Meet Our Founders

Sheldon Shlossman, President, Co-Founder

Shelly was born and raised in Chicago. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Pharmacy, he owned and operated several hospital and nursing home pharmacies in the Chicago area.

When opportunity called, Shelly combined his talents in the healthcare field to help launch Traycee Services. The company began in 1974, and, soon, Shelly joined Barbara as the President. They were well on their way to successfully establish three well-respected companies: Traycee Domestic Services; and adding Traycee Nannies and Traycee Home Care Services some years later.

Traycee Services are proud members of Life Services Network, Northwest Continuity of Care, Senior Coalition of Lake County; National Private Duty Association; and the Deerfield, Highwood, and Lake Forest Chambers of Commerce.

Barbara Traycee, Vice-President, Co-Founder

Barbara was born in Milwaukee and grew up on the west side of Chicago. She graduated from the Cook County Graduate School of Medicine as a medical lab technician.  Barbara also managed several doctors' offices. Since "necessity is the mother of invention,” in 1973 she helped herself as well as some of her friends find skilled child care specialists. When Shelly, her husband, commented on how pleased everyone was, he asked the magic question: "Why not make this our business?" 

In early 1974, passion became reality when Barbara created Traycee Services. Initially, Traycee employed screened child care helpers for children during summer vacations.  Quickly, Traycee Services' good reputation grew to include nannies, housekeepers, cooks, drivers, and household managers.

Home health care needs were also becoming an important issue as people aged throughout the country. One of her satisfied clients asked Barbara if her agency "had people to care for my aging parents in their own home?" From that question and concern, she launched the much-needed Traycee Home Care Services.

"I have always had an affinity and empathy for older adults," commented Barbara, "and it seemed like the right time to expand into health care."   With an increasing number of people living longer, many seniors required assistance with daily activities. Barbara's own mother was a perfect example of an older person needing care and a watchful eye in her own home.

Today, Traycee Home Care Services provides caregivers for all ages--from generation to generation - in their own homes, in hospitals, at nursing facilities, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Lynn Miller, Director of Home Care Services

Lynn joined Traycee Home Care Services in 2005.  She received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. After graduation, Lynn accepted an opportunity with the Federal Government in the Housing and Urban Development Department in Washington, D. C. Later, she moved to the Chicago area, and worked for Merrill Lynch at the Board of Trade, Northwestern Mutual Life as office manager and North American Corporation as human resources coordinator.

Vania Tcherneva, Staffing Specialist

Vania joined Traycee Home Care Services in 2006.  Born in Bulgaria, her family moved to the U.S.to offer their children a better life and more opportunities. Vania helps to bridge cultural differences with our Eastern European service employees because of her knowledge of  three languages. She completed her 2- year degree at Oakton Community College and is currently a student at Northwestern University pursuing a degree in Accounting/Finance.

Sondra Biller, Registered Nurse, Geriatric Care Coordinator

Sondra, a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, has extensive experience in all areas of nursing including: medical; surgical; oncology; acute rehabilitation; and home health care. She obtained a Nurse Clinician Certificate in Women’s Health and Family Planning through the University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas.  Sondra also received a Master's Degree in Public Administration. She worked as a Clinical Staff Educator and later became a Nurse Manager at the University of North Carolina Medical Center. Since her move to Chicago10 years ago, Sondra began focusing on serving seniors. She has been a staff trainer in home care, a wellness coordinator at an assisted living facility, and a clinical liaison for skilled care and rehabilitation facilities. She is an active Member of the Board of the Illinois Case Managers Association.

Pam Boyle, Registered Nurse, Geriatric Care Coordinator

Pam, a Registered Nurse, joined Traycee Home Care Services in 2002. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Elmhurst College. Pam began her career as a Rehabilitation Nurse at Brentwood Nursing Home. She has also worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the medical/surgical nursing department.

Louise Kenny, Occupational Therapist, Geriatric Care Coordinator

Louise, a licensed Occupational Therapist, joined Traycee Home Care Services in 2006 . Throughout her 30- year career as an Occupational Therapist, Louise has passionately worked to improve the quality of life for older adults in the Hospital, Home Health and Hospice setting. She is trained in falling prevention, family training, caregiver training, safety consultations, and home modifications.

Lorelei Mojica, Director of Domestic Services

Lori joined Traycee Home Services in 1986. She grew up in the Philippines and speaks 3 languages. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in the Philippines. Then Lori received a graduate scholarship to Eastern Illinois University where she completed her Master's Degree in International Relations. She has also worked as a feature editor with a Philippine newspaper and at Chicago Center Hospital.

Marilyn Kahn, Director of Nanny Services

Marilyn joined Traycee Nannies in 2000. Her entire career has been centered around children. She attended the University of Wisconsin, where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Theatre, hoping to work in childrens' theatre. Soon, Marilyn accepted a teaching assignment in a nursery school . Shortly afterwards, she became the director of a private nursery school.  Acknowledging her success working with children, the United States Navy made her the Director of the Child Development Center at Glenview Naval Air Station. She was so successful with that assignment that the Navy sent her throughout the country to critique and improve their daycare centers.

Gabriela Leac, Support Specialist

Gabriela joined Traycee Home Services in 2001. Since immigrating to America with her family 15  years ago, Gabriela has graduated from Niles West High School. Her work experience in customer service helps her to offer friendly assistance to staff, employees, and clients.

Nancy Tuzzolino, Community Outreach, Business Development

Nancy was born and raised in Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago, with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Finance.  Nancy has also completed her Master's of Business Administration Degree. She has over 20 years of business experience in the areas of: Strategic Planning; Training and Development; and Marketing. In 2005, her passion for "senior care" grew out of her own family caregiving experiences.  After her mother passed away, Nancy became her father's caregiver for 10 years during his battle with lung cancer. Nancy's own experiences as a family caregiver have been invaluable in bringing an awareness to other families and seniors facing life challenges.