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The Illinois House Call Project - Cohort 1

Welcome, !

The Illinois House Call Project - Cohort 2

  • Start: 7/1/2024
  • End:12/31/2026
  • Group Facilitator: Jeff Fraler
The Illinois House Call Project (ILHCP) is a healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to medical care for homebound patients or those with difficulty accessing traditional healthcare facilities. The ILHCP encourages and equips programs that are providing primary care services directly in patients’ homes, offering a personalized and convenient alternative to in-office visits.
Practices & Champions

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Meet the Illinois House Call Project
Practices & Champions

The Illinois House Call Project Champions are passionate about providing age-friendly, high-quality care to homebound patients. Champions participate in ongoing professional education to develop their own skills, mentor others in best practices, and raise awareness about the value of home-based primary care in their community.

Absolute Medical Group provides specialized care for elderly, chronically ill, medically complex, and high-risk patients, focusing on improving their quality of life through professional healthcare and convenience. Their goal is to reduce hospital admissions, re-admissions, and urgent care visits by coordinating care across healthcare providers and offering comprehensive medication management. In addition to physical health services, they offer psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, and counseling through licensed clinical counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. For added convenience, telehealth services are also available.

Ramone Kullum, MPA
Administrator

Ramone Kullum holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership Management from Lewis University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. With over 15 years of experience in enhancing operations and program management, Ramone has demonstrated a deep commitment to the healthcare sector, inspired by his grandmother's work in child welfare and social services. Since April 2021, Ramone has been making a significant impact as the Administrator at Absolute Medical Group by facilitating medical and healthcare services to individuals who are homebound. In addition to his professional role, he has served as an educator, mentor, and coach at Ben Davis University in Indianapolis, IN. Ramone is actively involved in numerous community service events in the Chicagoland area.

Rose Ann Wan, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner

Myra Gray is a 17-year U.S. Army veteran and mother of five, with over 20 years of experience in administration, management, and customer service. She recently completed her training as a Medical Assistant and is continuing her education in medical billing and coding. Myra has a deep passion for helping others, which she finds perfectly aligned with her work in healthcare following her military service. Since October 2023, she has been part of Absolute Medical Group, where she works as a Medical Assistant and Administrative Assistant. In her free time, Myra enjoys music, cooking, reading, traveling, and helping others.

Caring NP At Home is committed to treating every patient like family, delivering the highest quality care through evidence-based guidelines and going the extra mile to meet each patient’s unique goals. The practice’s vision is to provide accessible primary care for all, optimizing care at home and ensuring convenience for patients and families throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Sylvia Coleman, AGPCNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner

Sylvia Coleman, AGPCNP-BC, DEA Licensed and ANCC Board Certified, has over 28 years of diverse clinical experience. She has worked with Village Medical, Pilsen Medical Group, MD at Home, and Midwest Geriatrics, providing primary care in various settings, including home visits and clinics. Sylvia excels in leadership, fostering high standards of care and trust with patients. As the founder of Caring NP at Home, PLLC, she offers house call services in Illinois and Indiana, passionately delivering team-based, patient-centered care to improve health outcomes for individuals across the lifespan.

Community Physicians excels in post-acute and transitions of care by utilizing experienced providers, advanced technology, and data analytics to enhance the resident and family experience, as well as support facility staff. A dedicated clinical partner, they bring hospital-level care, patient-centered outcomes, and PDPM support to post-acute and skilled nursing residents. Community Physicians offers integrated, evidence-based, and data-driven care through a multi-specialty approach, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all involved in the care process.

Doctor By Design, LLC, founded in 2022, is a home-based clinic dedicated to serving underrepresented communities by providing personalized care that supports healthy living, transitional care management, and chronic care. Committed to accessibility and inclusivity, the clinic brings quality healthcare directly to patients by operating as a mobile service. Carrying the clinic in their book bags, the team ensures that those who need it most receive comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes.

Kortnee Roberson Cooper, MD
Physician

Dr. Kortnee Roberson Cooper is a board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She specializes in preventative care, obesity medicine, and management of chronic disease conditions. She is the owner and lead physician of Doctor by Design, LLC. Her passions are community outreach, obesity, health disparities, patient advocacy and HIV prevention and awareness. She also has interests in diversity, underrepresented minorities in medicine, health equity, and initiatives to address social determinants of health.

Midwest Home Physicians integrates cutting-edge technology to provide home-based elder care, offering comprehensive medical services directly to patients’ homes. Their team of experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that respects the dignity and independence of seniors. Midwest Home Physicians offers a range of services, including comprehensive medical assessments, chronic disease management, medication management, preventive care, and palliative care, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of elderly patients.

James Villar
Executive Director

James Villar is the Founder and CEO of Midwest Home Physicians and Teles Health, dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare delivery through telehealth solutions. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, he focuses on expanding access to comprehensive care across urban, suburban, and rural areas. A former U.S. Marine and retired Army National Guard Soldier, James brings resilience and innovation to his leadership. He holds diverse educational credentials from Northeastern Illinois University, the U.S. Army College of Electronic Warfare, the U.S. Army Signal School, and City College of Chicago. Outside of work, he enjoys spinning old-school House music, tuning cars, karaoke, and family time.

Bonita Villar, RN, BSN, CGRN
Clinical Director

Bonita (Bonnie) Villar, RN, BSN, CGRN, is a compassionate and accomplished Registered Nurse with extensive experience in healthcare. She serves as Clinical Director for Midwest Home Physicians, where she leads with a focus on mentoring and delivering patient-centered care. As a board-certified gastroenterology nurse, Bonnie also maintains her clinical skills at UI Health. A passionate advocate for nurses and patients, she is active in the Illinois Nurses Association and founded EVEMD to promote women's health. Bonnie is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Executive (MSN-NE) and volunteers with various community organizations, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.

Mind and Body Wellness proudly opened their psychiatric/house call practice in 2020, during the challenging times of the pandemic. As they look ahead, they are excited to expand their services to include medical care. This addition allows them to offer more holistic evaluation and treatment plans, ensuring their clients receive the highest quality of integrated care. Their mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and accessible psychiatric and medical care to seniors and disabled individuals in their community. They are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for their patients through a holistic approach that integrates mental health, physical health, and social well-being. Their commitment is to empower their patients to lead healthier, happier lives by addressing their medical and psychiatric needs with empathy, expertise, and dedication.

Talia Nelson, PMHNP, FNP
Nurse Practitioner

Talia Nelson is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and owner of Mind and Body Wellness. She has a distinguished career shaped by her military service. She brings a wealth of expertise, developed through rigorous training and extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Talia’s career highlights include pivotal roles in patient care and healthcare leadership, where she is known for her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Additionally, she serves as an educator, helping to mentor and train future healthcare professionals. Her commitment to compassionate, high-quality care defines her approach in both clinical practice and education.

Elisse Villagomez
Administrative Assistant

Elisse Villagomez is the Administrative Assistant at Mind and Body Wellness, where she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the office. With over 10 years of experience, Elisse has worked with a diverse clientele, ranging from children to seniors. Her bilingual abilities enhance communication with clients, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Elisse is known for her positive energy and dedication to providing exceptional customer service, which positively impacts both the team and clients. Her professionalism and upbeat spirit contribute significantly to the success of the practice.

Mperfect Med Spa + Wellness was created in 2019 due to the changing healthcare climate. Their mission is to promote the overall health and well-being of individuals, families and communities by providing accessible quality care delivered in a safe comfortable environment.

Iesha Nwagwu, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner

Iesha Nwagwu, FNP-BC, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of healthcare experience across diverse settings, including hospitals, critical care, rehabilitation, assisted living, long-term care, and home health. Her focus is on providing personalized care that optimizes her patients' health. As a Full Practice Authority Nurse Practitioner, Iesha offers comprehensive healthcare services both in-office and in the comfort of patients' homes.

Enyinnaya Nwagwu, MA, MBA
Practice Manager

Enyinnaya Nwagwu is the Practice Manager and Patient Advocate at MPerfect Med Spa + Wellness, with over 20 years of experience in leadership, law enforcement, and counseling. He holds an MBA from Saint Xavier University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Chicago State University. Enyinnaya is a Sergeant with the Chicago Police Department, where he has excelled in supervising investigations and mentoring officers. Recognized for his outstanding performance, he has received multiple awards, including the Chicago Police Superintendent’s Award of Valor. His passion for community service and patient care drives his work at MPerfect Med Spa.

Deja Warner
Finance Administrator

Deja Warner is the Finance Administrator at MPerfect Med Spa + Wellness and has over 5 years of experience in the accounting field. She specializes in the medical, real estate, and nonprofit sectors, providing expert financial management. As an Enrolled Agent (EA) candidate, the highest credential awarded by the IRS, Deja brings deep knowledge of tax laws to her work, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of her clients. Her commitment to accuracy and efficiency ensures the financial success and growth of the organizations she serves.

Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) is a not-for-profit health system serving southern Illinois with four hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, a Level II Trauma Center, and over 30 outpatient and specialty practices. Headquartered in Carbondale, Illinois, SIH is the region’s largest private employer, with 4,000 employees, and is the leading provider of charity care and community benefits. SIH is recognized for quality outcomes in cardiac, stroke, bariatric, and cancer care and is affiliated with renowned institutions like Prairie Heart Institute, SIU School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Network, and the BJC Collaborative.

Cathy Harte, MBA, FACMPE
System Director – Population Health

Cathy L. Harte, MBA, FACMPE, is the System Director of Population Health at Southern Illinois Healthcare and has over 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry. She has held roles in skilled nursing, long-term care, multi-specialty clinics, and integrated hospital systems. Cathy specializes in RHC/FQHC regulation and population health, and she is a Fellow with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). She has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois MGMA since 2017, including two terms as President. Cathy is also passionate about mentoring new healthcare professionals and supporting community-based nonprofits.

Lynnette Torres, MHA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS
Director of Clinical Operations – Population Health

Lynnette Torres, RN, MHA, CPHQ, CPPS, is currently the Director of Clinical Operations for Population Health at Southern Illinois Healthcare. She is a registered nurse with over 29 years of experience in healthcare. She has a diverse background in emergency nursing, nursing management, teaching, risk management, quality improvement, and more recently, Population Health. Lynnette is dedicated to improving patient care outcomes and driving operational excellence across healthcare settings, making her a respected leader in the industry.

Shannon Rider, MD
Finance Administrator

Dr. Shannon Rider began his medical career at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, completing a residency in Internal Medicine. He has practiced as a board-certified physician in Harrisburg, Illinois, since 2002, providing care in ambulatory and long-term care settings. Dr. Rider leads the Post Acute Care Program for Southern Illinois Healthcare, overseeing care in 14 area facilities. His leadership has expanded services to include routine rounds in assisted living facilities, driven by his involvement with the Illinois House Call Project. Dr. Rider remains dedicated to improving healthcare for patients across Southern Illinois.

Western Illinois Home Provider Care started in 2024 as an additional service line to Western Illinois Home Health Care, a family-owned and operated home health care agency serving ten counties throughout West Central Illinois. Home Provider Care offers primary care, telemedicine, sick visits, advanced wound care, transitional care, and chronic disease management to wherever patients call home. Founded in 1981, Western Illinois Home Health Care provides high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care to clients and patients. Offering skilled, supportive, and primary care, the agency delivers comprehensive in-home care solutions to individuals, seniors, and families.

Amanda (Mandy) Kubis, FNP-BC, WCC
Nurse Practitioner

Mandy Kubis serves as Nurse Practitioner for Western Illinois Home Provider Care. Her healthcare journey began in 2008 and has since accumulated a wealth of diverse medical experience including oncology, med-surg, and emergency room care. Mandy found her true calling for in-home care in 2015 when she began her career in home health care. She became wound care certified (WCC) in 2019 and became a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, cheering on her children at their various sporting events, and traveling internationally with her husband.

Joel Newman
Director of Business Development

Joel Newman is the Director of Business Development for Western Illinois Home Provider Care. In his role, Joel is responsible for all agency marketing, branding, messaging, and public relations to increase client intakes and customer satisfaction. Prior to joining Western Illinois Home Provider Care, Joel was the Director of Community Relations for a local nonprofit and built relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to connect their philanthropic goals with the agency’s mission.

Allison Bernhardt
Director of Operations

Allison Bernhardt serves as the Director of Operations for Western Illinois Home Provider Care. She has worked for the agency for 15 years, starting as the Billing Specialist and Business Office Supervisor. Allison works with staff to provide quality care and services to clients. Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in health services management from Western Illinois University. Prior to joining the agency, she worked in healthcare providing supervision and direct care to individuals with disabilities as well as working in billing. When she isn’t working, Allison and her husband are busy raising 3 kids who enjoy a variety of sports and activities.
Loyola Logo

Loyola Medicine operates a large network of care centers in Cook, Will, and DuPage counties, specializing in over 60 areas at its academic medical center and two hospitals. As a leader in the West Cook Coalition, Loyola addresses social care needs for 55,000 Medicaid recipients in western Cook County. The coalition is expanding Loyola’s physician home visiting program to serve homebound patients with chronic conditions. This program offers comprehensive, coordinated care, providing primary services at home to improve health outcomes and support patients’ well-being.

Keith E Veselik, MD
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Population Health

Dr. Keith Veselik, a native of Chicago’s western suburbs, graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Loyola University Medical Center, where he later served as an attending physician and faculty member. Currently, Dr. Veselik is the Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Population Health at Loyola Medicine, overseeing Loyola’s clinically integrated network, Loyola Physician Partners. He is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, practicing at the Loyola Center for Health in Burr Ridge, and serves as President of the Loyola Physician Partners Board.

Laura Saelinger-Shafer, MD
Physician and Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine

Dr. Laura Saelinger-Shafer has been an internist at Loyola University Medical Center for 25 years, with a focus on geriatric care and palliative medicine. Her passion for these fields led her to transition from office-based care to home-based primary care, where she recently joined Loyola’s new House Calls program. Dr. Saelinger-Shafer earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. She has expertise in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, and high blood pressure, providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Mary Pay Olson, RN, MPH, CCM
Regional Director, Post Acute Care Coordination

Mary Pat Olson is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in nursing, care management, and healthcare associations. She combines clinical expertise with project management and program implementation, focusing on managed care, value-based care, and patient-centered ambulatory care. Mary Pat is committed to the "triple aim" of providing the right care at the right time in the right place. After earning her BSN from the University of Kansas and an MPH from the University of Illinois, she transitioned into healthcare program management. Currently, she leads a team of RNs, Social Workers, and Pharmacists in ambulatory care coordination.

Shartearra (Chanel) Conigan, MPH
Program Manager

Chanel Conigan leveraged over 10 years of experience in the information technology industry to develop strong project management and business analysis skills before transitioning to healthcare. Her passion for health equity led her to pursue a Master of Public Health degree, focusing on maternal and child health. Chanel's research concentrated on identifying root causes and potential solutions for the disparities in health outcomes experienced by Black women and birthing people. Currently, she is the Program Manager for the West Cook Coalition, where she champions programs that increase access to culturally competent care and improve community health outcomes.

Sarah Franklin, RN, BSN
Registered Nurse Care Coordinator

Sarah Franklin is a Registered Nurse with 8 years of experience, having earned her ADN from Triton College in 2016 and her BSN from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2023. Before becoming a nurse, she worked as a teacher in early childhood and elementary school settings. Sarah began her nursing career in short-term inpatient rehabilitation and has spent the past 6 years as a nurse care coordinator, primarily serving Medicaid patients. She is excited to join Loyola’s inaugural House Calls team and is looking forward to improving patient care through this innovative program.
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