Julie Ryan
Director of Sales and Marketing
Julie Ryan serves as the director of Sales and Marketing for Solstice Senior Living at Joliet. Julie grew up in the south suburbs and has returned home after moving to the north side of Chicago after college. She spent over two decades working with the senior population in various facets, including assisted living, independent living and memory care communities, hospice care, and volunteer work. When asked why this industry, she says she loves helping folks and their families enjoy the retirement they’ve earned, hearing their stories of their pasts, and creating new memories daily. She credits some previous residents whose daughter told her, “Not only notice, but appreciate the little things in life.”
Julie earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Eastern Illinois University. In her free time, she loves to cook, listen to vinyl records, create art, bowl, and spend time with family and friends. She loves to hang out with her hound pointer mix, Luther. Welcome Julie to the Solstice family.
Gloria Neal
Vibrant Life® Director
After 30 years of working in the administrative assistant field, Gloria Neal initially joined Solstice Senior Living at Joliet as concierge in December of 2017.
Now as the Vibrant Life® director, Gloria loves working with the residents and using her skills to make their lives a little better and more fun. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at her church with hospitality and assisting with the Craft Class. She also loves to bake, cook, work in her vegetable garden and do her church bookkeeping. She lives in Plainfield with her husband and son.
Craig Hieser
Culinary Services Director
With 15 years of experience in fine dining and weddings, alongside 15 years in health care focusing on assisted living and memory care, Craig Hieser brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Solstice at Joliet team. Originally from Champaign, Ill., Craig moved to Joliet to pursue culinary school and has since cultivated a diverse career blending hospitality and compassionate care.
Outside of work, Craig enjoys spending quality time with his family and exploring the vibrant sights and dining experiences of Chicago and the surrounding areas. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, including swimming and hiking. Craig served in the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. His dedication to both culinary arts and community well-being makes him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Jackie Zableckis
Building Office Director
A Minooka native, Jackie Zableckis brings over 15 years of experience in senior living business management to her role as Business Office Director at Solstice at Joliet. Prior to working in senior living, Jackie was a bookkeeper for a junior college and high school, as well as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper for an investment consulting company in Chicago.
In her free time, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughter and grandson, and two dogs, as well as reading, watching TV and traveling.
Gregory Vinkler
Building Services Director
Gregory Vinkler, Building Services Director at Solstice Senior Living at Joliet, brings five years of invaluable experience in the senior living industry. His expertise was cultivated during three years as a maintenance technician and two years as a maintenance director.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Gregory has called Frankfort, Illinois, home for the past three years. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, working on his house and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers!