Your assigned Care Guide, a master’s level social worker, gets to know you and your family’s unique needs during a one-to-one on-boarding call.GETTING STARTED The Care Guide support systemYour Care Guide is your expert in your pocket:supporting you when you need it the most, helping you stay ahead of problems, and adapting to your family's changing needs. Your Care Guide can identify free services and recommend Homethrive- vetted specialists for meal and medicine delivery, transportation, home care, home safety improvements, and more. COORDINATION OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES Easy access to your Care Guide via text and phone helps you address health and wellness concerns quickly. Your Care Guide helps you solve problems and provides guidance for you and your aging loved one, keeping the whole family thriving. PERSONALIZED ADVICE & COACHING Your Care Guide supports your and your aging loved one’s health and well-being by building a nurturing relationship and creating a plan to address both your needs. From navigating hard conversations to setting up home care, and everything in between, they are there to help. DEVELOP A PLAN & GOALS The Care Guide support system Your Care Guide is your expert in your pocket: supporting you when you need it the most, helping you stay ahead of problems, and adapting to your family's changing needs. DEVELOP A PLAN & GOALS Your Care Guide supports your and your aging loved one’s health and well-being by building a nurturing relationship and creating a plan to address both your needs. From navigating hard conversations to setting up home care, and everything in between, they are there to help. COORDINATION OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICESYour Care Guide can identify free services and recommend Homethrive-vetted specialists for meal and medicine delivery, transportation, home care, and home safety improvements, and more. PERSONALIZED ADVICE & COACHINGEasy access to your Care Guide via text and phone helps you address health and wellness concerns quickly. Your Care Guide helps you solve problems and provides guidance for you and your aging loved one, keeping the whole family thriving.GETTING STARTEDYour assigned Care Guide, a master’s level social worker, gets to know you and your family’s unique needs during a one-to-one on-boarding call.

Lauren Kessler, LCSW

Meet Me

Experience

12 years

Education

Master's from Loyola University Chicago 

Specialties

  • Supporting Older Adults in Future Planning and Aging in Place
  • Complex Family Dynamics
  • End-of-Life Care

About Lauren

Lauren was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. A mother of 2, she loves traveling, seeing live music (including her husband, who is a singer/songwriter), and spending quality time with her close friends, family, and new puppy, Harry.

Adriana Medina, MSW, LSW

Meet Me

Experience

3 years

Education

Master's from Dominican University

Specialties

  • Supporting Older Adults to Age in Place
  • Advanced Care Planning
  • End-of-Life Care

About Adriana

Adriana was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her close-knit family, including her small dogs. She is an ongoing learner, embracing any opportunity to learn something new, especially by attending a cultural event or exploring a new place.

Melissa Vela, MSW

Meet Me

Experience

5 years

Education

Master's from Loyola University Chicago

Specialties

  • Care Planning for Older Adults Aging in Place
  • Identifying Caregiver Support Options
  • Future Care Planning

About Melissa

Melissa was born and raised in Chicago, where she currently resides. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching shows and films, reading, going on nature walks, and traveling.

Ciara Smith, MSW

Meet Me

Experience

8 years

Education

Master's from Northeastern Illinois University

Specialties

  • Aging
  • Healthcare
  • Advanced care planning

About Ciara

Ciara was born and raised in Chicago, IL where she currently resides with her son. Ciara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, listening to music, reading and writing.