Meet our Community Engagement Team

Catherine Samatas is the Director of Engagement and Innovative Programming at CJE SeniorLife. She provides leadership and participates in the assessment, planning, and facilitation of programming to increase community engagement. She has experience in developing community outreach programs, managing events, and designing innovative community-based learning initiatives including evidence-based practices for healthy living. She is the creator of Dementia Reality, an experiential caregiver training program which uses virtual reality technology and role specific curriculum, for a comprehensive training program. Cathy has BS in Psychology from Loyola University (Chicago, IL) and a MA in Psychology/Gerontology from Northeastern Illinois University (Chicago, IL).

Casey Shipman-Okal joined CJE in 2019 and served in various roles before becoming Community Engagement Manager in 2022. She has experience in non-profit development, fundraising, marketing, event planning, and administration at various Chicago organizations. Casey is cofounder of the nonprofit, Creative Embers, and is an active volunteer for service organizations and environmental groups throughout Chicago. Casey is also a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor and teaches throughout the country. She 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.

Katya Kapelnikova graduated from the Kharkiv State Institute of Culture in Ukraine with a degree in cultural and educational work. She is a life coach, and previously worked as a medical Russian interpreter and patient advocate at Mount Sinai Hospital, Weiss Memorial Hospital, and other hospitals in Chicago for more than 20 years. She also taught drama classes through JCC Chicago's Shalom Sunday: The Family School at the Bernard Horwich JCC and Art institute Sunday Schools. She worked as a journalist for the Russian newspaper “America of my own” and worked as a correspondent for the New York radio station WMNB and as a radio personality for the Chicago-based show "Vashe Radio.” At CJE, Katya organizes and leads various educational programs, such as wellness, culture, music, and history classes, and is a "Healthy Exercise" instructor for residents of CJE's Swartzberg, Krasnow, and Village Center communities.

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.

Paul Czajkowski is thrilled to join CJE as a Life Enrichment Concierge. Paul comes from a background in customer service and hospitality. They received their yoga certification from Chicago Yoga Center in 2017. Since then, they have gone on to attain certifications in exercise and Tai Chi for arthritis through the Arthritis Foundation. In their spare time, Paul loves to practice yoga and spend time outdoors (weather permitting).

Yuliia Pidhorna is a Life Enrichment Concierge serving English and Russian speaking clients and community members. Yuliia recently relocated from Ukraine and joined the Community Engagement team in 2023 after 15 years of experience in human resources, management and event planning. She loves to improve people's lives and spend time with her family.