Our People

Our people are our greatest asset. From the full spectrum of adult homecare and elder care to childcare and more, the quality services we provide day in and day out would not be possible without the hard work and passion of our dedicated staff. Each member of our team embodies the core values of our business – compassion, integrity, family, excellence, trustworthiness, accountability, and diversity – and strives to make more possible for those in our care.

Cheri McEssy, President and Chief Nursing Officer

For Cheri, BrightStar is the realization of a dream that she thought could never come true. Proud to be a nurse, she didn’t think that shecould find a business opportunity that would let her utilize her professional skills and experience in a way that would also let her answer the entrepreneurial side of herself. BrightStar’s environment of support, strong corporate leadership, and commitment to quality has made joining this family the best decision of her professional life.

She is committed to quality patient care and the development/promotion of a professional base of healthcare providers, as evidenced by the many clinical and professional roles that she has assumed throughout her 20-plus years as a Critical Care Nurse. She is very proud to now be representing the BrightStar name, and she is confident that she can, and will, provide care that is efficient, professional and compassionate.

She is currently the elected Chair of the Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) at BrightStar.  McEssy is an active member of many professional groups including  Illinois Organization of Nursing Leaders (IONL), Athena International, Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), National Private Duty Association (NPDA), Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and Chicago Health Executives Forum (CHEF).   McEssy also has been credentialed as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

Sandy Gibson- Regulatory Nurse Consultant

Sandy, a Registered Nurse, has committed her life to healthcare and serving others. She began her career in neonatal intensive care, and quickly realized that upon being released home, many patients didn’t receive the continued care they needed. Sandy then joined one of the first nurse-owned pediatric homecare units, spending many nights on the road training skilled caregivers on how to provide quality healthcare to their patients. Sandy has been a part of numerous start up homecare companies, so the experience she brings to BrightStar is multi-faceted. Upon meeting Cheri, the decision to join the BrightStar of Berwyn team in August 2011 was an easy one for Sandy. Cheri’s energy, vision and commitment to quality care is a winning trifecta in Sandy’s eyes.

Sandy and her husband are avid motorcycle enthusiasts who participate in multiple charity rides for Veteran organizations. She is also a proud mother of three children and two dogs.

Adrianne Courtney, Director of Marketing & Business Development

Adrianne is a born and raised Hoosier who started at BrightStar of Berwyn in August 2011. After the initial meeting with Cheri, she knew this was the perfect place to be. Her energy and passion for her business was contagious, and Adrianne wanted nothing more than to be a part of Cheri’s team and help her achieve the high level of success she aims for. Adrianne is excited to pair her expertise in marketing with her passion to serve others. She knows from family experiences the benefits of in-home healthcare as her grandmother used a service for many years. She has also seen the burden taking care of loved ones can have on family members and understands the true value of a caregiver.

You’ll find Adrianne reading any spare moment she has. She is also a wannabe storm chaser, an avid reality show junkie and a lover of the arts. Adrianne is also a very proud aunt to her nephew, Mason.

Mila Quinn- Service Manager

Mila, originally from Madison, Wisconsin joined BrightStar in May 2012. Prior to BrightStar she was studying at Macalester College in Minnesota and working as a caregiver in an assisted living facility for individuals with dementia.  While working in the assisted living facility Mila saw the importance of compassionate care and the comforts of home.  ”BrightStar allows people who need assistance to live normally. I am constantly amazed at BrightStar’s flexibility at the last minute. BrightStar is there when people need us”, Mila said.

Something interesting about Mila; her favorite song is House of the Rising Sun – most versions!

Syreeta Reed- Branch Manager

Syreeta, with 11 years of successful healthcare experience, joined the BrightStar family in September 2012. She has a track record of performance and progression having worked in various leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Prior to Joining Brightstar, she worked for Healthcare Staffing Agencies, Benefits Administration and the United States Army.  She is an enthusiastic manager with integrity, strong work ethic and great leadership skills.

Her greatest quality is that she genuinely cares about each of her employees, clients and co-workers. Syreeta is a native of Chicago (Southside). She’s a member of numerous community based organizations and a diehard Chicago Bears and Bulls fan.  She loves spending time with her family, especially her two children and fiancé’.

Brickles- BrightStar of Chicago therapy dog

Brickles, the official BrightStar mascot, was bread from two finished national champion German Shepherds. Regardless of his esteemed heritage, there were no show arenas for Brickles.  It was love at first sight for Cheri. Brickles loves to work- being with patients and at clinics. He is curious about everything and loves all things that squeak.

Brickles enjoys his time at the lake at Montrose Harbor and is the first dog to go through BrightStar training. He is extremely loving (a Golden Retriever trapped in a German Shepherd’s body, Cheri likes to say) and is all heart. Brickles is also the official greeter at the BrightStar Chicago office.