Hi Ronda! We last heard from you back in September 2024. Please re-introduce yourself and tell us about those big changes ahoy!
So much has changed! I do still live in Highwood with my husband Brian and our 15-year-old dog, Cubby. It is such a fun town. We love how lively it is and we love the restaurants and all the music. The most exciting update is that my oldest daughter and her family relocated back to the North Shore from New York. In January we welcomed my second granddaughter. It’s been truly life-changing to have them nearby.
Another very big change was I launched my own senior living placement agency, New Chapter Senior Living Placement. Starting this business has been one of the most meaningful and exciting experiences of my life.
Tell us about your children and grandchildren.
I have three grown children. My oldest, Taylor, is 33, married with two daughters. She’s a VP at a PR agency based in New York, while her husband Ethan works for Google here in Chicago. My son, 30, also lives in the city and works for a tech company. My youngest daughter is 26 and living and working in the city as well.
What are one or two fun facts, and/or important things to know about you?
With a full-time business, free time is limited but I make time for Pilates three times a week and try to walk daily. I’m also a passionate reader; if I love a book, I’ll read until the sun comes up and that can cause me some very exhausting days!
As for fun facts, last summer I went downhill mountain biking in Beaver Creek, Colorado and I was the only woman in the group! I wiped out early on but stuck with it the entire day. It was exhilarating. I can’t wait to do it again.
What are your favorite North Shore places that you’d like everyone to know about?
I love walking along the lake and exploring the different scenic paths nearby. Club Pilates in Lake Forest is a favorite – it’s well-run, clean, and the classes are excellent. I also enjoy grocery shopping at Heinen’s in Bannockburn, especially for their prepared meals. Poeta’s in Highwood is our go-to for marinated chicken to grill. As far as restaurants go La Plancha Loca in Highwood has amazing fish tacos, and the chicken parm at DeNucci’s Italian is a favorite. For drinks, Nite N’ Gale’s is my top pick – they pour a great cocktail.
Speaking of being an avid reader, any good books on your nightstand?
I just finished a romantic comedy that truly surprised me. It’s called Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. I was just expecting a cute love story, but the deeper narrative focused on a long-distance relationship and the emotional toll of a parent’s dementia. It captured the complexities of caregiving and the power of family support. That is something I deeply connect with through my work. It was moving and beautifully written. You really see how this horrible disease affects the family as a whole.
Congratulations on your new endeavor – tell us more about New Chapter Senior Living Placement! What is it and how does it work?
Thank you! New Chapter Senior Living Placement is my new agency dedicated to helping families find the right senior living solution whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or memory care. We take a holistic approach where we assess our clients’ medical needs, emotional well-being, cultural values, lifestyle preferences, and financial considerations. We take the whole journey with them, from the beginning of their search until we find them the ideal senior living community.
Our services are free to families. We’re compensated by the communities, much like real estate brokers. We serve the entire Chicagoland area and visit each community regularly to understand their strengths and limitations. This insight helps us guide families with confidence through an otherwise overwhelming process. We stay connected with our clients long after the move to ensure continued satisfaction and care.
Starting a business is huge news but this field is not new to you. Tell our audience about your background in senior living and senior care.
I began my career in senior living in 2008 as a Marketing and Sales Associate with Brookdale Senior Living. During that time, I gained in-depth knowledge of the industry and developed a strong understanding of what distinguishes a good senior living community from a truly exceptional one. After six years, I transitioned into senior placement, first working with a national placement agency, then moving to a smaller, more personalized firm where I spent five years building deep relationships with communities throughout the Chicagoland area. In March 2025, I launched my own agency, New Chapter Senior Living Placement, to offer families a more tailored, compassionate, and informed approach to senior living transitions.
What are your certifications as they relate to senior living?
I’m a Certified Dementia Practitioner. This certification is important to me, as many of the families I work with are navigating Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. I want to be as informed as possible in guiding them.
What else should we know about New Chapter Senior Living Placement that sets you apart from the rest?
Our priority is quality of care. It’s about ensuring your loved one receives the best possible support. We know each community well, from staff dynamics to care protocols. That insight is critical when helping families make one of the most important decisions of their lives.
And how can our readers reach out?
I’m always happy to be a resource. Whether you’re starting the search or just need guidance, feel free to call, text, or email me anytime. I’m a well-rounded and empathetic resource! Call or text 224-619-6466 or email [email protected].
About Our Meet a Mom Sponsor
Chicago North Shore Moms is supported in part by Mary Gregory Gifford, a Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
