The distinguished leadership at Plymouth Place™ fulfills our mission every day.

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.

​A non-profit leader with more than twenty years of experience in senior living, Siân is passionate about the culture of Plymouth Place and making sure it continues to be a great place to work and live.

Siân’s experience ranges from helping turnaround and develop senior living communities coast to coast as a consultant and developer to serving as a leader at both single site and multi-site providers. Having the opportunity to explore different aspects of the field has contributed to her well-rounded background and facilitated an evolution from experienced marketer to an empathetic, values-based leader that advocates for residents, staff and leads with a focus on mission, resident satisfaction, marketing and growth.

Originally from England, Siân relocated to Wisconsin as a child and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is the proud mother of twins.

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.

Michelle joined Plymouth Place as the Senior Director of Clinical Services in March 2022. She received her undergraduate degree and master’s degree in health care administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. She has been in health care for more than 32 years, with more than 25 years’ experience as an administrator.

Nicole joined Plymouth Place in 2021 as the Experience Director overseeing operations of our Assisted Living and Memory Care programs. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is currently leading our team through the industry-recognized dementia training program designed by Teepa Snow. In addition, Nicole is an Illinois Licensed Nursing Home administrator and worked in this capacity prior to her start at Plymouth Place.

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. He serves as a board member of the Chicago Council on Planned Giving. He and his wife, Kathleen, live in downtown Chicago. 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.

Heintje joined Plymouth Place in June 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Santo Thomas in Manila, Philippines. Heintje has been in healthcare for more than 22 years, including ten years as a director of nursing.

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, 2007-2023 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 24 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

Liz Asperger received a degree in political science from Miami University (Ohio) and earned a law degree from Notre Dame Law School. She enjoyed the practice of law for 16 years, specializing in Real Estate Development. Complimenting her law practice, Liz devoted many years to community service in the Village of La Grange, including serving as President of the Village from 2005-2013. Liz and her husband, Jonathan, have resided in La Grange since 1983, and have one adult son, Kyle.

Board Member – May 2016

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

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 graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University of Chicago in 1983 and 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. Her volunteer positions have included La Grange Park Public Library District board member and president, Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Troop Treasurer, several positions at St. Francis Xavier Catholic parish, including Eucharistic Minister and Coordinator and Finance Council member. She is currently a member and President of the Board of Directors of Interfaith Community Partners in La Grange. Mary Pat is married to Mike and they have four children ranging in age from 26 to 32, two of whom worked as servers in the Plymouth Place dining services during their high school years. 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. Before 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 the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the LaGrange Memorial Hospital Foundation. Amy and her husband, Michael, have lived in LaGrange for 23 wonderful years. Here, they raised their three children, Michael (27), Kelly (21) and Colin (19) and their pup, Bailey Blue. Amy received a degree in communications and philosophy from Regis University (Denver, CO) and earned her law degree from the John Marshall Law School.

Board Member – June 2024

Art worked for School District 106, La Grange Highlands, for 35 years as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent. He was middle school principal for 29 years. For 56 years, Art had resided in Western Springs for 56 years. All three of his children attended Western Springs Public Schools and Lyons Township High School. Oldest son, Eric resides in Omaha, and is an engineer at a long-established construction company, Peter Kiewit, daughter Jennifer is CFO for a very large University of Illinois Community Credit Union, and youngest son, John, is the athletic director at Lyons Township High School. He has six grandchildren.

*President of the Resident’s Council, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Directors

Rich has served as the Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church (UCC) in Western Springs, Illinois since 1997. With his deep understanding of congregations and the key role of stewardship as not merely an administrative task but a spiritual discipline, Rich consistently and strategically builds the case for faithful generosity. Rich participates in a number of meaningful wider ministries. He has served as a trustee of Chicago Theological Seminary for twenty years and a convener of the United Church of Christ Senior Pastors Conference for 5 years. He has extensive experience as a teacher of preaching, and serves as a lay educator, traveling to churches and community groups to offer a presentation on the sociological and demographic trends that are shaping the next generation of church members. Rich received both his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Chicago Theological Seminary. His wife, Clare, is a lawyer, and they have three adult children.

*Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Directors – December 2019

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. He is also the North Central Region’s Medical Director for Humana ISNP, a Medicare Advantage plan for long term care residents living in nursing facilities.

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 now serves as AMDA’s President. 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 juniors 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

Dr. Larry LaPalio is the Emeritus and founding Director of Adventist Midwest Geriatrics. He attended medical school at St. Louis University and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois. He has advanced training in Geriatrics as the Robert Woods Johnson mid-career fellow in 1988 at the University of California at Los Angeles. Larry holds board certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hospice, and Palliative Care. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, has published many articles, and has given many presentations at local and national meetings in his related fields. He has been a leader in medical education and has had a career of medical executive experience, including the Director of Geriatrics from 1988 to 1994 at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

Board Member – May 2016

Sandra Linn is a recently retired financial services executive. Throughout her 35 years at Northern Trust, she led US and international teams with a primary focus on capital markets for institutional investors. She is experienced in leading client service, sales, risk management, finance, operations, and product development functions. Sandra served on the boards of EquiLend Holdings LLC, a global financial-tech company as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. She 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.

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

Don’s career spans 50 years in the travel business with offices located at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. As a Certified Travel Counselor, Don offered travel planning and tours primarily to the Scandinavian Countries. Don came to the rehab facility at Plymouth Place in 2020, moved to skilled nursing, then continued his rehabilitation in assisted living. In 2021, Don moved into an independent living apartment and is the first person to enter the Plymouth Place care continuum in reverse. Don has 2 sons and three grandchildren.

*Vice President of the Resident’s Council, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Directors