Meet our Community Engagement Team

Catherine Samatas is the Director of Engagement and Innovative Programming at CJE SeniorLife. She provides leadership and actively participates in the assessment, planning, coordination, and facilitation of programming to increase consumer engagement with many of CJE’s businesses/operational areas.  Cathy has extensive experience in developing culturally appropriate community outreach programs, managing events, networking, and designing innovative community-based learning initiatives including evidence-based practices for healthy living.  Cathy has BS in Psychology from Loyola University (Chicago, IL) and a MA in Psychology/Gerontology from Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago, IL).

Casey Shipman is a Community Engagement Manager in the Community Engagement department. She joined CJE in 2019 as a Program Support Specialist, and has been Program Coordinator for the Instant Israel Project. She has experience in non-profit development, fundraising, marketing, event planning, and administration at various Chicago organizations. She is cofounder of the nonprofit, Creative Embers, and is an active volunteer for service organizations and environmental groups throughout Chicago. Casey also teaches mindfulness and empowerment workshops for various organizations throughout the country. Casey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Michigan State University in Acting and her Master’s Certificate in Global Trauma Informed Care from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Sarah Cohen joins the Life Enrichment staff as a Community Health Educator. Sarah has extensive experience and training in Brain Health and Memory Care. She has worked at Ovation Jewish Home in Milwaukee as Social Services Manager on the Helen Bader Memory Care unit and as an instructor for Cognitive Connections, a Brain Health and Wellness program for individuals with early-stage memory loss. Sarah has received training and certification from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care and the Alzheimer’s Association. She has worked as a Care Manager with community dwelling seniors at Jewish Family Services in Milwaukee, as well as at Arosa LivHOME here in Chicago. Sarah has also received certification as a Life Coach and works with women at various points of life transitions including Midlife and retirement. Sarah has a master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University and a Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management from the University of Florida.

Esther has been a CJE staff member since 1987 during which time she has held many positions in community-based programming. She is a trained leader for Healthy Eating, Take Charge of Your Health and Food $ense.  Ms. Craven is also the coordinator for several popular and longstanding programs such as: The Lakeshore Mercaz Center for Older Jewish Adults, Community Senior Adults (held at Lieberman Center) and a variety of Lunch and Learn programs. She is CJE’s lead Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) trainer for all SHIP-trained staff members.  

Dave Dalton serves on the Community Engagement team as a Community Engagement and Independent Housing Liaison. He has considerable experience in planning, developing, and administering older adult programs and the program-related duties of volunteer supervision, promotions, and database management. He joined CJE in 2021 after working at the Mather in several increasingly responsible positions. Dave has a BS in Sociology from Western Illinois University.

Robert (Bob) Watkins functions in the role of Life Enrichment Concierge. Over the past 30 years, Bob has served in various concierge/customer services management positions both in a not-for-profit healthcare system and most recently at an independent Long Term Care Retirement Community. Bob received his Master’s in Business Administration from National Louis University, Skokie, Illinois.

Chani Shapiro Bryer recently graduated from Touro University, with dual Bachelor's degrees in Health Sciences and Judaic Studies. Her work experience includes healthcare, education, and customer service. Chani started with CJE SeniorLife as a Program Support Specialist for Community Services. As a Community Engagement team member, Chani will help run CyberClub programming and develop a Technology & Innovation Lab in CJE's new Senior Center, slated to open later this year. In Chani’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family, watching Marvel movies and TV shows, reading, singing karaoke, and going to musicals.