About Tamarisk NorthShore

A beautiful independent living community in Deerfield, Illinois.

We welcome you!

A beautiful independent living community in Deerfield, Illinois, Tamarisk NorthShore makes it easy to live the life you love. Volunteer in a food pantry. Take a beading class. Sharpen your canasta skills. Debate foreign policy. Relax in the easy pace of life, knowing someone is always nearby if needed.

Spacious, modern apartment homes, superior dining, and engaging activities and programs, backed by a legacy of enhancing the lives of those they serve, distinguish Tamarisk NorthShore. We welcome you!

The Tamarisk NorthShore Experience

There are other retirement communities. But there’s only one Tamarisk NorthShore: your unique choice for independent living in Deerfield, Illinois.

Tamarisk NorthShore offers a vibrant, welcoming lifestyle enhanced by superior dining, first-rate hospitality, refreshing life enrichment, and the peace of mind that comes from a trusted care network. All backed by a level of commitment that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a small community fee or security deposit and just a simple monthly rental fee, so you can protect your assets, live close to family and ease their worries about the future. Feeling secure feels good!

Meet the Team

Colleen Kowalewski, Executive Director

We are thrilled to welcome Colleen Kowalewski as our new Executive Director!

With over 25 years of experience in senior living, including her recent role as Director of Life Services at a local rental life plan community, Colleen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. When she’s not leading with excellence, you can find Colleen hiking, cheering on the Cubs, or hosting delightful family dinners.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team in service to the amazing residents of Tamarisk. It is an honor to be part of this special community, dedicated to providing successful and meaningful experiences for everyone. I am excited to be here.”

Paisley Valentincic, Interim Director of Sales and Marketing

Paisley joined CJE SeniorLife in 2019 as the Director of Sales and Marketing to launch and lease Tamarisk NorthShore. After two years, she transitioned to CJE SeniorLife and now serves as VP and Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, she oversees marketing, community outreach, engagement, and business development for their diverse programs, services, and residences. Since January 2024, she has also been serving as the Interim Director of Sales and Marketing, leading sales, and occupancy efforts.

“I love being back and a part of Tamarisk NorthShore’s team! It is a beautiful community with a terrific staff and wonderful residents who inspire me every day,” she says.

Jim Betke, Director of Maintenance and Housekeeping

Jim is a real “go-to” person and we are thrilled that he is on our team. With over 12 years in senior living management, most recently as a Maintenance Supervisor for a community in Lake Forest, his previous experience includes working for a park district, where he was responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple business spaces. Earlier, he worked in commercial and residential construction.

Residents find that Jim is very results-oriented—he thrives on finding creative solutions to problems: “The most gratification that one can have is going to work, helping seniors maintain their beautiful apartment homes, and becoming part of a community that is really like a large family.”

Laura Frankel, Director of Culinary Services

Laura Frankel joined the Tamarisk team as Director of Culinary Services in November of 2023. As well as being a noted Chef, author, blogger, and media personality, Laura brings extensive experience. Her prior roles include Product Development Specialist at The Spice House, Culinary Director for Jamie Geller’s Test Kitchen and Kosher Network International. She is the author of two Jewish cookbooks, with a third forthcoming. Laura is also the founder of Shallots Restaurant in Chicago, Skokie, and New York, and served as Executive Chef for Wolfgang Puck. Laura’s impressive background certainly adds flavor to the Tamarisk community!

Laura is a proud member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a global philanthropic society of women leaders and trailblazers in the culinary, beverage and hospitality professions. The non-profit organization coordinates educational, community service and charitable programs and events to foster excellence and promote achievements of women in the culinary arts.

Ray Eliot, Business Office Manager

Ray is responsible for managing our Concierge team as well as resident billing, customer service, and human resources. Ray brings years of experience to our community as she previously was in the same role at another senior living provider. Ray earned a degree in accounting and a JD degree from universities in the Philippines.

CJE Mission

The mission of CJE SeniorLife is to enhance quality of life and facilitate independence of older adults.

We champion older adults and families on their unique journeys, cultivate communities built on innovation, tradition and trust, and help each person in the Jewish and larger community live life to their fullest abilities with dignity and respect.

CJE SeniorLife Values Statement

Older adults living better every day connected to the community of their choice with access to trusted care and full range of services, rooted in Jewish values.

Respect

Kavod

We recognize, honor and acknowledge the inherent value of each person, for their wisdom, their culture, their background, and their unique history.

Advocacy

Timicha

We give voice to our clients’ needs and facilitate positive actions on their behalf. We engage state and federal officials to advocate the adoption, preservation, and/or modification of governmental programs and practices which benefit our community and clients.

Innovation

Chidushim

We advance our knowledge and evaluate, develop, and implement new and advanced programming and models of care to bring benefits to our clients, community, and broader older adult/health care environment.

Compassion

Chesed

We treat everyone with caring, sensitivity, understanding, and supportive responsiveness.

Intention

Kavanah

We approach our work and each task with mindful consideration as to what we are doing and why we are doing it, as individuals and as an agency.

Accountability

Arevut

We are responsible individually and as an organization for ethical, accurate work and interaction with others. We plan strategically and provide quality care with measurable outcomes and fiscal soundness.

Visit CJE SeniorLife to Learn More

Location

Deerfield, Illinois, considered one of the state’s best places to live, is situated in Lake County, adjacent to Cook County and bordered to the west by Riverwoods, Highland Park to the east, Northbrook to the south, and Bannockburn and Lake Forest to the north. Deerfield boasts a network of 20 parks as well as annual festivals and events.

Visitors and friends can quickly access Tamarisk NorthShore via US-94. The Metra line to downtown Deerfield is just two miles away, making it easy to enjoy downtown Deerfield’s boutique shopping, restaurants, charming coffee shops, financial services, and other conveniences.

Residents of Tamarisk NorthShore also enjoy being a short distance from the Chicago Botanic Garden where they can volunteer, walk, or simply take in the natural beauty. Other nearby attractions include Ravinia, a lovely 26-acre park and site of an annual internationally renowned music festival; and NorthShore Center for Performing Arts.

For added peace of mind, Tamarisk NorthShore is centrally located between NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Glenbrook Hospital and Highland Park Hospital.

Get Directions

Find answers to many of your questions below.

General FAQs

Q: What is independent living and who is the best candidate for this lifestyle?

A: Independent living is an opportunity to escape the burdens of home maintenance, repairs, and other daily concerns—such as meal preparation and transportation—and instead enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Go about your days as you please, knowing a helpful staff is ready to serve you. Outstanding amenities, stimulating activities, and the companionship of good friends are other perks.

Q: If I’m in good health and doing okay at home, why move to Independent Living?

A: Making the move to senior living is about gaining a whole new level of freedom and independence—with access to an outstanding array of new possibilities and conveniences. For example, you can travel more easily. Amplify your fitness program by exercising with others. Discover your creative side. Make lots of new friends. Enjoy exceptional dining without lifting a finger. Wake each day knowing all you “have” to do is enjoy life!

Q: What if I need help?

A: Even if you’re doing fine on your own now, it’s always good to know a helping hand is close by, especially if needs change. The same is true in independent living at Tamarisk NorthShore. You enjoy all the perks of an exceptional lifestyle, with the reassurance that a full range of supportive services are close at hand. In-home care can be arranged on site, and additional services such as assisted living and rehabilitation therapies are available through our partnership with CJE SeniorLife.

Q: What is the benefit of a rental community vs. one with a buy-in fee?

A: In a rental community such as Tamarisk NorthShore, there is no buy-in fee. instead, you only pay a simple monthly fee, which covers your private apartment as well as range of services, amenities, activities, programs, and more. Because there is no buy-in fee, you can enjoy an exceptional lifestyle without giving up your assets, giving you financial flexibility and peace of mind. For many people, not having to pay a buy-in free also makes it easier for them to move close to their family and enjoy valuable time together.

Q: Can I get help with downsizing and moving?

A: Yes! Having professional, friendly assistance with the process of moving makes all the difference. Most independent living communities have a move-in coordinator who can assist you with the entire moving process, from downsizing and planning your new space, to packing, to selecting a mover experienced in assisting with moving seniors.
In addition, you’ll also receive assistance organizing and setting up your new home, so that everything feels right for you. At Tamarisk NorthShore, our moving assistance services are exceptional, and we are ready to help you.

Q: How can I know which community is right for me?

A: Before you make any decision, take the time to tour several communities. See how they feel, sample the food, and talk to residents and staff. Do you feel comfortable there? Think about what matters most to you. Are the services and amenities on your list of must-haves? Do their programs and activities interest you?

At Tamarisk NorthShore, you enjoy more freedom and more choices. You are surrounded by people who truly care about you, and are dedicated to offering you the highest level of hospitality. We welcome and celebrate all faiths and we offer the added peace of mind of access to a range of supportive care services should needs change, both in your apartment and next door on CJE SeniorLife’s Deerfield campus. Because even if you don't need it right now, it’s nice to know a helping hand is always there.