Cheryl A. Kuba is a gerontologist, author, and humorist. With a Masters degree in Gerontology,  coupled with more than 15 years as an expert in the health care community, she is uniquely qualified to help her clients understand this journey with aging relatives. Cheryl has extensive professional and personal experience, having worked with the Illinois Hospital Association, and as executive director of a Chicago based retirement community. She has also served as the regional marketing director for a national retirement housing corporation; marketing director for a skilled nursing facility; and home care consultant.

          Cheryl turned her passion for giving the dependent elderly a voice, and her Masters thesis research into a new book, “Navigating the Journey of Aging Parents: What Care Receivers Want,” which was released in March 2006. The book is the result of her interest in the family dynamics surrounding end of life issues, and research Cheryl conducted about care receivers – the dependent elderly who are cared for by a family member, friend or a stranger. She believes that if you want answers about the elder care arena, you go to the source – the elderly themselves!

Her expertise and leadership skills include information and exploration into the emotional issues of parenting parents, and the perspective of dealing with the patient who is angry with their adult children. Several chapters of the book address these issues.

Cheryl recently was an Adjunct Professor at Dominican University in River Forest, IL teaching "Social Work & the Elderly" to graduate level students. She has also participated in panel discussions and been a keynote speaker for the Generativity Club of Northeastern Illinois University, where she received her Masters degree.

          Cheryl understands that giving in life is what drives her passion. The National Speakers Association named her the 2005 Humanitarian of the Year for her good works in service and community. A program she presented to the Illinois Health Care Association was honored with a Quality First designation for areas of focus that are anchors for quality organizational performance and results.