The Power of Authentic Photography: Why It Matters in Senior Living Marketing

The Power of Authentic Photography: Why It Matters in Senior Living Marketing

Why Authentic Photography for Senior Living Marketing Matters

Authentic photography for senior living marketing is one of the most powerful tools communities can use to build trust, strengthen their brand, and connect with prospective residents and families. While stock photography offers convenience, it often lacks the authenticity needed to accurately reflect a community’s culture, values, and daily life.

In today’s digital world, first impressions often happen online. Whether through a website, social media post, blog, or digital advertisement, the images a community shares can shape how people perceive its brand and whether they can envision themselves living there.

Why Stock Photos Fall Short in Senior Living Community Marketing

Senior living operators and marketers are often busy and may turn to stock photography because it is readily available. However, stock images can appear overly polished, generic, and unrealistic.

Many consumers can easily identify stock photos, which may negatively impact a brand’s credibility. In an industry built on trust and relationships, authenticity matters.

Another drawback is that stock photos are often used across multiple websites, including competitors, making it harder for communities to differentiate themselves in a crowded senior living market.

Building Trust Through Authentic Visual Storytelling

Trust is one of the most important factors in senior living decision-making. Families are not simply choosing a place to live; they are selecting a community where they or their loved one will receive care, support, and connection.

Using real photos of residents, team members, and community events helps create emotional connections and demonstrates transparency. Authentic photography shows prospective residents what daily life truly looks like, helping communities build credibility and trust.

Strong visual storytelling is an essential part of senior living branding and can significantly influence decision-making.

Reflecting the Diversity and Values of Your Community

Every senior living community is unique. Residents come from different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures.

Authentic photography allows communities to showcase their real residents, staff, and experiences while reflecting the diversity and values that make their community special. Real images feel more relatable than staged photos featuring professional models.

This authenticity helps prospective residents and families see themselves as part of the community.

People Connect with People in Senior Living

Amenities and services are important, but people ultimately connect with people.

Photographs that capture friendships, meaningful moments, and everyday interactions help tell the story of community life. Whether it’s residents participating in activities, dining together, or celebrating milestones, authentic imagery helps humanize the senior living experience.

This approach strengthens senior living storytelling and creates deeper emotional engagement.

Using Photography to Strengthen Your Community’s Story

Every community has a story to tell. Authentic photography adds context and depth to that story.

Real images help showcase:

  • Resident lifestyles
  • Community events
  • Staff relationships
  • Wellness programs
  • Family connections
  • Daily life experiences

These visuals help prospective residents envision themselves living in the community and support senior living lead generation efforts.

How Authentic Photography Improves Senior Living SEO

High-quality, original images can support senior living SEO and improve website performance.

Search engines prioritize unique content, including visual assets. Authentic photos can:

  • Increase time spent on site
  • Improve engagement metrics
  • Support image search visibility
  • Enhance blog and webpage performance
  • Strengthen local SEO efforts

Communities that regularly publish original visual content often create a stronger digital presence than those relying solely on stock imagery.

Authentic Photos Drive Social Media Engagement

Authentic photos are more likely to generate comments, shares, and interactions on social media.

Residents and families enjoy seeing familiar faces and meaningful moments. Local media outlets are also more likely to feature genuine stories supported by compelling photography.

As part of a broader senior living digital marketing strategy, authentic images help communities increase visibility and strengthen community connections.

Standing Out in a Competitive Senior Living Market

The senior living market is increasingly competitive. Communities must differentiate themselves not only through amenities and services but also through storytelling and authenticity.

Authentic photography for senior living marketing helps communities stand out by showcasing what makes them truly unique: their residents, team members, values, and culture.

When prospective residents and families see real people experiencing real moments, they are more likely to trust the community, engage with its content, and envision it as home.

The Bottom Line on Authentic Photography for Senior Living Marketing

At its core, authentic photography for senior living marketing is about trust, connection, and storytelling. Real images foster credibility, strengthen relationships, improve engagement, and support SEO efforts.

In an industry built on human connection, authentic photography does more than capture moments—it tells the story of community life and helps prospective residents imagine their future.

The Power of Newsletters: Connecting Senior Communities with Prospective Residents Through Personalized Communication

The Power of Newsletters: Connecting Senior Communities with Prospective Residents Through Personalized Communication

Why Email Marketing for Senior Living Communities Still Matters

Email marketing for senior living communities remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to connect with prospective residents and their families. While social media and digital advertising continue to evolve, newsletters give communities a valuable opportunity to showcase daily life, share meaningful stories, provide educational resources, and communicate what makes their community unique—all while staying top of mind throughout a prospect’s decision-making journey.

In today’s competitive senior living market, building trust with prospective residents is essential. Email newsletters help communities nurture relationships, maintain engagement, and ultimately support occupancy growth.

Building Trust Through Personalized Communication

The journey to choosing a senior living community is often long and complex. Families may spend months researching communities, discussing options, evaluating care needs, and considering financial factors.

Regular newsletters allow communities to stay connected during this process while delivering information tailored to the needs and interests of each recipient.

Campaign Monitor reports that email marketing can generate a significant return on investment, with businesses earning an average of $44 for every $1 spent and generating more sales-ready leads at a lower cost.

Why Personalization Matters in Email Marketing for Senior Living Communities

Personalization is key to maximizing the effectiveness of newsletters.

Email marketing for senior living communities enables organizations to segment audiences based on age, level of care, location, family involvement, and previous interactions with the community.

For example:

  • Prospective independent living residents may receive content about social events and active lifestyles.
  • Families exploring assisted living may prefer information about wellness services and healthcare support.
  • Those interested in memory care may seek educational resources and caregiver guidance.

Providing relevant content increases engagement and helps build stronger relationships.

Best Practices for Creating Effective Senior Living Newsletters

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers several best practices for creating compelling newsletters, including keeping content simple and selecting a memorable name.

Busy layouts and lengthy copy can overwhelm readers. Clear design and concise messaging help ensure recipients focus on the most important information.

A newsletter with a recognizable name that reflects the community’s mission can also increase opens and strengthen brand recognition.

Showcasing Community Life Through Newsletters

Newsletters provide an excellent platform for highlighting the culture and lifestyle of a senior living community.

Communities can showcase:

  • Resident stories
  • Staff spotlights
  • Upcoming events
  • Wellness tips
  • Community updates

These stories help prospective residents envision what daily life looks like and create emotional connections before a tour ever occurs.

Measuring the Success of Email Marketing for Senior Living Communities

One of the greatest advantages of email marketing is its measurability.

Communities can track:

  • Open rates
  • Click-through rates
  • Website traffic
  • Engagement metrics
  • Conversions

These insights allow marketing teams to refine future communications and identify the content that resonates most with prospective residents and families.

Using Newsletters as an Educational Resource

Many families navigating senior living decisions are seeking trustworthy information.

By providing educational content on topics such as aging well, financial planning, memory care, and health management, communities position themselves as trusted advisors rather than simply service providers.

This approach strengthens credibility and keeps the community top of mind when families are ready to make a decision.

The Lasting Impact of Email Marketing for Senior Living Communities

While newsletters are often viewed as promotional tools, they serve a much larger purpose. Email marketing for senior living communities helps foster relationships, demonstrate expertise, highlight staff, celebrate community culture, and maintain engagement over time.

When done well, newsletters create a pipeline of informed and engaged prospects who are more likely to choose a community when the time is right.

Opening Doors Half a World Away: How Betty and Charlie Laliberte Are Changing Lives in Uganda

Opening Doors Half a World Away: How Betty and Charlie Laliberte Are Changing Lives in Uganda

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Somewhere in Uganda today, a young doctor is treating patients. A nurse is caring for families. A midwife is helping bring new life into the world. A pharmacist is filling prescriptions. A fashion designer is building a business. A technology professional is beginning a career.

Many of these journeys began with a single opportunity. And behind that opportunity stand Betty and Charlie Laliberte. The former Elmhurst residents moved to Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard two years ago.

For them, creating those opportunities has become a way of life.

Married for 54 years, the couple are the founders of ChildrenUP, a nonprofit that helps promising young people in Uganda continue their education beyond primary school. Over the past 15 years, their quiet but determined work has helped students pursue careers that once felt impossible.

What began with one student has grown into a program supporting more than 100 scholars and continues to expand, thanks to a circle of generous donors.

From Elmhurst Classrooms to the World

Long before their work in Uganda, Betty and Charlie spent decades shaping young lives closer to home. Both retired from York High School in Elmhurst, where Betty served as a librarian and Charlie taught art.

Retirement, however, didn’t slow them down.

“For us, retirement is not at all retiring,” Betty said. “It’s having the gift of time to follow your passions.”

Soon after leaving their York, High School careers, the Lalibertes accepted positions at the Istanbul International School in Turkey. Betty again worked as a librarian while Charlie stepped back into the art classroom.

“It was the most wonderful three years,” Betty recalled.

They embraced the culture, the people, and the rhythm of life abroad. The school calendar offered a unique perk: every six weeks, teachers received a full week off. The Lalibertes spent that time traveling, exploring places like the Greek Islands and Rome while immersing themselves in cultures far from home.

What they did not know at the time was that one future trip would permanently change their lives.

A Journey That Became a Mission

One of their fellow teachers in Istanbul, moved on to Uganda. Curious about the country and eager to visit their colleague, Charlie and his daughter decided to make the trip.

What began as a memorable travel experience soon became something much deeper.

At the time, northern Uganda was emerging from years of violent conflict and insurrection. In towns such as Gulu, families were only beginning to rebuild their lives.

By the time Charlie and his daughter arrived, the region was slowly returning to normal. But the scars of the past were still visible. And the challenges for young people remained enormous.

Meeting Nancy

During that visit, Charlie met a student named Nancy.

She had been orphaned by AIDS and raised by her grandmother. To make ends meet, they broke quarry stones with sledgehammers to sell to road crews. Despite these circumstances, Nancy was an exceptional student and had earned a scholarship to continue her education, a remarkable achievement. What she lacked were the funds for room, board, and the basic expenses required to attend school.

“We wanted to help support her,” Charlie said. “And one thing led to another as we looked for others to help. Nancy was largely the inspiration.”

That decision marked the beginning of what would become ChildrenUP.

Nancy went on to complete college and graduate school, studying forestry. Today she works in health and safety for an agricultural enterprise and helps other students pursue their own education.

Bridging the Gap Through Education

In Uganda, primary school ends after seventh grade. Students who wish to continue move into secondary boarding schools for four years, followed by optional advanced years that prepare them for university or vocational training.

For many families, the cost makes continuing education impossible.

ChildrenUP Helps Bridge That Gap

With the help of local educators, ChildrenUP identifies students who score high on national exams at the end of seventh grade and show strong academic promise. The organization has two levels of mentors for every student. “If a child needs help, there’s always someone there to advise them and oversee their progress,” said Charlie.  Mentors provide for students’ needs and concerns, assist with payment of expenses, and foster communication. The program supports the students through the six years following primary school and, in some cases, beyond. “We have students at the university level,” said Betty.

Students who enter the secondary school program may be anywhere from 14 to 19 years old, depending on when they were able to attend school earlier in life.

One guiding principle remains constant. The program supports equal numbers of girls and boys.

Where They Are Now

Today, Betty and Charlie live at Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard.

From there, they continue the work they began years ago connected to Uganda, engaged with supporters, and deeply involved in causes that matter to them. Neighbors have learned about ChildrenUP through conversations and shared stories, often choosing to support the program themselves.

For the Lalibertes, Beacon Hill represents not a pause, but a continuation, a place where the values that shaped their lives still have room to grow.

“I’m constantly touched by the kindness and generosity of Beacon Hill residents,” said Executive Director Elijah Heyboer. “Betty and Charlie truly exemplify the very best of this community, a spirit of giving that extends far beyond these walls.”

Stories like theirs emerge naturally here. They’re created in dining-room conversations, formed through shared experiences, and strengthened by a community of people who bring decades of purpose with them into each new chapter.

A Life Still Opening Doors

For Betty and Charlie, ChildrenUP is simply another way of doing what they’ve always done: teaching, encouraging, and opening doors.

While the impact stretches halfway around the world, its roots are deeply human… curiosity, compassion, and a belief in what people can become when they’re given a chance.

And for those who visit Beacon Hill, it’s often the people who leave the strongest impression. People like Betty and Charlie. People whose stories are still unfolding. People who remind you that good people don’t stop showing up for the world, they simply find new ways to do it.

Oak Trace Resident, Lindy Pond, takes leap of faith, fulfills dream by skydiving

Oak Trace Resident, Lindy Pond, takes leap of faith, fulfills dream by skydiving

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When given the opportunity, she took the leap. Literally. A huge leap!

Eighty-two-year-old Lindy Pond, a resident of Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, fulfilled a long-time dream last week. “Skydiving is something I always wanted to do but never had the opportunity for,” she said. When she went with 15 fellow residents of Oak Trace on an outing to the airport in Rochelle, she said, the chance presented itself, and she couldn’t turn it down.

“We went to Chicago Skydiving Center in Rochelle for lunch. There, you can watch people skydiving while you’re eating. You also have the opportunity to sign up and give it a try if you want. I watched a couple of people and thought, ‘If I don’t try it now while I have the opportunity, I never will.’” And so she did.

After watching a short video, Lindy’s dive was done in tandem with an instructor. “We got on a plane and were up three miles high. When you jump, you’re going 100 miles/hour. The instructor does all the work,” she said. She loved the experience.

“I had no second thoughts and wasn’t scared at all. That’s my personality. I’ve been bungee jumping and zip-lining in Panama. I like risky things. The only thing I’m afraid of is water. I love boats but don’t throw me overboard. My kids used to say it’s because I don’t like to get my hair wet,” she said. “My friends from Oak Trace stayed and watched. They couldn’t believe I did it. It’s not something the average person does, especially in our age group.”

Lindy said none of the other residents on the outing wanted to give skydiving a try. Even her boyfriend, John Rohlfing declined. “He doesn’t like heights,” she said, adding that this sounds slightly ironic. John, who was a TWA pilot for 35 years, explained, “If I’ve got wings, I’m fine, but I can’t make myself step out of something into the air.” He, instead, enjoyed watching Lindy from the ground.

Lindy and John, both of whom moved into Oak Trace within days of each other two years ago, find that the senior living community offers many opportunities for activities, some more traditional than others. They’ve recently participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of Wrigley Field, a trip to Milwaukee, ballroom dance lessons, and more. “There’s always the chance to try something new,” Lindy said adding that moving to Oak Trace was one of the best decisions she ever made.

Dave Humphreys: Where Music Meets Meaning

Dave Humphreys: Where Music Meets Meaning

Some people are born trailblazers. Others grow into it. Dave Humphreys is one of the latter—a quiet force shaped by music, justice, and a deep belief in community.

He never chased titles or the spotlight. He simply followed his instincts— toward purpose, connection, and service. Along the way, he built something lasting: a life full of meaningful moments and a legacy that continues to ripple through every cause, community, and person he’s touched.

Music Is the Key

Dave was just five when he first sat down at a piano. Soon came the bass, cello, and percussion—each one expanding his world. By high school, music wasn’t just a passion; it was a side hustle. He was playing gigs and getting paid. At Oberlin College, his talent helped cover tuition.

Today, Dave doesn’t play professionally, but music is still central to who he is. He calls himself a music enabler—someone who helps others find joy, connection, and meaning through it.

And for Dave, music was only the beginning.

Jamming with Pete Seeger—and Finding Purpose

While at Oberlin, Dave attended a Pete Seeger concert—and it changed everything. After the show, he ended up in an impromptu jam session with the folk legend. What he walked away with wasn’t just a memory, but a deeper understanding: music could be protest, healing, and connection—all at once.

“The words had meaning,” Dave says. “It was a movement that spoke to everything I cared about—belonging, justice, recognizing the needs of marginalized people.”

From that moment on, music wasn’t just something he played. It became the language of what he stood for.

Man with glasses and beard wearing a blue shirt.

Two Way Street: Where Music Meets Service

That realization led to one of Dave’s most lasting contributions: the founding of Two Way Street Coffee House.

Launched in 1970 out of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove—and inspired by a cozy, culture-rich venue he loved in college—Two Way Street was designed to be more than a place for live music. It was a space where people could come together through music, conversation, and community.

At a time when the country felt divided by the Vietnam War, it became a refuge for young people—a place to be themselves, be heard, and find the support they needed, whether emotional, physical, social, or legal.

“Music was the hook,” Dave says. “But service was the soul.”

Volunteers didn’t wait for instructions—they simply showed up and started helping. “Eventually, the broader community got involved in a more official way,” Dave recalls.

More than 50 years later, Two Way Street still welcomes musicians from around the world. It’s a living legacy of Dave’s belief that music, at its best, brings people together.

“It’s truly hard to put into words the impact Dave has had on so many folk musicians, fans, and communities,” says Joel Simpson, co-director of Two Way Street Coffee House.

Black and white photo of six people gathered around a table, engaged in discussion.

Retirement as a New Beginning

After a 30-year career in marketing, Dave took early retirement in 1991—not to slow down, but to focus on what mattered most.

Freed from the demands of corporate life, he poured his energy into music, service, and community. He began booking festivals, supporting nonprofits, and stepping into leadership roles—not for recognition, but because the work needed doing. And he’s done it all as a volunteer.

This summer, Dave once again led Rotary GroveFest, where he’s served as lead entertainment producer since the event began in 2010. Before that, he held the same role for its predecessor, Heritage Fest—for 28 years.

Man in yellow shirt speaking on stage at an event with music equipment.
Man speaking into a microphone outside near a banner that reads History Happens Here.

But Dave’s impact extends well beyond the stage. He’s a longtime civic leader in Downers Grove, having served more than 20 years on the Public Library Board and a founding board member of EQDG (EQuality Downers Grove), an organization that advocates for a more inclusive community. He’s also contributed his time and talents to the Downers Grove Community Kitchen, the Mental Health Advisory Committee of DuPage County, and the DuPage Board of Health—just to name a few.

Today, Dave continues to lead and serve at Oak Trace, where he raises funds, mentors fellow residents, and plays an active role in shaping the community he now calls home. He chairs the Oak Trace Foundation Advisory Committee and leads fundraising for several key initiatives—including an emergency fund for team members, and a general use fund for special campus projects.

Dearest to Dave is the team member scholarship fund, which awards tens of thousands of dollars each year to support continuing education. Thanks to his passionate and relentless efforts to encourage fellow residents to give, Oak Trace had a record-breaking fundraising season this spring. Under Dave’s leadership, the Advisory Committee helped raise nearly $57,000—more than double the previous year’s total. That amount was then matched with an additional $20,000 from the Foundation’s general fund, bringing the total to an impressive $77,000.

“This year, 19 Oak Trace team members were awarded scholarships to pursue higher education,” says Dan Harrington, Executive Director of Oak Trace. “Dave is deeply involved at Oak Trace, where he chairs our Foundation committee and leads fundraising for several key initiatives. His work makes a direct and lasting impact on our campus and our culture.”

Ask Dave about his leadership style, and he won’t speak to power dynamics. He talks about people.

“I make friends, make suggestions, listen, and find ways to partner together to get things done,” he says.

Leading Quietly. Impacting Loudly.

From a five-year-old learning piano to a quiet force behind community change, Dave Humphreys has never sought the spotlight—but his impact is impossible to miss.

He’s a trailblazer not driven by ambition, but by purpose. By people. And by the countless lives he’s lifted along the way.

It’s addictive—the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of marketing and public relations keeps you curious, energized, and constantly learning… especially now with Artificial Intelligence reshaping what’s possible.

At IVY, we thrive on finding new ways to set our clients apart. And the truth is—they make it easy. They have incredible stories to tell.

My role is to uncover each client’s goals and align them with the smartest, most effective strategies—always within budget. That means exploring everything from traditional media to digital innovation and every communication channel in between. Whether it’s direct mail, TV advertising, a new website, or PPC campaigns, the goal is always the same: capture attention, spark interest, and drive meaningful results.

I’m also fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team. The people at IVY are creative, thoughtful, collaborative—and genuinely fun to be around. There isn’t a novice in the group; just seasoned professionals who care deeply about doing great work.

And our clients? Just as inspiring. Many have been with us for years, and their passion for serving their communities never gets old. They’re committed to innovation, to responsibility, and to making a difference—and that’s something I truly admire.

So yes, it’s true what they say: when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.

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IVY was established in 1990 with a basic premise to offer professional, ethical and highly creative marketing, advertising and public relations services. We have successfully maintained our core values and have been part of many amazing projects, client growth and changes in the world of marketing that continue to happen at lightening speed. Most of our clients serve older adults in some capacity so we keep abreast of the opportunities and challenges they face.   Each day, we keep it real and fun and consistently deliver positive results to our clients and their markets.

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As a hybrid graphic and digital designer/web developer with over 17 years of experience, I am always on the lookout for innovative digital and print visual communications. IVY Marketing Group’s broad range of projects keeps my job challenging and rewarding, as each campaign is a new and exciting opportunity to effectively communicate our clients’ messages and help them achieve their goals. It’s my passion!

My body of work encompasses a diverse design style and wide base of clients, ranging from national associations, small businesses and big name brands like Hyatt and LiftMaster. I firmly believe that form follows function and highly value the communicative power of simplicity. 

Areas of professional expertise include Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Word Press, Responsive Design, CSS3, and HTML5. The industries I’ve served include senior living, health care, hospitality and finance.

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All my life, I have loved writing. As a child, I could often be found in my room “writing a book.” While “novelist” is not (yet) on my resume, I am a storyteller. I believe that everyone and everything has a great story, and it is my joy to find that story and share it with the world.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in journalism and completing my master’s studies in the same field, I joined a small advertising agency with powerhouse clients in the hospitality industry, such as Hyatt, Hilton International and Carnival Cruise Lines. I began as a proofreader and achieved the position of senior copy writer within a year.

After my first son was born, followed by two more, I started a freelance writing business that included (among several others) such clients as Advocate Health Care and Coldwell-Banker Realty. Clients in the education arena included DeVry University’s Becker CPA and Stalla CFA Reviews, DePaul University, and Naperville School District 203, for which I won two state public relations awards.

For nine years, I was employed as Communications Director for a large faith community, where I managed all aspects of internal and external communications. I was writer, editor, designer, web master, and content manager.

As such, I am experienced and comfortable writing multimedia for a broad variety of industries, products and services.

I joined IVY Marketing Group in 2013, when I began writing client press releases on a freelance basis. I loved the work—and my teammates—so much, I was thrilled when I was invited to come on board in a greater capacity.

I have immensely enjoyed getting to know our valued clients in the senior housing industry, the people they serve, and telling the many wonderful stories that come out of content marketing done right—with the love and care our IVY teams puts into everything we do.

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It all starts with one idea. Working with the Ivy creative team for over two decades has always meant taking one great idea and bringing it to life to help our clients meet their goals. We enjoy the challenges offered with every creative opportunity and try to make the design process itself enjoyable for our clients.

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Making certain that the projects IVY produces are word- and picture-perfect is my specialty. But I also love implementing marketing campaigns and programs that bring our clients success. Details are my thing, so it is a pleasure to have worked with IVY twice now, first after college four years ago and, recently, for the past two years.

The IVY Group is a terrific team of creative, positive and talented professionals that I love working with and, judging from the length of stay of our clients, I think they love our team, too!

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Rock-climbing, training for an 80-floor stair climb event, running a 5K…This is just a tiny peek into what people 20 and even 30 years older than I am, are doing on a fairly regular basis at some of the retirement communities that IVY represents.

I’m of the generation that still has reoccurring nightmares about what the next step looked like when my grandmother could no longer live by herself. The very best option at that time was living at a “facility” and  included eating rubbery chicken and playing an occasional game of BINGO. Period. That’s why my parent’s generation begged us not to ever put them into “one of those places.”

I am so proud that IVY’s clients are at the very forefront of an industry that creates opportunities, challenges, and most of all freedom for seniors, allowing them to explore hobbies, interests, passions…the next chapter of their very full lives.

I feel reassured for my own future. Even more, I feel honored to be able to share the impactful stories about this paradigm shift in the world of senior housing. What we hear and see at our clients’ communities is fascinating and inspiring!

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Keeping up to date on new public relations strategies, online engagement tactics, and promotional tools is my passion.

With my hospitality background in marketing top Chicago restaurants and hotels, I was eager to bring fresh concepts and communication strategies to our clients and have really enjoyed learning various industries.

Our clients have such exciting and unique events and programs, which really makes it motivating for me to make the most of their content.  Results like increased sales leads, website visits and social media connections make everyday rewarding and interesting.

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I oversee, plan and implement projects and processes at IVY.  Often,  I am the conduit between our writers and designers, with printers, and other vendors to fulfill the marketing needs for our clients. I also manage media buys and coordinate production of advertisements.

Working for a flexible and fluid company that is constantly growing, changing and evolving is fun and rewarding. There is always something new to learn.

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My bio has a big blank in the beginning—Mom and Dad rescued me in Wisconsin, and no one really knows my origins. They were probably ruff. What matters though is where I am now, running IVY Marketing Group. There are humans here who think they’re in charge. In truth, they do actually have amazing experience in content marketing and public relations, but I’m super important and the center of attention. I mean, look at this face. Right? And I know I’m the top dog because honestly, I’m the only one allowed to sleep through staff meetings and eat things that people drop on the floor.

The fact is though that I truly love staying awake at staff meetings. Everyone talks and laughs and they’re always excited. That surprises me a little because it’s not like anyone has thrown a ball to play fetch or anything. But I guess what gets my pack of peoples’ tails wagging is their work and their clients. I don’t know what a website or a blog is, but I do know that my pack must be good at them because they’ve earned all sorts of awards for these and other things. My bed had to be moved because the framed certificates were taking up so much room. Despite the inconvenience, I’m proud of these awards!

I serve several important purposes at IVY. I always let Mom (and the world) know when the mailman is here. When people come into the office, just one (usually) quick non-invasive (usually) sniff, allows me to determine important characteristics…like if they had anything good for breakfast, own any pets (pet owners are the best!) or if they stepped in anything on the way in. (It’s sort of like me conducting a first job interview.) I generously share my tummy because I know people like to give it a good scratch. I always give kisses, whether one is feeling lonely or not. And I’m always happy to share someone’s meal, especially if they’re trying to lose weight. My pack describes me as being engaging, amusing, and entertaining. (When I hear a siren, I “sing” along and it makes them laugh.) NPR talks about the benefits of having a pet at the workplace. Studies show pets lower stress hormones and improve morale and productivity. I wholeheartedly agree that a dog in the workplace is the best thing since rawhide bones.

As for my pack of people at IVY…they are amazing and always make my tail wag!

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I could not be more thrilled to work alongside the IVY team.

For over 25 years, I have been employed in top executive positions across the Chicago area and have consistently built profitable businesses, generated sales, and developed and launched new product lines.

Strategically positioning companies and commodities for growth is a strong suit I’m eager to bring to ResponderHub™, IVY’s new crisis communications solution. I’m also excited to help expand IVY’s reach in the senior marketing industry.

I believe people are more open than ever to thinking outside the box and looking at new ways to reach their customer base, while at the same time reducing their cost of sale. The senior industry is exploding, and IVY is perfectly positioned to respond to the need for innovative, quality content marketing services and effective crisis communications.

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I love being able to use my skills to help improve other people’s lives, and with a growing elderly population, it’s important to create meaningful and user-friendly digital solutions to aid the senior living industry.I have a wide range of technology and design skills with a deep interest in Human-Computer Interaction– helping IVY provide outstanding web design and print design services. IVY has a long-proven track record of excellence, and I’m proud to be able to help carry on that tradition. 

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