White Oaks at McHenry Joins the Memory Care Excellence Network

At White Oaks at McHenry, every resident’s story shapes their care, and that commitment to knowing the individual behind the diagnosis has earned national recognition.

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White Oaks at McHenry, a memory care community nestled along the Fox River in McHenry County, Illinois, is dedicated to helping residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias feel safe, valued, and connected throughout every stage of their journey. 

The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) reserves its Memory Care Seal of Excellence for communities setting the standard in dementia care. White Oaks at McHenry has now earned that distinction, joining the Memory Care Excellence Network (MCEN). 

A Community Built on Purpose and Belonging

Managed by Gardant, the 5th largest provider of assisted living in the United States and the largest in Illinois, White Oaks at McHenry was designed specifically to serve older adults living with dementia. 

Located next to Heritage Woods of McHenry, the community offers residents private apartments, 24/7 nursing support, and a program built around one guiding idea: focus on abilities, not limitations.

That philosophy is rooted in Gardant’s broader mission, “Touching Lives through Dignified Lifestyles rooted in Love, Compassion, and Dignity”, which the White Oaks team lives out every day. 

Education That Transforms Everyday Care

Team members across departments at White Oaks at McHenry have pursued NCCDP’s Certified Dementia Practitioner® (CDP) credential, building a shared foundation of dementia-specific knowledge that shapes how the community approaches every interaction.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to our teams. When care partners grow in knowledge and confidence, resident care is transformed. 

Through dementia education, our team members are better equipped to communicate with compassion and understanding and foster meaningful human connection with each resident and family we serve. Our mission of ‘Love, Compassion, and Dignity’ guides every interaction with residents and families. 

Achieving this recognition reflects our commitment to continuous learning, person-centered care, and creating environments where residents feel valued, respected, connected, and truly at home.” 

— Rafael Corona, Clinical Educator, Gardant Management Solutions

Where Clinical Care Meets Compassion 

For nursing staff, that training shows up in the smallest moments, from a steady voice and a familiar routine to a hand held a little longer.

“Being a Certified Dementia Practitioner in a memory care setting means being equipped not only with knowledge, but with the compassion, patience, and understanding needed to provide the highest quality of care. It allows me to better support my residents living with dementia while preserving their dignity, individuality, and sense of comfort every day.” — Linda Radle, Nurse, CDP

“What working in memory care means to me as a nurse: it means being a source of comfort, patience, and dignity for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. It’s about creating meaningful connections, even when memories fade, and helping residents feel safe, valued, and loved every day.” — Lisa Ignot, Nurse, CDP

Person-Centered Care in Action

At White Oaks, that training doesn’t stay in a binder. It shows up in the daily details of how the team shows up for residents.

“Here at White Oaks, we pride ourselves on providing engaging and stimulating activities for our residents, no matter what stage they are at in their dementia journey. We do it with respect and dignity for the individual so they can successfully participate in everything we have to offer.” — Doris Monreal, CDP, Activity Director

“We, as a dietary department, focus on each individual resident in Memory Care as their dietary needs change due to their challenges with dementia.” — Alex Mann, CDP, Dietary Manager

“The best dementia care is personalized, holistic, and rooted in dignity, recognizing that past routines, lifelong preferences, physical health, emotional well-being and environment all influence behavior and quality of life.” — Janet Luna, LPN, CDP

The Heart Behind the Care

Ask the care team why they do this work, and the answer is rarely about a task list. 

For some, it’s the admiration that comes from the work itself.

“I enjoy working in memory care because every day is a new day. While a diagnosis of this disease can feel devastating, I find it truly admirable to work alongside incredible individuals who provide respectful, kind, compassionate, and meaningful care to each patient.” — Irene Ickes, LPN, CDP

For others, it’s the connections they build along the way. 

“I enjoy working in the memory care unit because I love building meaningful connections with residents and helping them feel safe, comfortable, and valued each day. It is rewarding to provide compassionate care and support to both residents and their families.” — Maggie Sword, CNA

Sometimes it’s what residents teach them.

“Our residents assist all of us on what it means to be a person-centered facility. Working with elders living with dementia teaches us the importance of using proactive actions daily in order to be successful caregivers for those we serve.” — Cathy Greenhill, CDP, Caregiver

And other times, it’s simply the stories they share. 

“I can say that from attending the Certified Dementia Practitioner program, I have gained more strength and courage to make residents living with dementia happy and keep them safe. What motivates me working in memory care is the great stories the residents share with us.” — Cayla Simpson, CDP, Caregiver

When the Training Hits Home

For some team members, the connection to this work is personal. 

Margaret Greaney, the community’s Business Office Manager, has seen firsthand how her CDP training echoes far beyond the workplace:

“Being a Certified Dementia Practitioner means I can better understand what our residents are going through and how to help them with their day-to-day activities. It helped me to understand what my mom was going through when she was diagnosed with dementia.” — Margaret Greaney, CDP, Business Office Manager

Raising the Standard for Memory Care Nationwide

By joining the Memory Care Excellence Network, White Oaks at McHenry becomes part of a national initiative that highlights what exceptional memory care should look like: compassionate, individualized, and always evolving through ongoing education.

“As Executive Director and Director of Nursing, I strive to make a difference in our residents’ and families’ lives by providing a high-quality of care and a holistic approach to the unique challenges of residents in Memory Care.” — Debra France, RN BSN CDP, Executive Director/Director of Nursing, White Oaks at McHenry

A Trusted Choice for Families

For families searching for memory care in McHenry County and throughout northern Illinois, this recognition is a sign that their loved ones are supported by a team that has invested deeply in specialized dementia education and person-centered care. 

At White Oaks at McHenry, that commitment shows up every day, in activities tailored to a resident’s abilities, in meals adjusted to individual needs, and in the countless small moments of connection between a care partner and the person they serve.

Learn more about White Oaks at McHenry: https://www.gardant.com/whiteoaksatmchenry/.