Maryellen Chiaculas, RNMaryellen Chiaculas joined us in 2011 and brings more than 25 years of experience in nursing, care management and discharge planning.Previously, Maryellen was a nurse educator for Family Home Health and Hospice, patient care coordinator for Affinity Hospice, clinical director for Nursefinders, nursing supervisor for Home Health Plus and a case manager for Loyola Home Care and Hospice. She has started both Medicare home care and hospice programs and obtained certification for both. It goes without saying that Maryellen’s passion for nursing stems from the philosophy that every person deserves to be treated with love, dignity and respect. Maryellen graduated from Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing. She is currently working toward a degree from Northern Illinois University. Maryellen is active in her church, a volunteer for PADS and works with her community to send care packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
Noreen Coussens, MBA, CMCNoreen received her MBA in Health Care Administration from George Willliams/Aurora University. After working as a Risk Management Consultant in Healthcare for insurance companies nationwide, Noreen chose to take her career in another direction - serving seniors. She received a certificate in Gerontology from the University of Illinois, has been commissioned by the Archdiocese of Chicago as a Spiritual Companion, is a certified Care Manager and is LSN certified in Dementia Care Management.Prior to joining the Partners team in 2005, Noreen was employed by Addolorata Villa, a senior living community in Wheeling, IL. Noreen brings a special compassion to her clients, holistically addressing their needs, both physical and spiritual. It is her goal to ensure that seniors have the best quality of life that is possible. Noreen trains Partners’ caregivers in the special needs of the Hospice client. |
Karen Leimberer, RN, MAKaren received her Master of Arts in Gerontology from Concordia in River Forest and her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from Northern Illinois University.Karen is the Program Director of Partners in Senior Care’s Navigator Program for Senior Living. She has over 15 years management experience in senior care and wellness, specializing in geriatric care management, assisted living, home care and rehabilitation. She has extensive knowledge and has kept up to date on the changes in the industry specific to transitions of care and reducing emergency room visits. |
Yelena Slobodnik, RN, BSN, CMCYelena received her degree in nursing form North Park University in 1998. As a nurse, she has participated in clinical research at Northwestern University, as well as worked in both long term facilities and home care agencies. Additionally, she served eight years as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. She joined the Partners team in 2005 and is a certified Care Manager.Yelena is a soft spoken, caring nurse, who knows how to work “within the medical system”. She can manage a client’s medical care with the expertise needed in today’s fast paced delivery system. She is able to intervene to help a senior and the family understand what is happening and what is needed for a successful outcome. Her goal is to help seniors access the services and assistance they need to remain independent. Yelena is a qualified Nursing Assistant instructor and assists in the orientation and training of all of our caregivers. |