Lori Cantway currently serves as the Executive Director of Solstice Senior Living at Joliet, bringing more than 30 years of experience in health care management, operational and development experience in senior communities. Lori provides leadership and support to various departments and is responsible for the administration of the day-to-day operations, fostering a strong sense of community and connections among residents, families and associates.  

Lori earned her bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis on human resources. Lori is a certified Dementia Care Manager, along with obtaining her license as a Dining Director. Lori previously was Executive Director at The Gardens of Arlington Heights. She also served as Executive Director for Eden Supportive Living in downtown Chicago for many years. 

“I was very close to my grandparents and felt the need and desire to serve seniors at a very young age, providing a compassionate approach to care,” Lori said. “Most people pick their career path, but senior health care picked me. I wouldn’t want to spend my life anywhere else than in senior care making a difference.”  

 One of Lori’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with people. She loves teaching, motivating, leading and mentoring. “I’m honored to be the Executive Director and feel privileged to serve the community,” she said. 

Beyond her professional life, Lori treasures moments with her family and friends, two children, and two dogs, named Zoey and Maddie. 

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.  

Debbie Horn is excited and honored to serve our community as the Vibrant Life® Director at Solstice at Joliet. Debbie brings a decade of programming experience as a director working in senior communities.  

Debbie attended an all-girls high school, Nazareth Academy, and earned her associate degree in business at Morton College. She has a diverse background stemming from working at The New York Stock Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade and as a commodities trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  

Debbie believes life’s abilities are to reinvent oneself. She enjoys gardening, animals, volunteer work, creative crafts, entertaining and helping active adults. Her mother was a trustee at the Village of Lyons. One day she asked Debbie to help with the senior bingo lunch. This was her next niche in life. 

She has served as an Active Adult Coordinator for Veterans Park District, Life Enrichment Director, Assisted Living Activity Director and Memory Care Director. She strives to provide out-of-the-box activity programs that enhance the quality of life and to bring in cultural, musical and educational programs that engage, intrigue and entertain everyone.  

Let the fun begin!