In the summer of 2019, Drew was hired by CJE SeniorLife as the Executive Director of Tamarisk NorthShore because of his reputation for successfully opening other senior living communities and his natural ability to build a staff that truly understands the importance of delivering excellent customer service.

Drew started his career in the financial arena, but found his passion working with older adults when he joined another senior living organization over 14 years ago. Since then, he has opened four other senior living communities in the Chicagoland area. “I felt a strong calling to be part of CJE SeniorLife and this beautiful new community. I am in total awe that my team and I have now opened it to dozens of new residents. I consider myself very blessed to be part of this amazing community and organization”.

Drew has been involved in every aspect of launching this long-awaited community that is the first of its kind for CJE SeniorLife. “It has been exhilarating to be part of this project, almost from the ground up. Our leadership team alone has over 70 years of experience in senior living and hospitality industries, and we are hiring the best of the best to meet the needs of our residents. We hope that you’ll visit Tamarisk NorthShore soon and see for yourself why Tamarisk NorthShore is the talk of the town”!
Drew earned a bachelor’s in finance from Indiana University, and a master’s in business administration from University of Illinois.

Lisa joined the Tamarisk NorthShore’s team in December of 2021. She has dedicated her career to senior living and has worked in communities in the western suburbs, Los Altos, CA, and most recently, Houston, TX. Lisa is thrilled to be back in Chicago and representing Tamarisk NorthShore. “There are many choices for older adults and as an advisor, I educate clients and families about Tamarisk NorthShore as well as senior housing. I love making a difference in people’s lives.”

Lisa graduated from University of Illinois with a bachelor’s in Communication.

Jim is a real “go-to” person and we are thrilled that he joined our team in January 2020. He comes to us 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 will 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.”

Jeff joined the Tamarisk NorthShore team in October 2022. We’re thrilled to welcome his innovative and extensive culinary expertise to Tamarisk’s Dining Services program. He previously oversaw all culinary operations as the Executive Chef at Mather Lifeways and Aramark, and has experience leading and directing various restaurant and catering business operations as well. His proven talent in food and beverage management, menu development, specialty cuisine and presentation, food and kitchen safety, staff leadership and mentorship, and world-class guest relations make him a valued staff member in our community!

Jeff earned a degree in culinary arts from the Dumas Pere School of French Cooking and has certifications from the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Examination and Culinary Institute of America Professional Executive Chef Program.

Michelle joined Tamarisk NorthShore in June of 2022 and brings over 25 years of experience with working with older adults. She has been part of CJE SeniorLife for the past ten years working at our Deerfield campus for Weinberg Community, and she is thrilled to continue her career with Tamarisk NorthShore.

Working for CJE and Tamarisk is not just a job for Michelle. She is passionate about helping older adults maintain their independence and dignity, while enhancing their lives with socialization, support, and stimulating programs. She truly enjoys the time she spends with the residents and co-workers. “I feel blessed to be to come to work each day, do what I love, and with people who feel like family.”

Michelle graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Degree in Corporate Communications and Psychology and has a Certificate in Gerontology.

Tamarisk NorthShore welcomed Ray in February of 2021. She is responsible for managing our Concierge team as well as resident billing, customer service and human resources. Ray brings years of experience as she previously was in the same role at another senior living provider.

Ray earned a degree in Accounting, and a JD in Law both from Universities in the Philippines.