Many of our staff have been at The Danish Home for over 10 years, some more than 20. In today’s world of high staff turnover, a record of long-term employment in senior living is exceptional and rare. We are proud of our dedicated team, their strong loyalty to The Home and its residents and our extraordinary staff to resident ratio. Our committed and unhurried team means you can count on a consistently high level of care.
Meet our staff
Scott L. Swanson
Since 1986, Scott has served the senior housing industry in executive roles at several well-respected, non-profit communities, most recently The Danish Home of Chicago since 2011.
As president and CEO of The Danish Home, Scott’s key responsibilities are overseeing operations and implementing fundraising efforts. He is a native of Rockford, IL, graduate of the prestigious J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (MBA), and a licensed nursing home administrator.
Although a veteran of senior housing, Scott is continually inspired by The Danish Home’s legacy of heritage, family bonds across the generations and well over a century of commitment to quality care for older adults. According to Scott, it is “the relationships with our residents and their families” that he enjoys most about working with The Danish Home community.
Debi Lathom
Debi is very excited to be working with the residents of The Danish Home. “I applied for this position because of my love for the senior community and am blessed that The Danish Home chose me to continue providing exceptional service for our residents and the community,” said Debi, who joined The Danish Home team in March of 2018.
A native of Winnetka, Debi earned an associate of applied science degree from MacCormac College in Elmhurst. Previously, she worked as a paralegal/legal assistant for several law firms and served as the paralegal for the City of Des Plaines and the Village of Northfield.
At The Danish Home, Debi is responsible for scheduling, coordinating and planning events, providing tours and admissions for new residents, and assisting the president/CEO.
Robin Decker
Robin has been working in senior living for the past 33 years.
As director of resident services, Robin works to provide enjoyable and meaningful activities for residents, including games, parties, programs and community outings. “I try to meet the recreational needs of each individual person residing at The Danish Home,” said Robin, who also assists with marketing and admissions.
Her experience at The Danish Home, she said, is “wonderful” because she has learned so much about intergenerational relationships, seniors’ lives and the challenges they face.
Robin’s membership in The Danish Home Women’s Auxiliary and The Danish Sisterhood demonstrates her interest in Danish heritage. A native of Chicago, Robin is a certified nursing assistant, dementia practitioner, certified director of activities, certified dementia/Alzheimer’s unit director and is certified in occupational and physical rehabilitation.
Linda Steffensen
Chirag Patel, MD
Dr. Patel leads the team of physicians from the Hansa Medical Groupe that oversees the health and care of residents at the community. The medical team provides a concierge medical approach to Danish Home and other communities with the goal to bring better medical care, outcomes and happier patients and families.
Groupe specialties include weekly onsite care including nursing, annual wellness and care management, neurology, Geriatric psychiatry, pain management and specialized wound grafting.
The clinical model of Hansa Medical Groupe has proven to reduce emergency room visits, decrease hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes.
Danielle Santore
With a strong background in mental health and a commitment to holistic care, Danielle Santore is thrilled to continue her professional career and everyday passion at The Danish Home of Chicago.
Danielle was born and raised on the Northwest side of Chicago. Her journey in nursing began during her high school years at Guerin Prep in River Grove. After graduating in 2012, Danielle obtained her associate degree at Wright College and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Elmhurst College in 2018. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at Loyola University, Danielle is dedicated to becoming a
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Danielle has witnessed the transformative power of mental health care in her previous rules, which has only fueled her drive and passion in addressing both a patients’ physical health and their mental well-being. “This position allows me to utilize my experience in mental health to help contribute to an environment that prioritizes the holistic well-being of all residents,” says Danielle. “It is truly like a home here, and getting to know the residents and their unique life experiences is the best part of the position.”
The Danish Home of Chicago is thrilled to have Danielle Santore as the Director of Nursing. Her enthusiasm, expertise and commitment to holistic care will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of the residents.
Gustavo Jacobo
Being a part of the food industry for the past 18 years, Gustavo Jacobo is ecstatic to continue building his professional career with The Danish Home of Chicago.
Being born in Mexico City, and having moved to California at 25, Gustavo’s journey in the culinary world has been full of diverse roles and excitement. After receiving education from the College of Dupage, Gustavo has worked in the culinary department of numerous restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and more which has given him incredible experience and credibility in the industry.
“My favorite part is the people I work with. They make it easy for me to be successful. Part of what we do is give to the community, and the happiness and compliments from residents and community members make me feel good.”
Gustavo is thrilled to continue leveraging his experience and skills to make a meaningful impact on the community and its residents while continuing to grow professionally.
Carole Edwards
Serving us as chaplain since August 2018, Carole was born, raised and educated in Chicago. She attended Chicago public schools, earned a B.A. from North Park University in psychology, biology and education, and an MBA from Loyola University.
After 30 years in the corporate world, managing large departments in customer service and operations management, Carole left her career in 2007 to follow God’s call to rostered ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She is currently under Letter of Call serving her home congregation, Edison Park Lutheran Church, as deacon and business administrator.
Carole became familiar with The Danish Home while visiting church members who were residents here. Several church members are also long-time supporters of The Danish Home.
“I especially enjoyed filling in for Pastor Sparby when he was chaplain, as it allowed me an opportunity to get to know the residents and staff. I was humbled and honored when The Danish Home asked me to serve here,” said Carole. “The staff and residents are like family and have welcomed me with open arms. Thank you for this opportunity; I look forward to walking this journey of life with you. Thanks be to God!”
Sean Anthony Rodriguez
Sean Anthony’s responsibilities at The Danish Home go far beyond routine maintenance into ensuring the safety of all residents and staff on a daily basis. His key role of preventive maintenance includes making sure that all mechanical equipment is functioning properly and within manufacturers’ guidelines.
Sean Anthony also interfaces regularly with other departments at The Danish Home, tending to electrical and plumbing repairs in the kitchen and nursing areas, upkeep of floors and wall coverings in residents’ rooms as well as hallways and common areas, and seasonal safeguards, such as snow and ice removal.
A native of the Philippines, Sean Anthony has been employed with The Danish Home since 2000 and previously served two other senior housing communities as part of their kitchen personnel. Sean Anthony most enjoys the fulfillment he feels after each day’s work at The Danish Home. “Gaining the respect of my co-workers and earning the trust of the residents makes me a happy person, because I have gained friends and family at my workplace,” he said.
With the staff of the Danish Home there is very little turnover. They enjoy working here. They are such caring people.”
- HANNE BEUBE, MEMBER OF THE WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
