification from Northern Illinois University, and her Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Jennifer has diverse work experience, ranging from political social work to the education of young children. Specifically, Jennifer has experience in  school social work, mental health, substance abuse, and Illinois state child protective arenas. Additionally, Jennifer was the coordinator of the Project-X grant, focused on providing education and assistance for individuals using Ecstasy and Club Drugs.

 

Jack Donlon is an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Jack earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Iowa, his Master of Social Work from Dominican University, and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Jack brings to his work with Lifecare clients a vast degree of experience working with special needs issues, troubled youth, juvenile sex offenders, and the elderly. Jack has a strong understanding of therapeutic approaches, including behavior modification. Jack has experience working with vulnerable populations in neighborhoods whose residents primarily speak Spanish.

 

Jessica Everson serves as an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master of Social Work from The University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work, and Jessica is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. Jessica has gained valuable experience working with clients in the fields of mental health, domestic violence, and aging. Jessica excels in her ability to create individualized care plans, advocate for client needs, obtain and appropriately utilize community referrals, conduct home visits, and provide education to clients and co-workers. Jessica is a member of the National Association of Social Work.

 

Jerry Guerrero is a Associate Lifecare Manager and Guardian Representative. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jerry has an extensive work history including hospital social work, mental health assessment and treatment and case management. Jerry’s experience has provided him with an expert level of knowledge regarding Illinois State entitlements, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security benefits. Jerry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Social Sciences from the University of Minnesota prior to pursing his Master in Social Work degree from the same university. Jerry is a meticulous and knowledgeable advocate for an array of clients, across all age groups.

 

 

Quinn Matthews is an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc.  Quinn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and her Master of Social Work from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.  Quinn has an extensive background working with individuals with physical disabilities, mental illness, and vulnerable children.  Quinn brings her diverse social work background to Lifecare Innovations, Inc., having spent time in Kenya, Africa, assisting adults and children who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Additionally, Quinn has specialized training in crisis intervention and rape crisis counseling.  Quinn brings a holistic approach to her work, ensuring individuals receive the necessary assistance in all areas of life.    

 

 

Anna Volk is an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc.  Anna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Social Work from Dominican University.  Anna has knowledge of a variety of social work fields, including medical and school social work.  She has professional experience with government and state entitlements, individuals with special needs, at-risk youth, and the aging population.  Anna is a certified school social worker, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and  is currently earning her certification in alcohol and drug counseling (CADC).  Anna routinely utilizes her professional skills to enhance client’s lives through effective advocacy and support.  

 

 

Ashlyn Horeth serves as an Associate Lifecare manager for Lifecare Innovations.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Illinois State University and her Master of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago.  Ashlyn specialized in school social work and has her Type 73 Certificate; she is also a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. Ashlyn has gained valuable experience in the areas of mental illness, special needs, juvenile delinquency and Illinois State Entitlement programs such as Medicaid and Social Security Benefits.   Ashlyn excels in her ability to advocate for clients, create individualized plans and in her understanding of therapeutic approaches.

 

 

Melissa India is an Associate Lifecare Manager for Lifecare Innovations, Inc. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her Master of Social Work from The University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work; she is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.  Melissa has a large repertoire of experience in the fields of mental health, substance abuse, homelessness prevention, special needs issues, and child welfare.  Melissa strives to provide exceptional services to her clients by utilizing a holistic approach in managing an individual’s needs.