about melody living

A community designed to grow with you.

Melody Living Lake in the Hills was created with one clear belief:

Where you live should support who you are today, and adapt with you as life changes.

our story

It began with family.

The vision behind Melody Living is rooted in a deeply personal experience.

Years ago, our founder watched his own family navigate the search for senior living support for a loved one. Like many families, they toured communities, asked questions, and trusted that the right choice would provide dignity, comfort, and care. But the experience fell short, not because of a lack of effort, but because something essential was missing.

That moment changed everything.

It became clear that senior living needed to be more thoughtful. More human. More aligned with how people actually want to live. Melody Living was born from that realization, not as a business idea, but as a promise to families like his own.

LIFE AT MELODY LIVING

What that means here in Lake in the Hills.

At Melody Living Lake in the Hills, this philosophy shows up in everyday moments.

It’s reflected in how residents are welcomed, how choices are respected, and how community life unfolds naturally, without pressure or pretense. Independence is honored. Support is available when needed. And life is lived with rhythm, connection, and ease.

Here, residents don’t have to fit into a system. The community is designed to support them.

Our philosophy

More than care. A Life in Harmony™.

At Melody Living, hospitality, meaningful connections, and resident wellbeing guide everything we do. We believe older adults flourish in an environment designed with a holistic approach that supports all 8 dimensions of wellness, helping each person live with purpose and experience a true Life in Harmony™.

Families can be assured their loved one is engaging in a life of purpose, a Life in Harmony™.

Emotional wellness

We support residents’ emotional wellbeing through meaningful family connections, intergenerational experiences, and daily opportunities for joy and engagement—helping them maintain independence, purpose, and a true Life in Harmony™.

Occupational wellness

Residents are encouraged to explore new opportunities, pursue passions, and contribute to the community. Melody Living provides a supportive environment where everyone can take ownership of their growth and engagement.

Environmental wellness

Every space at Melody Living—from thoughtfully designed private residences to cozy outdoor areas and inviting common spaces—is crafted to stimulate the senses, inspire comfort, and promote a balanced, harmonious lifestyle.

Physical wellness

Our fitness programs, landscaped walking paths, and recreational activities support residents of all abilities. Onsite experts and thoughtfully designed amenities make it easy to stay active, healthy, and energized every day.

Financial wellness

One simple monthly service fee, clear care options, and flexible support levels give residents and families peace of mind. Residents only pay for the services they need, with predictable costs that allow them to focus on living fully and confidently.

Social wellness

From quiet chats in the bistro to lively group dinners, music, art classes, theater performances, and community events, Melody Living provides endless opportunities to connect, engage, and form meaningful friendships at every stage of life.

Intellectual wellness

Residents can pursue lifelong learning, creative expression, and personal growth through enrichment programs and activities designed to challenge the mind, spark curiosity, and celebrate each individual’s potential.

Spiritual wellness

Spiritual wellbeing is supported through non-denominational services within the community, opportunities for personal reflection, and transportation to local places of worship—helping residents nurture their inner life.

coordinated care review

Thoughtful support that stays one step ahead.

Our Coordinated Care Review is a monthly, structured review of each resident’s wellbeing, led by an interdisciplinary team that includes caregiving, nursing, culinary, and community leadership. Unlike traditional care reviews that only apply at higher care levels, this process supports residents across every stage of living, including Independent Living.

Each month, our team comes together to review changes we’re seeing day to day; whether physical, emotional, social, or lifestyle-related — and make thoughtful adjustments before small changes become larger challenges. This ensures support stays aligned, coordinated, and responsive as residents’ needs evolve.

How it works

Why it matters

Proactive oversight

Monthly reviews help identify changes early, supporting stability and peace of mind.

Whole-person focus

Decisions reflect the full experience of daily living — not just medical or care needs.

Aging in place

Thoughtful coordination helps residents remain in the lifestyle they love for longer.

LOOKING AHEAD

A place to feel at home now and in the future.

Choosing where to live is one of life’s most meaningful decisions. We believe it deserves honesty, clarity, and time.

That’s why Melody Living Lake in the Hills invites you to experience the community as it truly is, whether through a visit, a conversation, or a weekend stay. No pressure. No scripts. Just a genuine opportunity to see if this feels like the right next chapter.

Because when senior living is done thoughtfully, it doesn’t feel like a transition. It feels like coming home.

meet our team

Built on experience. Guided by care.

Melody Living Lake in the Hills is thoughtfully managed by a team with decades of experience creating well-designed communities across the country.

That experience matters, but it’s never the focus. What matters is how it translates into daily life:

A calm, welcoming environment.

Spaces designed for comfort, not complexity,

Team members who know each resident by name.

A culture rooted in trust, transparency, and respect,

Maria Hammer

Executive Director

Georgie Ferguson

Memory Care Director

Chris Archer

Care Transition Manager

Jessica Schoening

Health & Wellness Director

Tiffany Traczyk

Campus Sales Director

Marty Vann

Independent Living Life Enrichment Associate

Dan Surdez

Maintenance Director

Kevin Koziol

Executive Chef

volunteer acknowledgement

A network of service, faith, and connection.

Melody Living Lake in the Hills is fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinary community of volunteers who bring compassion, joy, and meaningful connection into the lives of our residents.

From spiritual care and worship services to companionship, creativity, and comfort visits, our volunteers play an essential role in enriching daily life. Their presence reflects the strong relationships we share with local churches, service organizations, and individuals who are deeply committed to giving back.

Whether through live Mass and prayer services, Rosary gatherings, worship opportunities, creative activities, or visits from comfort dogs, these moments of service create connection, familiarity, and warmth, and often become the highlights of our residents’ weeks.

We are grateful for every volunteer who gives their time, heart, and presence to our community. Their commitment is a beautiful extension of the values we hold at Melody Living.

At Melody Living, we are surrounded by a community of service that truly goes above and beyond. This is to honor the dedicated individuals who bring faith, joy, and companionship to our residents.

Creativity & Connection
Our Activity Heroes

Silvia Staykova: Thank you for your heart for service during room visits and your creative spark! We are excited for Silvia to begin visiting weekly starting this February.
Jan Russ: For two years, Jan has been a jack-of-all-trades! From leading monthly knitting and crocheting to helping run crafts, assisting with party clean-up, and joining us for comfort dog visits, she does it all.
Janet Pozdol: A huge shoutout to our own Independent Living resident! Janet is so dedicated to our community, coming over once a month for the past year and a half to host Sunday BINGO for our Assisted Living residents.

Comfort & Smiles
Lutheran Church Charities

For nearly 4 years, Ray Pemoller and a wonderful host of Lutheran volunteers have been bringing double the joy with comfort dogs Samson and Eunice! These visits are a highlight for everyone.

Live Rosary
St. Mary’s Church in Huntley

Special thanks to Fran Plante, Sharon Bender, and Carolyn Virmond. For over a year and a half, these ladies have brought the peace of the Live Rosary to our Assisted Living community twice a month.

Spiritual Care & Live Mass
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

For over 4 years, the Ministry of Care team has been a constant source of spiritual support, providing communion and prayer services 2-3x every month. We are so grateful for our long-standing volunteers: Deacon Kenneth Giacone, Ed & Linda Andre, Bob Bukowski, Linda Downey, Debbie Harris, Ken & Mary King, Stanley Klatka, Barb Miller, Tricia Schafer, Cathy & Kevin Schroeder, and Mary Wozny. We also want to extend a very warm welcome to Father Christopher Kuhn, who began joining us as Pastor last month! Father Kuhn has been providing Live Mass and the Anointing of the Sick, bringing a beautiful level of grace and healing to our residents.

Lutheran Worship
St. Peters Evangelical Church

We are extremely grateful to Pastor Bruce Milash from Gilberts, who has been providing faithful worship services to our residents for over two and a half years!

our Blog