- Veteran's Healthcare and Mental Health
Michael Iwanicki, Superintendent
Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County
Monday, November 11th at 11:00 am
Michael joined the US Navy in September 1980 and became an Electricians Mate. Mike served aboard the USS Elliot DD-967 where he earned the rate of EM1(SW) and was later Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1986. Mr. Iwanicki was hired by the Commission in 1998 as a Veterans Service Officer and was selected as the Superintendent in 2003. He is recognized by the VA General Counsel to present and prosecute claims on behalf of veterans or eligible family members. He is a Service Organization Representative for the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, The American Legion, and the VFW. Under his direction, the VAC Office went from a two-person office prosecuting an average of 50 claims annually to an office of five presenting over 400 claim packets annually. Michael also served as the President of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions and President of the Illinois Association of County Officials.
- How to Care for Others Without Losing Yourself
Arlene Schiff, RNBS, DCC-CI, Education Specialist
Elderwerks
Tuesday, November 12th at 12:00 pm
Arlene Schiff, BSN, RN, brings over 25 years of healthcare, education, and sales expertise to Elderwerks. With a background as an experienced administrator, sales and operations director, and certified dementia educator, she has devoted more than 15 years to the senior living and private duty home care sectors. Prior to joining Elderwerks, Arlene played a significant role in Client Success Management helping companies achieve positive results by optimizing caregiving and mental health and wellness benefits for her clients. Arlene is a knowledgeable professional and a compassionate registered nurse, a distinction she earned at the University of Illinois. Her true passion lies in assisting and educating seniors and their families - a commitment that extends beyond her professional life. Arlene has a genuine love for listening to the life stories of those she serves. In addition, Arlene is an accomplished speaker and presenter, sharing her knowledge and insights on caregiving, mental health and wellness, and dementia, as well as navigating the intricacies of senior care.
- Resources for Veterans and Their Families
Jennifer Prell, C-SMM, CEO & Founder
Elderwerks
Wednesday, November 13th at 1:00 pm
In 2003, Jennifer created Paxem an A+ Accredited Senior Move Manager and ASEL (American Society of Estate Liquidators) accredited and ward-winning organization. She loved organizing and packing and put her talents to use. In 2006, after seeing families go through stress trying to help their loved ones, she created Elderwerks to help older adults, seniors, caregivers, and families navigate senior housing and care options. "The families were completely overwhelmed. They were looking at inappropriate communities that were either unaffordable, didn't meet their loved ones needs, or help them thrive. It was heartbreaking and made me realize that I could make a difference". Jennifer prides herself in helping others. Her background helping older adults has prepared her to assist those in need. Her passion has always been to facilitate services between people and to see them succeed. Jennifer has been in many groups focusing on improving the lives of seniors; Leading Age Illinois HBCS cabinet member, past President Continuity of Care McHenry Lake Chapter, past Board President of Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG), past Board member of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, NASMM Board member, and other civic organizations. Jennifer started Elderwerks Educational Services thinking that her children would be proud and hopefully, one day, participate in helping others. She has been married for over 35 years and believes that family should always come first.
- Effectively Communicating with Your Loved Ones
Christine Petrik, RNBS, DCC-CI, Director of Education
Elderwerks
Thursday, November 14th at 2:00 pm
Chris Petrik comes to Elderwerks with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. From bedside nursing to education, Chris brings a cross section of experience. As past adjunct faculty at a local community college, Chris helped develop and implement curriculum. Holding positions of Director of Staff education and Resident wellness, Chris soon learned her passion surrounded the arena of education of Dementia, and became a certified dementia educator so that staff could learn about the disease, leading to a more positive interactions between staff and the person living with dementia. Chris is also available for various onsite and offsite training related to IDPR regulations as well as other relevant topics related to senior living.
Marie Bulfer, LCSW, is a Program Coordinator in the Caregiver Support Program at Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois. She has been at Lovell for 3.5 years, previously working in homeless programs. Prior to coming to Lovell, she worked in the community, serving at-risk youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.