Founder & CEO

Jennifer Prell, Founder & CEO

Jennifer Prell is the Founder and CEO of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate the complex world of senior living, care, and support services. With more than 20 years of experience in senior advocacy, Jennifer has become a respected leader, educator, and trusted resource for families facing life-changing care decisions.

Inspired by witnessing the stress and confusion families experienced while searching for senior care options, Jennifer founded Elderwerks in 2006. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides complimentary guidance, educational programs, and personalized support to older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Her mission is to empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions while preserving dignity and quality of life.

Jennifer is an active advocate for aging services and has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career, including Past Cabinet Member of LeadingAge Illinois Home and Community-Based Services, Past President of Continuity of Care McHenry Lake Chapter, Past Board President of the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG), Past Board Member of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, and Past Board Member of the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM).

Her commitment to service and innovation has earned her numerous honors, including the Daily Herald Suburban Business Influential Women in Business Award (2024 and 2025), the President's Volunteer Service Award (Silver) presented by the Chicago INDO US Lions Club and AmeriCorps (2024), the NASMM Margit Novack Award for Excellence in Senior Move Management (2022), the Daily Herald Entrepreneurial Excellence Regional Spirit Award (2022), the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce Community Organization of the Year Award (2020), and the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Woman Leaders (OWL) Award for Mentorship and Education (2018).

Jennifer is also a sought-after speaker and media guest, sharing her expertise on senior living, caregiving, downsizing, and aging issues through television, radio, podcasts, and print media. She has been featured on WBBM Newsradio, Chicago Business Radio, Alzheimer's Speaks with Lor La Bey, Impactful Caregiving with Dr. Kiplee Bell, Discovery with Michael Raymond, SNF Spotlight, OFF 53 LIVE, Aging Info Radio, Women Over 70, the Chicago Tribune, and other regional and national platforms.

At the heart of Jennifer's work is a simple philosophy: family comes first. She founded Elderwerks Educational Services with the hope that her own children would one day share her passion for helping others. Married for more than 37 years, Jennifer remains dedicated to ensuring older adults and their families receive compassionate guidance, trusted education, and the support they deserve during every stage of aging.

Barbara grew up on the North Shore of Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana and is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Illinois. Her hospitality career began with Marriott Hotels in both Chicago and Houston in both operations and sales. As the first retirement communities were being built in the Chicago area, she joined Senior Lifestyle Corporation and for many years served as Director of Sales for many of their communities as well as with Brookdale Senior Living. Her expertise assessing client’s needs, be it home care, independent living, assisted living or memory care has been extensive. Helping seniors has always been a part of her life from way back watching grandparents entertain in senior skilled care communities. Barbara has over 30 years of experience helping older adults with their needs.

Senior Advisor 

Sara is now channeling that professional foundation into advocacy, dedicated to being a persistent voice for those who have been overlooked or silenced. Sara's background has taught her that empathy is a prerequisite for action. She is committed to ensure that every individual's story is heard and their rights are upheld.

Dementia Reality Master Trainer & Director of Education

Training Specialist 

Arlene is a knowledgeable professional and a compassionate registered nurse, a distinction she earned at the University of Illinois. Her true passion lies in assisting and educating seniors and their families - a commitment that extends beyond her professional life. Arlene has a genuine love for listening to the life stories of those she serves.

In addition, Arlene is an accomplished speaker and presenter, sharing her knowledge and insights on caregiving, mental health and wellness, and dementia, as well as navigating the intricacies of senior care. When she's not educating, you can find Arlene indulging in her love for her ever-growing family and two dogs, all while enjoying her time running, hiking, and traveling.

Communications & Engagement Specialist 

Intake Specialist

Christine is a dedicated health and wellness professional with over 20 years of experience implementing, coordinating, and training participants ranging from ages 8 to 90. A passionate advocate for the aging population, she blends her hands-on expertise with a strong academic foundation to promote holistic, lifelong well-being.

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor of Science in Management of Health Services – Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
• Certificate in Gerontology – Specialized training focusing on the physical, mental, and social aspects of the aging process

When she isn’t empowering others in the health and wellness space, Christine enjoys an active and varied personal life. In her spare time, you can find her traveling, gardening, walking the family dog, and tinkering.