“It Feels Like Family”: Casey Pudwill Brings Experience and Heart to Park Place of Elmhurst
“Park Place may be a large community,” Casey says, “but it feels small in the best way. It feels like family.”
Casey’s career in long-term care began 27 years ago, when he first worked as a CNA while attending school. His hands-on experience led him to earn his bachelor’s degree and administrator’s license, and over the years, he’s held roles in dementia care, activities, social services, and leadership. He spent more than two decades with Friendship Senior Options before taking on a role at Tabor Hills in Naperville. Now, he’s bringing that depth of experience to Providence Life Services.
He was drawn to Providence not just for its reputation, but for its mission.
“I’d known of Providence for a long time and had served on a long-term care advisory board with Megan Tengerstrom. But what really drew me was the faith-based foundation. It was something I’d been missing in my last role. That spiritual dimension was clear from the start. Seeing staff and leadership committed to serving residents in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s more than just a mission statement. You can feel it.”
He’s also quick to praise the culture of excellence at Park Place. From a 5-star rating and JCAHO accreditation to recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Casey sees those achievements as the natural result of doing the right thing.
“That kind of recognition doesn’t come from checking boxes. It comes from caring, from doing the right thing day in and day out.”
Though he’s only just getting started, Casey is already identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and communication, particularly in how Park Place engages with prospects. He said, “I want people to know who’s leading this community. I want to meet families. When they hear my background, it helps build trust.”
That passion for connection goes beyond strategy. Casey shares a story from his early days as a CNA, when a resident with dementia, who rarely remembered anyone, looked up and said his name. “I had been away for months, and she remembered me. That moment stuck with me. It reminded me we can make a real difference.”
Outside of work, Casey’s life is just as full. He and his wife, Josey, a pediatric ICU nurse at Loyola, share a five-year-old son named Max. “We’re constantly on the go,” he laughs. “Swimming, gymnastics, karate, soccer, you name it.” A former Division I soccer player and UIC cheerleader (where he met Josey, then a coach at Loyola), Casey brings that same energy and team spirit to his professional life.
He also values time at the lake, especially visiting family in Minnesota. “Camping, being outdoors, spending time together—that’s what grounds us.”
As he gets to know the staff, residents, and rhythms of Park Place, Casey listens, observes, and plans. “It’s hard not having all the answers yet,” he admits, “but this team has been so welcoming. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
For Casey Pudwill, serving seniors isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. And at Park Place, he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
