Leadership Team

Nadia Geigler has worked in not-for-profit aging services since 1999. In 2016, she joined The Admiral at the Lake as COO and transitioned into the CEO role in 2017. Nadia serves on the LeadingAge Illinois Board of Directors, on the Uptown United Board of Directors, is a member of the LeadingAge Illinois CCRC Cabinet, and serves as a design team member and the facilitator for the LeadingAge Illinois Leadership Academy. Nadia is a graduate of the Academy herself, having gone through the life-changing experience of the LeadingAge national Academy from 2011-2012. Nadia holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Management in Nonprofit Administration, along with several related licenses and certifications. Nadia lives in the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago with her two daughters, two dogs, and one husband.

Mary Beth joined The Admiral in February 2023. Her culinary arts career spans 20 years. She is dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences for older adults. Working in various non-profit communities, she has served in roles such as a chef, dining director, and food services director. Mary Beth has been involved in many inspiring culinary endeavors; as faculty member at the Culinary School of Kendall College, where she shared her expertise and knowledge with aspiring culinary students. She has also worked as a cooking instructor for kindergartners at Wilmette Community Nursery School, showcasing her versatility in teaching different age groups. Mary Beth holds an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management.

Katie O’Brien joined The Admiral in 2019. She has sales and marketing experience spanning more than 20 years and the past eight years in healthcare business development in the Chicago area. Katie has an entrepreneurial spirit, was a Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for ten years, and helped build two successful start-up consulting companies. She earned her MBA in 2014 and is a 1990 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. She recently moved to Uptown and loves living by the lake. Katie enjoys golfing, boating, exploring Chicago (especially live music), and spending time with her daughter and granddaughter.

Linda Vestrand joined The Admiral in 2023 having worked for 20 years in Human Resources and Leadership Development. Linda had the good fortune to support and lead the human resource function in different industries from coast to coast, but her fondest memories were from her time as an HR Director at a not-for-profit retirement community in Pennsylvania. She received a BA in French from Youngstown State University and a JD from The Ohio State University. Linda lives in Scorsch Village with her husband and dog, and enjoys attending live music events and Trivia Nights.

Brit Vipham joined The Admiral in 2022 to guide the execution of essential projects within the organization. Brit’s passion for senior living comes from over ten years of consulting with provider organizations leading them through the complex master planning and construction development process. They hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Teacher Education, offering a diverse skillset in communication, management, marketing, accounting, and technology. Brit currently volunteers with LeadingAge’s ‘Next Gen’ program, promoting senior living to young professionals, and serves as a DEI ambassador for The Admiral. Brit enjoys golf, hiking, snowboarding, and cheering on the Cubs.

R.J. Zielinski joined The Admiral in December of 2021. He has worked on the financial side of not-for-profit aging services since 2007. R.J. holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Marquette University and is a graduate of the 2021 LeadingAge Illinois Leadership Academy. R.J. serves on the board of directors for a local community health agency that focuses on mental health, senior services, and LGTBQ+ services for youth. He and his wife live in Roselle and have two daughters and three dogs.

Helen Dittmer, who joined The Admiral in 2024, is a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s in nursing (2005) and a master’s in nursing administration. A Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and graduate of the LeadingAge Leadership Academy, she has over 10 years of leadership experience in clinical settings, including NICU, oncology, home health, and senior living.

Passionate about healing through communication and autonomy, Helen focuses on fostering relationships to help others lead meaningful lives. She enjoys nature walks, cheering for the Cubs and Bears, and spending time with her three daughters, two dogs, and a cat.

Chantal Chine is a healthcare professional with 14+ years of experience, progressing from CNA to RN with a bachelor's in nursing. Currently pursuing a master’s in nursing management, she also holds a degree in English Literature.

Chantal has served in roles such as Infectious Disease Nurse, Director of Restorative Therapy, and ADON. Since August 2024, she has been the Director of Nursing at The Admiral at the Lake, focusing on high-quality care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

She lives in Skokie with her husband and two daughters.