(630) 549-0654
​OUR TEAM
At Life with Dignity, our strength is in our ability to serve the very unique needs of each family at various stages and
across different life cycles. Our diverse group of skilled professionals specializing in different needs allows us to offer
clients more than a one size fits all solution. We tailor our expertise to your exact situation giving you peace of mind
knowing that you're working with someone highly trained and knowledgeable in the field related to the services you need.
We are your navigators, blazing the trail of your life's journey.
Fran Piekarski, CPG, IAC
President
Chief Executive Officer
Fran Piekarski is the founder of Life with Dignity. Her passion to advocate for those that are not able to find the support they needed
led her to start Life with Dignity in 2012. Through personal and professional experiences, she became aware of the real need for
support for families and individuals with disabilities. This inspired her to take a leap of faith to fill the need. Fran holds several industry
professional certifications, including a Certified Professional Guardian (CPG), a Certified Dementia Professional (CDP), a Certified
Holistic Aromatherapist, and holds a Level II CD from the Institute for Chronic Disorganization specifically to aid individuals with
Hoarding Disorder. Fran is a speaker, author, and mentor who has been featured in many publications and media productions.
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Sue Salach-Cutler, M.A., CDP
Vice President
Sue Salach-Cutler has a master’s degree in Gerontology and has worked in the field of gerontology for nearly three decades. Sue's
work involves supporting family caregivers by way of geriatric care management, along with the elderly and those with mental health
conditions through guardianship services. She was the recipient of the YWCA Marguerite Henry Leadership Award for
Communications/Technology and the Influential Women in Business Award from the Business Ledger and NAWBO. She also
received the Excellence in Business Award from the Business Ledger. Her books and programs have aided family caregivers around
the country in defining the vital resources needed to help them maneuver through their caregiving journey.
Mary Anderson, B.A.
Chief Operations Officer
Mary Anderson is the Chief Operations Officer, specializing in estate planning. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Winona State University. Mary began her career in estate management and guardianship after having worked for several years with an attorneys office that primarily served the elderly population. In serving as a guardian, she ensures clients final wishes are fulfilled by facilitating the oversight of the estate liquidation process. As an advocate for clients, especially those suffering from
mental illness, Mary works closely with both the client and supporting resources to promote dignity and the understanding that people are more than their illness.
Renee Anderson, B.A.
Nurse Case Manager
Renee Anderson is a registered nurse (RN), who has spent more than two decades dedicated to client relations as it relates to quality of care, as well as access to resources and support services. She assists clients with medical care coordination and oversight. Renee has co-authored several white papers on the topic of pharmaceuticals in an ongoing effort to promote the need for awareness not only for clients but their caregivers who are often left out of the care equation yet suffer high rates of emotional and physical burnout.
Lisa Rae, MSW
Social Worker
Lisa Rae has a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University with a focus on Gerontology and has worked in the geriatric
health care industry for over two decades. Lisa facilitates client care through on-site assessments, life care planning and implementation of the care plan. As an advocate for our clients, she manages discharge plans and works collaboratively with clients, families, and health care associates to ensure high quality care. She enjoys creating positive connections with clients,
families and staff through compassion, collaboration, and teamwork. Lisa also provides psychotherapy and cognitive training through Cognitive Care Counseling, PLLC for the aging population.
Dorie Arnold, CADDCT
Case Manager
Dorie Arnold is a Case Manger, specializing in geriatric dementia care. She focuses on the field of memory care and assisted living communities that provide live-in care, medical services, and programing designed to engage memory residents. She has extensive experience designing specialized programs that enhance quality of life for residents and optimize their maintained skills. Dorie's
professional certifications include being a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Manager, as well as a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer. Dorie's work involves assisting families with making placement decisions and developing coping strategies associated with moving an elderly loved one into a community environment. She strives to advocate for her clients, support them as they navigate the healthcare system, and maximize their autonomy.
Tisha Howicz, B.A.
Field Coordinator
Tisha Howicz is a Field Coordinator with a bachelor’s degree from North Central College. Tisha is often the first face our clients meet when coming to the office. She oversees our behind-the-scenes operations, ensuring we are organized and prepared to deliver timely and accurate communication with both our clients and those who provide support services to our clients. In addition, she facilitates property management for the estates we are entrusted with.
Terry Diamond
Administrative Assistant
Terry Diamond is an Administrative Assistant supporting client and estate related administration. She also oversees accounts receivable. Terry’s prior experience includes property management and nearly four decades as a successful business owner. Additionally, Terry’s personal experience with family members as their advocate translated to her role at Life with Dignity. She is a very detailed researcher who knows how to navigate the challenges of multiple governmental agencies to make sure benefits are maximized.
Linda Tomasello, B.A.
Social Worker
Linda Tomasello is a Social Worker specializing in sensory stimulation and brain exercises for persons with dementia. Early in her career, she provided one-on-one assistance as a caregiver in an assisted living community and then most recently in a memory care facility coordinating activities. In addition to cognition training, Linda also develops and provides instruction around best
practices that support positive emotional relationships and well being. Having cared for her own mother who was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s Disease, Linda understands firsthand the challenges associated with supporting a family member experiencing cognitive impairment. She is committed to sharing her expertise with others as they journey dementia.