Heart for Helping: Meet the Social Work Professionals at Monarch Landing

The heart of our community beats stronger at Monarch Landing in Naperville, thanks to the compassion, commitment, and expertise of the senior living community’s social work team. Two of the shining stars on that team are Emily Neustadt, Social Services Manager and Health and Wellness Navigator for independent living, and Emiley Antolik, Social Service Manager for The Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center at Monarch Landing. Together, they embody the commitment of Monarch Landing—to provide support, guidance, and dignity to every resident and family they serve.

As Seen On Argentum 

Emily Neustadt: A Lifelong Calling

Emily Neustadt may be newer to Monarch Landing, having joined just six months ago. However, she brings with her 15 years of experience in senior living—and a lifelong passion for helping others.

“This is my calling,” she shared. “Everyone in my family is in a helping career, and I knew early on that this is what I wanted to do. I truly love helping others and making a difference. I like being able to advocate for others and provide empathy. I’ve always known this is where my heart is.”

Emily is the Health and Wellness Navigator for Independent Living. This role is an initiative of Life Care Services which manages Monarch Landing. In this capacity, Emily helps to ensure that residents and their families are aware of all resources available to them for access to services and support.

Emily oversees Kylie Maton, Lead Social Services Coordinator who runs Daybreak, a social day program for independent living residents experiencing cognitive decline.  The socially engaging program enables many residents to stay in independent living longer than they might otherwise be able to.

“We have participants who’ve been part of Daybreak for six or seven years,” Emily noted. “The structure and routine really support their wellbeing.”

Her role is deeply collaborative—she works closely with clinical professionals, including therapists, and on-site physicians, and specialists, to ensure that each resident receives holistic, compassionate care.

Emiley Antolik: Finding Purpose in Senior Living

Emiley Antolik’s journey at Monarch Landing began during her internship in 2020-2021 while studying at Aurora University. It was a professor’s recommendation that led her to senior living—and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

One of her responsibilities during her internship, Emiley said, was assisting with the Daybreak Program, and found it rewarding to watch residents grow in confidence and social interaction. Now, as a full-time professional at The Springs, she’s thrilled to see positive outcomes every day. “It makes all the stress and anxiety worth it,” she said.

“I love working with seniors and helping to find the resources they need,” Emiley said. “I like to be that light, and guide families during dark times. Being outside support can be so impactful.”

As the Social Service Manager for The Springs, Emiley oversees social workers, supports residents in short-term rehab, helps coordinate transitions to different levels of care, and works with residents in long-term care. Her perspective is shaped by a challenging early experience in long-term care that left her feeling burned out. But at The Springs, she found something different.

“The people here have an incredible work ethic. They’re confident, kind, and treat each other like family,” she said. “No one ever has to go into a situation alone. We back each other up—everyone has everyone else’s back.”

A Unique and Supportive Approach

Monarch Landing is proud to have a social work team that’s larger and more deeply integrated than many other senior living communities. With professionals like Emily and Emiley on board, residents receive personalized, dignified care that meets their individual needs—because there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to aging well.

“Our setup is unique,” Emily noted. “We’re able to address a wide range of needs in a supportive way, and that helps residents age with the dignity they deserve.”

“There’s not a team we’re not involved with,” Emiley added. “It’s truly a community effort.”

At Monarch Landing, that effort is led by hearts full of compassion and a deep commitment to helping others thrive—at every stage of life.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.