Dari Dedicated takes the uncertainty out of family caregiving

Dari Dedicated is powered by our team of Care Guides (caregiving experts) who help families manage the physical, emotional, and logistical needs of caring for a loved one who is aging or has special needs

How Care Guides Help

Go Dedicated!

The extra personal touch when needed

When Dari Digital Assistant just isn’t enough, there’s Dari Dedicated. Dari Dedicated gives families access to dedicated Care Guides to work through more complex issues one-on-one

Examples of ways that our Care Guides can help include, but are not limited to:

noun_medical_3232570-small Navigating medical needs and concerns, such as doctors appointments, physical therapy services, hospitalizations, transportation, etc.

noun_nursing home_4051086-small Help understanding different senior care housing options and/or arranging home care

noun_Checklist_2373843-small Locating community and government-based benefits, resources, and services for which you are eligible

noun_Logistics_2157515 Exploring and arranging meal delivery, medication delivery, durable medical equipment, age-appropriate exercise equipment, personal care products, and more

noun_Healthcare_3085648 Helping families understand the intricacies of challenging health issues and what to expect as things progress

noun_Broken Heart_1034072 Providing emotional support through life's challenges and transitions, especially surrounding grief and loss

Meet Our Care Guides

Click the plus sign to learn more about each of our Care Guides featured below!

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, LCSW

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.