Why choose us for home care in Northbrook, IL?

After earning his CNA license, Ryan joined Home Instead in 2001 as a CAREGiver. In 2004 he joined our office staff, and has since become a steadfast presence on the Client Care Team. He is passionate about caring for the elderly, and finds working with both seniors and their CAREGivers to be its own reward. Ryan has called many places home throughout the years, but now happily resides in Libertyville. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and 3 children.

Alexandra (Alex) started her passion for caring for people as a nanny. After a few years, Alex shifted her focus to the elderly community and became a caregiver at an assisted living home. In 2011, Alex joined the Home Instead staffing team and has since been promoted to Office Manager. In addition to managing the office, Alex divides her time between the Staffing Department and Accounting. Her goals are to hire the best CAREGivers for our clients. While hiring CAREGivers, Alex focuses on what the owners taught her: hire CAREGivers you would want to take care of your family. Through her years at Home Instead, Alex has learned to be a better and stronger advocate for her grandmother and visits her in Ohio frequently. Alex lives in Arlington Heights with her family. In her free time, Alex enjoys traveling, and trying new recipes and restaurants.

Emma has been with Home Instead since 2015. Although her primary role is Staffing Coordinator, she also devotes much of her time to the Client Care Department. Emma's caregiving journey started over 10 years ago as a CNA in both facilities and home settings. Making a difference in people's lives has always been her passion, so when Emma relocated to Illinois she brought the culmination of her experience to our Home Instead team. Emma was raised in Romania, but considers both Illinois and Home Instead her second homes. She enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and "cooking up a storm."

Kathy has been with Home Instead for over six years. She became a CNA over ten years ago after caring for an elderly family member and realizing her passion for senior care. She worked briefly in a senior residential facility, but soon realized she preferred one-on-one care. She started out as a CAREGiver at Home Instead and quickly expanded her role to Training Coordinator and then Client Care Coordinator. Kathy believes CAREGivers can make all the difference in keeping a senior in their home and works daily to keep our clients safe and well cared for through age-friendly modifications and updated care plans and goals. She has lived in Arlington Heights for over 20 years and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Client Care Coordinator Maria began her journey at Home Instead in 2021 as a dedicated caregiver, quickly earning recognition for her exceptional caregiving skills, especially when working with clients who had more complex needs. Her ability to connect with both clients and their families led to a well-deserved promotion to Client Care Coordinator. In this new role, Maria continues to foster meaningful relationships with Care Pros and clients, ensuring the highest level of care is always provided. Passionate about supporting both clients and her team, Maria thrives in building trust and creating a compassionate environment for all involved. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant Ashley has been a valued member of Home Instead since early 2024, but her caregiving journey became long before that. While in college, she cared for a family friend, sparking her passion for helping others. Throughout her life, Ashley has gravitated towards roles that involve supporting and uplifting those around her. Prior to joining Home Instead, she worked as therapeutic riding instructor, helping seniors in her community as a caregiver with Home Instead before transitioning to her current role in the office. Ashley is the friendly, welcoming voice you'll hear when you call Home Instead and the smiling face you see when you enter our office. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time at the barn, riding her horse or relaxing at her home in Lincolnshire, creating cherished memories with her family.

Sara Blinten has been dedicated to the home care field since 2008, when she began her career as a CNA in a nursing home. Starting out as a caregiver, she worked her way up through various roles across the industry, gaining extensive experience in private/CCP home care, agencies, and facilities. Sara's passion for caring for older adults and individuals with disabilities is at the heart of everything she does. Her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and compassionate approach make her a trusted advocate for families navigating care needs. She truly believes that helping people age with dignity and comfort is not just a job-it's a calling. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending quality time with her two daughters and caring for her elderly mother, continuing her commitment to caregiving at home.

Natalie began her educational journey at Winona State University before discovering her passion for senior care in 2019. From the very beginning, she felt called to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, and she quickly developed a deep understanding of the importance of dignity, patience, and connection in aging. In 2023, Natalie joined the Home Instead team as a dedicated caregiver. Her compassion, attentive care, and natural leadership stood out immediately. She approached every client with empathy and respect, taking time to truly understand their routines, preferences, and life stories. Her belief that seniors deserve not only support, but joy and independence, shaped her caregiving style and strengthened the trust families placed in her. Seeing the extraordinary care she provided, Home Instead promoted Natalie to Client Care Advisor in 2025. In this role, she brings her hands-on experience and passion for senior well-being into every home she enters. Natalie works closely with caregivers, offers guidance and encouragement, and ensures that each senior receives personalized, high-quality care that honors who they are. Today, you can find Natalie's warm smile and steady presence supporting caregivers and giving seniors the peace of mind that they are truly valued. Her dedication to enhancing quality of life for older adults continues to shine through in every interaction she has. In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, going to concerts, and cooking. She love being with her family and friends.