Our Staff at BrightStar Care® Gurnee

I joined the BrightStar Care of Gurnee team in June 2022, bringing over 20 years of operational leadership experience. As Director of Operations, I play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day activities of the office team, while also providing dedicated service to clients and field staff. My career has been rooted in industries focused on health and wellness, where I have found deep fulfillment in serving others.

Passionate about delivering exceptional care, I am proud to work for an organization committed to upholding the highest standards of service and professionalism. I find inspiration in meeting new people, hearing their stories, and building meaningful connections.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, attending live music events, and—most importantly—being with my husband, our children, and our families.

I am a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who began my journey in service right out of high school. As a Motor Transport operator, I toured Okinawa, Japan, and traveled throughout the United States, gaining invaluable experience and a deep appreciation for discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

After my time in the military, I transitioned into the medical field, where I have spent over 20 years dedicating myself to the care and well-being of others. My career spans roles such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dialysis technician, and frontline healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota- a period that demanded strength, compassion, and resilience.

I have been happily married for over 20 years and am a proud mother of four—three sons and one daughter—and a grandmother to two wonderful granddaughters. Outside of work, I am an avid animal lover, sharing my home with two dogs, two cats, and two lizards—each one a cherished member of the family. I love spending quality time with my family, especially enjoying outings to Renaissance fairs, apple picking, and visits to the pumpkin farm in the fall.

My life reflects a deep commitment to service, family, and compassion—values that shine through in both my career and personal life.

My personal experience of supporting my siblings with the care for our father with Dementia and my admiration for my wife and her selfless Nursing career of 30 years led me to Brightstar. My professional career has had both Leadership and individual contributor roles. I have worked in several different industries, as such often companies publish core values or pillars that the company should model after. Through the years I have never been a part of something where every action reflects the core value. I am thankful to be a part of an enterprise that wants to “do the right thing.” My goal is to steward the Brightstar solutions to every reach of Lake County. Part of my passion has been coaching youth sports and giving of myself to make young people better each time I can.

I'm Jillian Houtz and I discovered my passion for elder care by chance after a close family member was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Having been previously called to the medical field, I took a leap of faith by leaving my career as a research biochemist for the biopharmaceutical industry to pursue my passion. With my heart as my guide, my journey brought me directly to BrightStar Care of Gurnee in February of 2024. In my duty as a Field Specialist, I strive to deliver our clients the highest quality of care that I provide for my own loved ones, taking special care to treat them with the dignity that their years have earned. A major part of this goal is providing personalized on-the-job training to the newest members of our caregiving team, ensuring that they have both the practical skills, and the confidence required to fully embrace their role. When I'm not in the office, I can usually be found in a kitchen either cooking or baking, and I try to demonstrate my culinary skills for our clients at every opportunity. If you can't find me in the kitchen, there's a good chance I'm bothering my cat - in fact, you might just hear her in the background of phone calls outside of business hours!

My name is Kuuipo Trepanier, and I started my journey with Brightstar Care of Gurnee as a Caregiver in February 2024 and was promoted to a Field Specialist. I am responsible for performing on-the-job training for newly hired caregivers and providing excellent care to all our clientele, ensuring our team is well prepared and confident in their roles. I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran having served over 16 years on active-duty service. My military background has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, both of which are essential in providing high-quality care. I believe in leading by example and fostering a positive working environment. My goal is to create a supportive, effective environment where our caregivers feel empowered and equipped to provide the best care possible. During my free time, I like to cook, and I love spending quality time with my two beautiful boys and my partner.

Since joining BrightStar Care in 2011, I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, each deepening my commitment to providing a higher standard of care and peace of mind for our clients and their families. I am passionate about fostering a supportive team environment where our caregivers and nurses feel valued. By supporting those who care for our clients, we ensure they continue to provide the exceptional care our clients deserve.