Meet Our Management Team

Vera Lampe

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Bethany Methodist Corporation, Vera directly oversees our two business lines of Chestnut Square at The Glen (an independent senior living community) and Partners in Healthcare (private duty caregiver services).  Her professional life has been devoted to senior care, and for the past 16 years, she has been a dedicated member of the Bethany Methodist management team, having most recently served as Chestnut Square’s Executive Director for 14 years.

“I love working with older adults, making a difference in their lives, and learning each of their unique stories,” Vera explains.  “This organization has held a special place in my heart for a long time, and I’m honored to be serving in this new role and for the opportunities ahead.”  Vera enjoys yoga, traveling with her husband, exploring new cultures, visiting family, and learning new recipes.

Sharon Oidem

Director, Partners in Healthcare

“Our caregiver agency allows us to build special relationships with our clients by helping with activities of daily living, all from the comfort of their home,” says Sharon. “It’s super rewarding to know that we are enhancing someone’s life in a tangible way. Our compassionate and experienced caregivers are the heartbeat of our mission and I’m thrilled to have joined the team at Bethany Methodist!”

Sharon is a big dog lover and enjoys participating in various charitable causes including Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) and Hope for PAWS. She also enjoys traveling, being surrounded by family and friends, and riding her bike in local forest preserves.

BRIDGET MITCHELL 

Director of Health and Wellness 

Working with our leadership team, Bridget is responsible for developing health and wellness programs that promote holistic well-being for the residents of Chestnut Square (an independent senior living community), clients of Partners in Healthcare (our caregiver agency), and the employees of Bethany Methodist. 

“The minute I arrived at Chestnut Square, I felt like I was at home,” says Bridget.  “Everyone has welcomed me with open arms, and I’m excited to be a health resource and advocate for our seniors.”  She and her husband live on Chicago’s north side and are the proud parents of three adult children. Bridget also loves dancing, singing, keeping fit, and playing with her adorable Chihuahua, Finny. 

Renee Bellew

Director of Sales & Marketing, Chestnut Square at The Glen

“My favorite thing about working at Chestnut Square for the past six years is getting to know prospective residents, their families and all their unique circumstances,” says Renee. “We become like a second family throughout the process, and after moving into their new home, I usually hear that it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. I think being a non-profit organization allows us to really focus on the well-being of every person.”



Renee has frequently volunteered in local school and community organizations, and also enjoys traveling, racquet sports, biking, hiking and cooking. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, two daughters and two grandchildren.

JAMIE WOLFE

Director of Life Enrichment, Chestnut Square at The Glen

“I love the relationships I have with the residents here at Chestnut Square,” says Jamie. “I especially enjoy learning about their lives, listening to their stories and advice, and developing enriching programs with their input. This community is filled with so much warmth and positivity.”

Jamie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation, with an emphasis in Gerontology, from the University of Wisconsin—La Crosse. She is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. In her free time, she enjoys traveling across the U.S. and abroad, learning about history and different cultures, and spending time with her family.

MELANIE MYATT

Chaplain, Chestnut Square at The Glen

Melanie oversees Chestnut Square’s vibrant spiritual life program and provides various religious and learning opportunities for residents of all faiths.  Her background includes time as a minister, spiritual director, preacher, and chaplain. 

“I love meeting one-on-one with people, and I appreciate Chestnut Square’s mission to focus on holistic well-being,” she explains. “For me, it’s rewarding being able to care for our residents’ spiritual needs, regardless of where they are in life.”  A proud mother of four children, ages 13 to 21, Melanie also enjoys reading, exercising, sports, and playing the piano.

Michael Fisch

Corporate Manager of Marketing Communications

“I was incredibly close with my grandparents growing up and that had a really big impact on my decision to work at Bethany,” explains Michael. “Our residents and clients remind me of them every day, and it feels good knowing that the work we’re doing here is helping seniors find a safe, rewarding and healthy lifestyle. Plus, I’ve gotten to know most of our residents over the years so being able to use their own words and testimonials in our marketing efforts has been a lot of fun.”



Michael enjoys golfing, movies, visiting the Rockies and American Southwest, supporting charitable causes and being able to always make friends and family laugh.

Jackie Nieves

Director of Human Resources

Jackie is the enthusiastic leader of Bethany’s Human Resources office and is responsible for employee recruitment, screening, interviewing, hiring and retention. “I enjoy that the HR field is constantly changing because it allows me to learn something new on any given day,” she explains. “Being able to help Bethany reach its objectives, while also helping our staff advance their careers, is a very fulfilling part of my job.”



Jackie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling abroad and supporting local no-kill animal shelters. She and her husband have fostered and adopted multiple dogs over the years including a Pekingese named Darling and a Yorkie named Teddy.

Yona Bildner

Controller

Yona joined the Bethany corporate office in 2020 and works with our dedicated team as we keep our organization financially strong well into the future. Prior to joining Bethany, he served as an auditor for a national accounting firm and as the controller for a Chicago senior living community.



“I especially like working with non-profits, solving different sets of challenges, and helping them fulfill their missions. The Bethany organization has been wonderful and I’m very excited to be here,” says Yona. He and his wife have three young children and live in Skokie with their recently adopted shelter dog, Penny.

Elliot Jordan

Finance Department

Elliot is a longtime and trusted member of the Bethany corporate office and specializes in accounts receivable. “I really enjoy working closely with our great team at Chestnut Square at The Glen and Partners in Healthcare,” Elliot explains. “Each of our affiliates has its own unique set of moving parts, and I love being able to help everyone stay organized and on track with their respective billing and invoices.”

Originally from Panama, Elliot has lived in the Chicago area for many years and enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures. “I’m a little biased, so tropical destinations are still my favorite for vacations!” he says.