With decades of senior living experience, the Plymouth Place™ leadership is dedicated to creating extraordinary moments for our residents. Each member of the Plymouth Place staff is an innovator in aging well, bringing their unique expertise to help us live out our mission to serve seniors with excellence.
Jay began his appointment as Plymouth Place CEO on January 1, 2018. Most recently, he was the CEO of Meadows Communities in Normal, Illinois. He has extensive leadership experience in senior living, including Kisco Senior Living, Lifespace Communities, and Vibrant Life Senior Living, where he led major infrastructure upgrades, including a new IT platform and an expansion of resident services. He also launched an ambassador program to increase employee and resident satisfaction, and implemented a Q.A.P.I. process to improve quality outcomes in clinical and support service areas. Throughout his career, Jay has served in leadership roles at faith-based ministries and supported related nonprofit organizations.
Jay grew up on a farm in Volo, Illinois. After earning a marketing degree from Northern Illinois University, he started his career with ServiceMaster Management Services. Jay has four sons and nine grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, biking, hiking, and travel.
Bridget brings over 15 years of progressive financial leadership to her role as Chief Financial Officer at Plymouth Place. With deep expertise in healthcare finance, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, Bridget has a proven ability to drive financial health while supporting high-quality resident care and organizational sustainability.
Prior to joining Plymouth Place, Bridget served as Director of Finance at Kendal on Hudson, a not-for-profit life plan community in Sleepy Hollow, NY. She started her career in consulting at Baker Tilly. Bridget holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Accountancy and Economics from Villanova University.
Growing up in New York City, Bridget is a happy transplant to the greater Chicagoland area. When not at the community, she is often on the water or traveling.
Carla Brown holds a BS in Political Science and Master’s Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in healthcare.
Carla is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with over 30 years of healthcare experience.
Carla is an avid reader, and leads an active life running, swimming, and biking.
Cheri joined the Plymouth Place team in 2019 to head both dining and housekeeping services. The former director of hospitality services at Palos Health, Cheri successfully managed a full renovation of the Woodland Café, production kitchen, and dining room. She has an extensive background in the retail and food-service industry, including management positions with Rush Medical Center in Chicago, ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc., and the ARAMARK Corporation. At ARAMARK, she supported healthcare design development nationwide. Cheri has also provided consulting services to hospitals in design development and retail brand strategy through her firm, B.ourguest.
Katie is a registered and licensed dietitian, graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in applied science, and earning her MBA at Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. Katie has more than 30 years of healthcare experience that includes managing food service, housekeeping, and laundry; patient registration and central scheduling for advanced imaging; and managing the logistics of large construction projects. Plymouth Place is her first experience with senior living. She lives in Lockport, Ill., with her husband, Joel, and son, Jacob.
With over 33 years of healthcare experience and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Michelle brings proven leadership to Plymouth Management Services, where she joined in 2022 to help advance our mission of delivering excellence in senior living operations.
Michelle’s journey began at the front lines of care, where she developed a deep-rooted passion for improving the lives of seniors. Her hands-on experience has shaped her into a proactive, solutions-driven leader who excels at identifying opportunities, building sustainable systems, and navigating pivotal challenges with precision.
As a licensed nursing home administrator for more than 28 years, Michelle has successfully transformed underperforming communities—elevating quality ratings from 2 to 5 stars and achieving measurable financial growth through census development and strategic expense control. Her track record speaks to her ability to balance operational efficiency with compassionate, resident-centered care.
With Michelle’s leadership and our team’s comprehensive management support—including clinical services, dining, compliance, and financial oversight—we deliver the expertise and partnership that communities need to thrive.
Paddy joined Plymouth Place in April 2019. He began his lifelong commitment to serving seniors while visiting seniors as a teenager in Ireland and singing to them. Paddy earned a diploma in philosophy from Maynooth Pontifical University in 1999 and a degree in gerontological social work in 2004 from University College Cork, Ireland, all while working as a caregiver in cities such as Chicago, London, and Cork. After emigrating to America in November 2006, Paddy managed a downtown home care agency for four years before joining Lutheran Life Communities in 2011 as foundation regional director, later becoming corporate giving director. Paddy graduated with a master’s degree in philanthropy from De Paul University in 2013 and is the recipient of De Paul’s 2016 David O. Justice Award. An award winning Irish Tenor, Homan is also the creator, co-producer and star of the national syndicated PBS show, I AM IRELAND. He loves to travel, fish, watch Gaelic football and hurling games in Ireland, volunteer in the Chicago Irish community, and play Irish music all over America.
Chris graduated from Elmhurst College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology. She started her career with Symbria Rehab in 2004 and served as area director of operations until 2019, when she joined Plymouth Place as director of rehab and wellness. The youngest of three girls, she grew up in Lombard and went to Willowbrook High School. She currently lives in Geneva and enjoys the outdoors, anything adventurous, and traveling.
Martha joined the Plymouth Place team in May 2021, having most recently served as Joliet Area Community Hospice’s director of human resources. She has more than 13 years of human resources management experience in the healthcare and senior-living industries, experience that includes strategic planning, employee relations, policy and procedure development, employee recruitment and retention, and employee/management coaching. She holds a doctorate degree in business administration from Capella University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Lewis University, and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare leadership from Lewis University. Martha is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and has human resources professional certification, SHRM-CP, through SHRM. She is also a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through Fowler International Academy. Martha grew up in Joliet, Ill., and lives in Crest Hill, Ill., with her family.
The Board of Directors at Plymouth Place guides our long-range strategy, ensuring our next 80 years are even more exceptional than our first.
Recently retired after 41 years of practicing law, Nick was the vice chair of Duane Morris’ national Health Law Practice Group and was a member of the firm’s Partners Board from 1999 to 2015. He chaired the Chicago office’s health law practice for 22 years, and focused his practice on pharmaceutical law, laws affecting the post-acute care industry, healthcare litigation, and regulatory compliance matters. Nick remains a registered pharmacist with more than 40 years’ experience in healthcare law. He is a former division chief and assistant chief counsel to the Illinois Department of Public Health, and also served as chief counsel to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (n/k/a the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board). Nick was a member of, and general counsel to, the Illinois Health Care Association and Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Association. Nick also served on the American Health Care Association’s legal committee. In addition, he is past president of the American Society for Pharmacy Law and a former Board member and editor of its publication, Rx Ipsa Loquitur. He is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2007-2024 editions, and has served on numerous non-profit boards of directors. Nick is a graduate of UIC John Marshall Law School and a graduate of Drake University College of Pharmacy.
Board Member – June 2019
John Barrett has a BS and MS from Loyola University, Chicago in Psychology and Human Resource Management, respectively. John retired after seven years with the Northern Indiana Division of Franciscan Alliance, a 14 Hospital system serving Indiana and south suburban Chicago communities, where he served as Vice President, Administrative Services. Prior to that, John worked in management consulting doing executive search, design of compensation systems, and was an executive Coach; and for over twenty years in senior Human Resource leadership positions at Rush Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center. John has served on the Boards of Directors for Catholic Charities of the Archdioceses of Chicago and Aspire of Illinois, and he lives in Hinsdale, IL.
Board Member – May 2017
Mike Thiessen has a BS in Economics and Political Science and a Masters of Management. He has worked on political campaigns and as a Washington, DC staffer. After moving to the Chicago area over 25 years ago, Mike worked for Mesirow Financial before opening his own consulting practice. Mike specializes in both public and private partnerships in the real estate field. Mike is an active investor with interest in real estate, media, and the hospitality industries. Mike also teaches a masters-level program in the Business of Sports at Northwestern University. Mike is married with two children and lives in Western Springs.
Board Member – May 2017
J. Lyell Clarke is the Chairman, President and CEO of Clarke and all affiliated companies. Since taking on the leadership role for his family’s company in the mid-1990s, Lyell has directed the company on a journey toward greener, more sustainable products and practices.
In addition to leading Clarke, Lyell serves on three boards that allow him to help other small-to medium-sized companies recognize and harness their potential for positive impact on people and the planet: The Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; privately held Weigel’s Farm Stores, Inc. based in Powell, TN; and Ball Horticultural in West Chicago, IL.
Lyell earned his Bachelors of Science in Entomology from the University of Kentucky, and went on to receive his PhD in Entomology from Iowa State University. He began his career with Clarke as a Control Consultant in 1986. After gaining a solid grounding in the business, he became Vice President for the company. In 1996, upon his father’s retirement, he stepped into the role of President and CEO. He assumed the Chairman role for The Clarke group in 2020, following the passing of his mother, Mrs. Kemp Clarke.
Board Member –June 2023
Rev. Ken Daniel is a recognized leader in advancing excellence and innovation in the senior living industry. After ordination in 1981, Ken served eight years in parish ministry and then worked in a variety of management and progressive executive leadership roles. In 2011, he joined United Church Homes. Ken has served on various boards and has chaired Leading Age Ohio and the UCC Council of Health and Human Services Ministries. He currently serves on the Leading Age national board and is a trustee of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in St. Paul, MN. Ken has recently retired after 14 years as CEO of United Church Homes, a multi-site senior living system.
Ken earned a Master of Public Administration from Marywood University (PA), a Master of Pastoral Counseling from Moravian Seminary (PA), and his M. Div. from United Theological Seminary (MN). Heidelberg University in Ohio awarded Ken an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his service to UCH and the UCC. Ken is married to the Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, the Pastor Emerita for the Evangelical Reformed UCC in Frederick, MD, where they now reside in retirement.
Board Member –June 2025
Mary Pat Flaherty is an attorney practicing in Western Springs, focusing primarily on the areas of estate planning and estate and trust administration for individuals and their families. Mary Pat earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1986. After working in two large Chicago law firms, Mary Pat moved her practice to the Western suburbs, where in 2003 she established her own law practice.
Mary Pat’s volunteer positions have included La Grange Park Public Library District board member and president, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Troop Treasurer, and several positions at St. Francis Xavier Catholic parish.
Mary Pat is married to Mike and they have four children and one grandson. Her hobbies include travel, gardening, and photography.
Board Member – June 2022
Amy is the Senior Vice President, Relationship Development and Bank Counsel at FNBC Bank & Trust located in LaGrange. Prior to joining FNBC, Amy was a partner in a mid-sized law firm in downtown Chicago. With over two decades of experience as a real estate and financial services attorney, she brings a unique perspective when guiding her clients to the best banking solutions for their financing, deposit and trust and wealth management needs. In her multifaceted role, Amy thrives on meeting new people and fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Amy is an active member of many local organizations and serves on the Board of Directors for both Plymouth Place and the LaGrange Memorial Hospital Foundation. Amy and her husband, Michael, have lived in LaGrange for 24 wonderful years. Here, they happily raised their three children, Michael (28), Kelly (22) and Colin (20) and their pup, Bailey Blue. Amy received a degree in communications and philosophy from Regis University (Denver, CO) and earned her law degree from UIC – The John Marshall Law School.
Board Member – June 2024
Leo Kanev, MD is a family physician who specializes in geriatrics and post-acute medicine. Most of his practice involves taking care of residents in senior living environment as well as being a medical director for skilled nursing facilities. After 20 years in private practice Leo joined Endeavor Health in 2020 and has been their System Medical Director for Post-acute Services since 2023.
Leo is a Certified Medical Director and is a past President of Illinois Medical Director Assosication.
Leo and his wife Svetlana live in Evanston and both enjoy doing anything that involves tennis. They have two adult children.
Board Member – June 2025
Robbie has been a physical therapist for over 39 years. She earned a Masters degree from DePaul, her Doctorate in education/special education from UIC and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Governors State University. She is currently Professor Emeritus at Governors State University Physical Therapy and Clinical Director at Devices for the Disabled. Although her primary work was in pediatrics, post retirement she works with adult populations on improved mobility issues. She and her husband, Marty, have lived in the LaGrange/Countryside area since 1999 and are active at St. Cletus parish.
Board Member – June 2025
Dr. Rajeev Kumar is a board-certified Internist, Geriatrician, and a Hospice/Palliative Medicine physician who has practiced in the western suburbs of Chicago for over 25 years. He served as the managing partner at Midwest Geriatrics, a 12-physician group practice based in Burr Ridge, until 2019 when the practice merged with DuPage Medical Group. During his years at Midwest Geriatrics, he served on the boards of AMITA ACO, AMITA health partners, a multispecialty medical group, as Vice-Chair of Medicine at La Grange and Hinsdale hospitals, and as teaching faculty for Loyola Geriatrics fellowship program and residencies at Hinsdale and La Grange hospitals. In recent years, Rajeev has been the Chief Medical Officer of Symbria, which provides Pharmacy, Rehabilitation, and Clinical Integration services for Senior Living Communities.
Rajeev serves as the Medical Director for two skilled nursing facilities and is a Certified Medical Director from ABPLM. He is a past President of Illinois Medical Directors Association, and past President of AMDA. Rajeev volunteers as a board member at Wisconsin Illinois Senior Housing (WISH) and lives in Oak Brook with his wife Kiran, a Geriatrician at Hines VA hospital. Their twins are seniors at University of Illinois Urbana, Champaign.
Board Member – June 2021
Rebecca S. Lake, is retired and has now started her own company, Rebecca Lake Consulting. She is an ApprenticeshipUSA Leader and just appointed Apprenticeship Ambassador as well as an invited speaker at workforce and apprenticeship conferences across the county. Rebecca is particularly well-known for starting the 2015 national movement for community colleges to be a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor while at Harper College. She has hosted apprentice conferences and publishes articles on various facets surrounding apprenticeships. Throughout her career, she has successful written and managed many large community college grants. Previously, Rebecca designed, created, and taught in the Community College Leadership (CCL) doctoral program at National Louis University serving as program director for 10 years. She spent the first half of her professional life involved in health planning, hospital and health care administration, and nursing while the second half in community college education and administration. Rebecca has held community college positions of faculty, assistant dean, career and technology (CTE) dean, and academic vice-president.
Board Member – June 2020
Sandra Linn is a retired financial services executive. Throughout her 35 year career at Northern Trust, she led US and international teams with a primary focus on capital markets for institutional investors. She is experienced in setting strategy and leading cross-functional teams across client service, sales, risk management, finance, operations, and product development. Sandra served on the boards of EquiLend Holdings LLC, a global financial-tech company and was a member of the Risk Management Committee. She was also a board director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and chaired the Board Development Committee. Sandra was an executive member of the Securities Finance Council, an industry leadership association. She was also a board member of Northern Trust’s Women in Leadership Council. Sandra has a BS in Economics from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. She and her husband reside in La Grange where they raised their family.
Board Member – June 2023
Marshall Seeder is Associate General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Banking Division. He has been active with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services where he has volunteered at the First Congregational Church in La Grange’s Saturday breakfast program to answer legal questions attendees have on a pro bono basis. He has also served on the Board of Directors of The LeaderShop, a LaGrange-based youth services agency. Served as a member and then Chair of the La Grange Park Zoning Commission, and was an elected Village Trustee from 2007-2011. He and his wife, the artist and writer Cynthia Lee, have resided in La Grange Park for more than 35 years where they raised their now grown three sons.
Board Member – June 2022
With over 40 years as an entrepreneur in the travel industry, Don built a distinguished career as a Certified Travel Counselor, operating offices at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. Specializing in Scandinavia, the company offered both inbound and outbound tours, serving individual and commercial clients with expertise and care.
Don has been a dedicated community leader. He has served in various roles within the American Society of Travel Agents and held leadership positions including President of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago, Chair of the Chicago Sister Cities International Committee for Gothenburg, Sweden, and Board Member of the Swedish American Historical Society. He also served as President and Chair of the archival collection of the American Union of Swedish Singers Cultural Heritage Foundation, an organization founded in 1893.
A proud father of two sons and grandfather to three, Don is deeply grateful to be part of the Plymouth Place community, where the fullness of life is felt every day—across independent living, assisted living, and healthcare.
President of the Residents’ Council, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Directors
Doris is a retired attorney. Before retirement, she served as Assistant Vice President of Investment Law at Allstate Investments, LLC, specializing in corporate bond investments, and private equity transactions. Prior to her years at Allstate, Doris was an associate in the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law. Doris and her husband David live in La Grange. They have five adult children and six grandchildren. Doris is an active member of First Congregational Church of La Grange. She has served on many church boards and ministries, including a term as moderator of the church. Doris serves on the Board of Directors of Community Assisted Rides, a local organization that provides rides to older citizens who can no longer drive.