Our Senior Living Team

Marti has a solid Smith background, having served 14 years as the director of food service operations for both Smith Village and our sister campus, Smith Crossing, in Orland Park. In addition, Marti is a licensed nursing home administrator. “My goal is to make residents feel this is their home and they do have a say in things. It’s important that I and members of my entire team are careful to remember we’re in their home and to keep everyone safe and comfortable.”

Meghan sees Smith Village as her extended family. Her role combines overseeing the life enrichment staff, coordinating memory care activities, and conferring with the families of residents in assisted living. In addition to spending time with staff and residents in assisted living and skilled nursing care, she is responsible for their management, scheduling and budgeting.

Theresa enjoys getting to know residents and their families on a personal basis. “The best part of my job is the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community of people, the staff and the residents,” she says. “There is so much to learn from their experience.”

“When a resident asked me, ‘Where have you been all my life?’,” explains Tammy, “I felt great to know she was counting on me and I can help.” Tammy finds that residents and employees share the goal of taking care of everyone in the community. “It’s a great place to work and a great place to live.”

Tom is proud of Smith Village’s outstanding reputation in the Beverly community. “We continue to invest all our efforts in improving the lives of our residents. We have a close family atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.”

Shannon thinks the neighborhood feeling is what makes Smith Village so special. “Everyone already seems to know everyone else or have some connection through a friend,” she says. “Plus, our team—starting with our leaders—cares a great deal about the residents.” She thinks of the residents as her adopted grandparents, for whom her door is always open to offer help or just to chat.

“Helping people is something I’ve always done, when I’ve worked in housekeeping, as a CNA and in social services,” says Quinton. One of the things he feels makes Smith Village special is its friendly people. “Our staff members and residents are like a family, looking out for each other and caring about one another. I come in with a smile and hope I put smiles on their faces too.”

Dr. Sadok is committed to educating residents, families and staff about health issues facing older adults. “My years as a doctor have taught me that health challenges for patients also affect their families.” On the staff of Little Company of Mary, Advocate Christ, and Holy Cross hospitals, his goal is “to ensure that Smith Village remains a caring, supportive community.”

Ricky, who grew up in his grandparents’ home, is partial to being around seniors, “They’re like my family.” He tries to motivate everyone on his nursing team to really care about each resident. He knows what it takes because he started at Smith Village as a CNA. Always positive, he adds, “We want them to have the best life they possibly can.”

“Every day here is different, an adventure,” says Kelly. She particularly likes listening to residents’ stories of growing up, countless of them in the Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park neighborhoods. On the South Side, where everybody seems to know everybody and is friends with them, she believes is what makes them ”a happy group.”

Kelley thinks older adults “ask all the right questions and get right to the point,” which can be really helpful to her in her role of finding the best way Smith Village can help a new resident. She evaluates the full spectrum of needs for each incoming skilled nursing care and short-term stay rehab resident to best understand their wants and needs. And she looks forward to exchanging greetings with them when they’re residing here.

“Walking through the dining room at dinner is something I look forward to,” says Chef Mike. “That way I learn what residents like.” One highlight of his job is occasionally giving cooking lessons for residents, such as making fruit parfaits or decorating cookies at Christmas. He’s also high on making sure both his team and residents enjoy a really good morale. “Everyone’s upbeat and cares for one another.”

Anne spent a lot of time with her elderly mother when she was hospitalized and she concentrated on what her >cap Mom?> mom wanted to eat. “It was then I decided to focus my career to help others too.” She feels her co-workers are “so helpful and warm. Smith Village isn’t just a place to work but a family that works together, and that goes for employees and residents.”

In 1997, Alice joined Smith Village dining services. By taking advantage of employee training opportunities, she prepared herself for greater responsibilities, including overseeing dining services for Assisted Living residents. “It’s important to go beyond, to learn and try new things,” she says. “Residents are like family to me. I love making them smile.”

For Jaime, her role with short-stay rehab patients is rewarding because, “I make sure they are OK, monitor their weight and discover what may become problems before they occur.” She works with the chef on nutrition guidelines. And she is filled with joy when a rehab patient or resident with a poor appetite finally becomes strong by eating what reminds them of home.

Joe enjoys talking with residents when he passes them in the hallways because he loves tapping into their wealth of knowledge and experiences. Smith Village values his 25 years in building management as well as his priority on resident service. What makes Smith Village a special place to work? He says it is employees’ dedication. “We go above and beyond to get things done.”

Jack likes to help people, whether it’s directions, a push for a wheelchair or a simple “good morning” to brighten a day. When a resident tells him about an issue, he confidently responds, “We’ll have somebody up to your place right away.” His most memorable moment? “When Smith’s neighbors had a car parade to cheer up residents and staff members in the middle of the pandemic. It was a big rallying point for everyone here.”

Natalie says the best part of her job is, “being surrounded by people who are `up.’  Their  energy radiates.” She looks forward to assisting new employees and to being the first person they encounter on their first day. “I get to introduce them to Smith Village, inside and out,” before they can contribute to the quality of care Smith Village provides.