Be part of a team…
- where creating joy is the ultimate goal
- where an award-winning reputation is more than a feather in the cap – it is a privilege and responsibility to uphold
- and where appreciation for a job well done is truly recognized and rewarded.
Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with The Garlands of Barrington!
Enthusiastic, Amazing, Joy Makers
(oh yes, who also happen to be nurses, CNAs, servers, housekeepers, marketers, maintenance engineers, member service reps, cooks or dishwashers too!)
Regardless of position, Garlands employees have the unique opportunity to connect with members, create joy and happiness, mentor positive energy, inspire others and, most of all, BE inspired.
Did you Hear the One About . . .
A chemical engineer, a fashion maven and a guy who helped disarm Russia walk into the bar . . . and the bartender says, “So, where do you live?” They all three respond, “The Garlands!”
It could happen! The Garlands members are among the most fascinating people you’ll meet, and, as a Garlands employee, it is your job to get to know them better. If you have the inclination, here you’ll have the time, in fact it is your responsibility, to develop relationships, make connections and truly learn some fascinating stories as you discover what makes our members tick.
Because of our inspiring workforce, our employees, members and owners enjoy an award-winning reputation as one of the premier Life Plan communities in the country.
Meet the Team
Jenny Pesina
Pastry Cook
Jenny caters to Garlands members’ sweet tooth with irresistible, homemade fruit pies, coconut macadamia cookies and fresh-baked chocolate chip, peanut butter and sugar cookies. But of all the delicious desserts Jenny makes year-round, her crème brûlée takes the cake.
Even sweeter than her desserts are the Garlands members themselves, according to Jenny. “They always have the nicest things to say and are so kind.”
Dr. Sandra Sieber
Inspirational Wellness Advisor
Dr. Sieber, is a “change agent extraordinaire.” She is on a personal quest to bring Garlands members the best cutting-edge information as it relates to health and wellness.
“It is my life’s passion to inspire and empower others by educating about healthfulness, happiness and feeling well,” she enthuses, ”which is exactly what I get to do here everyday.” The members, some of whom credit Dr. Sieber for their new lease on life, are grateful for her enthusiastic approach to making a difference in their lives.
Lynn Adams
Director of Activities/Lifestyles
I love my job! Our members are fantastic. They are so interested in art, education, music, world events, expanding their horizons, challenging their brains, helping others, playing games, visiting together and the list goes on. It’s a joy to work with them!
I also really love working with our fellow team members. All our departments care so deeply about the services we provide, and we work so well as a team. We all want to see the other succeed. It’s an unusual atmosphere.
Plus, it is beautiful here! Whatever your eyes land on, it’s gorgeous – indoors and out. It’s just nice to be surrounded by all that beauty in your workplace.
Make a Difference
From teaching an art class to facilitating a bocce ball tournament to lending an ear, Garlands team members contribute to the community well beyond their day-to-day job responsibilities.
Nicola Torres
Executive Chef
Chef Nicola lives his personal motto, “Enjoy life and let it be,” through his cooking and gregarious nature. This Italian-born, French-trained culinarian is equally comfortable braising in a 5-star kitchen as he is picking herbs in the Garlands garden.
Each holiday, Chef Nicola and his team amaze members and guests with a one-of-a-kind, handmade gingerbread village inspired by Chef’s memory of the Italian Alps. “The best part is seeing the joy and smiles on people’s faces when they look at the village,” he says of the “labor of love.”
Sergio Lopez
Member Services Attendant
I grew up in a family and culture that taught us to respect our elders, and, at The Garlands, I get to live that every day!
My department creates the first impression for The Garlands. We greet guests and members in person and on the phone, and we try to do our best to help them. When we are driving them to the store or to a doctor’s appointments or helping them carry groceries, change a light bulb or move furniture, we get to talking. We talk about sports and family and other things. They have so much wisdom, and I learn so much from them.
I love the members. We get along… together!
Krystyna Weglarz
Hostess/Server
For 16 years, almost since opening day, Krystyna has taken great pleasure in serving Garlands members. “It is very fulfilling for me because I love helping people and talking to the members.” While serving breakfast or managing the Café, Krystyna is quick with a kind word and a hug and says, “We become like an extended family.” She feels like her kindness and loyalty are rewarded with the relationships she forms and Garlands perks, like monthly team member lunches, discounted meals, good benefits and free parking. “It is a very satisfying career.”
Joe Skalski
Member Services Attendant
Joe Skalski is a full-time fireman and paramedic, but when he’s not saving lives, he’s making them better at The Garlands. He says, “Being of service fits me.”
“The management at The Garlands is very accommodating. They work with my schedule and make it possible for me to do what I do, and they appreciate our talents and foster our enthusiasm.”
“They clearly want to make their people happy, and they figure that if we’re happy, we will kinda pass that on to the members as well.”
As an added perk, Joe appreciates getting his hair cut at The Garlands barber shop over his break – a super convenient benefit for a guy who needs to dash off to his day job and save lives!
Prairieview at The Garlands is a proud recipient of a perfect five-star quality rating from the Center for Medicare Services.
Find Your Happy Place at Your Workplace!
Ask our Dr. Sandra Sieber, The Garlands Inspirational Wellness Advisor (yes, we have an Inspirational Wellness Advisor, and that should tell you a lot!). She believes, and research shows, that when people live in a positive brain state they get something called “the happiness advantage.”
With this happy advantage intelligence, creativity and energy levels increase, and people:
- make better decisions
- have superior productivity
- experience less burnout
- and improve their lives and others’ lives in many ways.
Inspiring and creating happiness is our business.
So, come on, get HAPPY and be happy at The Garlands!
A Great Place to Work!
Our Benefits
In addition to earning a competitive salary, The Garlands provides the following benefits and perks to our team members:
Full-time (30 hours + per week)
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Accident and critical illness coverage
- Virtual access program to medical care
- 401(k)
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
All Employees
- Heated, indoor parking
- Discounted team member meals
- Advancement opportunities
- Team member celebration events
- Employee referral awards
- Complimentary fitness classes
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Team member discount programs
- Uniforms provided
