About Us
From L-R: John Cushing, Sharon Rakas, Julie Bute, Diana Banigan, Jeff Bryk
About Us
At Touching Hearts at Home Elmhurst, we are deeply dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized in-home care services to seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Elmhurst community and surrounding areas. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our clients by fostering independence, dignity, and meaningful connections. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care that is thoughtfully tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences.
Our Story
Founded with a heartfelt vision to make a real difference in people’s lives, Touching Hearts at Home Elmhurst has become a trusted and respected name in home care. We understand the profound importance of remaining in the comfort and familiarity of one’s own home, and our dedicated team is passionately committed to making that a reality through professional, compassionate care. From providing enriching companionship to offering essential assistance with daily activities, we strive to be a steadfast and supportive partner for our clients and their families on their care journey.
Our Team – The Heart of Our Care
Our team is truly the heart of Touching Hearts at Home Elmhurst. Each member is carefully selected not only for their professional expertise but also for their genuine compassion and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those we serve. We believe that it’s the personal connection and the heartfelt care that truly make a difference. Get to know some of the key individuals who make Touching Hearts at Home Elmhurst a special and trusted provider:
Jeff Bryk – Owner
Jeff Bryk, along with his wife Katie and their three sons, has been a proud resident of Elmhurst since 2004. His personal experience profoundly shaped his commitment to elder care. In 2013, Jeff’s father, Duke, bravely concluded his ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing the incredible support and care provided by his father’s caregivers during his final days deeply inspired Jeff. This experience ignited a desire to honor his father’s memory by establishing a legacy of outstanding elder care in Chicago’s Western Suburbs. Touching Hearts at Home Elmhurst was born from this vision in 2017.
Jeff is deeply involved in his local community, serving on the Board of Directors of De La Salle Institute in Chicago. For the past 25 years, he has also been an active member of the Harvard College Schools and Scholarship Committee. Jeff holds a B.A. in Government from Harvard University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
John Cushing – Owner
John Cushing and his wife Jane have called Elmhurst home since 2003, where they have raised their two sons. Having met later in life, John and Jane have both experienced the responsibility and privilege of caring for their elderly parents.
In 2009, John’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 80. For the better part of a decade, John and his siblings were actively involved in his care. These shared experiences underscored the critical importance of serving those in need and having thoughtful plans in place for life’s “golden years.”
From a young age, John was instilled with the belief that life’s greatest rewards come from acts of kindness and service to others. He firmly believes in the vital importance of each generation caring for the one before, setting an example for future generations to do the same. This conviction drew him to the field of senior care and specifically to Touching Hearts at Home. As John eloquently states, “I want my children to remember me not only as a loving father but as a compassionate and caring friend to all.” John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago.
Sharon Rakas – Director of Human Resources
Sharon’s journey with Touching Hearts at Home began in November 2019 when she joined as a caregiver. Her immediate enthusiasm, genuine compassion, and unwavering commitment to providing excellent care quickly set her apart. Sharon served as a dedicated caregiver until July 2021, at which point she embraced the newly created role of Hiring Manager. She possesses an exceptional ability to recognize talent and nurture the best in people. Our remarkable team of care professionals is a direct testament to Sharon’s dedication to excellence in recruitment and team building.
Diana Banigan – Director of Care Coordination
Diana came to Touching Hearts in August 2024 as our full-time Director of Care Coordination. She brings a wealth of valuable experience to this role, having operated an agency for several years. Diana excels at the crucial task of thoughtfully matching the specific needs of each client with the unique skills and personality of our caregivers, ensuring the best possible care experience.
Julie Bute – Director of Compliance and Social Media Manager
Julie first became part of the Touching Hearts at Home family as a caregiver in 2019. She was deeply cherished by her clients for her ability to keep them engaged and active. After a couple of years dedicated to her family, Julie returned to our team in 2023 as our Director of Compliance. Her responsibilities are multifaceted, including the important task of ensuring caregiver training certifications, conducting supervisory visits to maintain our high standards of care, and managing all of our social media presence, keeping our community informed and connected.
We believe that our dedicated and compassionate team is what truly sets Touching Hearts at Home apart. We are honored to serve the greater Chicagoland area and look forward to the opportunity to provide exceptional care for your loved ones.
Compassionate Care for Seniors and their Families. Seniors Home Care Service area includes: Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Darien, Westmont, La Grange, La Grange Park, Addison, Villa Park, Burr Ridge, Willowbrook, Indian Head Park, Hodgkins, Countryside, Willow Springs, Lyons. Specializing in Hospital Recovery Rehab Care, Respite Care, Home Care, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Live-in Care, Senior At-Home Care, Rehab & Hospital Recovery Care. Looking for senior home care in the greater Elmhurst & Hinsdale, IL area? Contact us today!