Emma Dvorak named assistant administrator at The Springs at Monarch Landing
The Springs Health and Rehabilitation at Monarch Landing Senior Living in Naperville has announced the promotion of Emma Dvorak to Assistant Administrator. This is a significant step in a remarkable journey rooted in dedication, passion, and a deep love for seniors.
Emma’s relationship with Monarch Landing began in 2011, when she worked as a server in the Millstone Restaurant while attending Metea Valley High School. She developed a strong connection to the senior community and its residents. This relationship inspired her to pursue a degree in therapeutic recreation at Eastern Illinois University, where she focused on wellness for older adults.
“I wanted to be able to provide older adults with a high quality of life,” Emma said. “They’ve worked so hard all their lives and now should be having fun and enjoying a great life.”
After graduating in 2017, Emma continued to build her career in senior wellness and fitness programs. She returned to Monarch Landing as Life Enrichment Coordinator at The Springs, providing fun, engaging, and interesting programs and activities for residents in health care. She was then promoted to Director of Life Enrichment; a role she truly cherished.
“For as long as I can remember, Life Enrichment was my dream job,” Emma said. “I was fortunate enough to achieve my dream early on in my professional career.”
Her drive to grow in her profession did not stop there. Encouraged by her supervisor, Elizabeth (Beth) VanDerWal, Administrator of The Springs, Emma recognized that her passion and dedication had broader potential.
“Beth has helped me recognize that my passion for working with seniors is an admirable strength that deserves to be recognized,” she said.
In the fall of 2023, Emma decided to pursue her Nursing Home Administrator License passing the Illinois exam in April 2024, followed by both portions of the national exam later that year. She officially received her license in December 2024.
In May 2025, Emma was promoted to Assistant Administrator at The Springs.
“I’m eager to continue to elevate our community as we move forward,” she said. “Where I go from here, I can’t predict — but I know that my love for this population and my dedication to their well-being will not waver.”
Emma’s new role will see her continuing to support the vibrant Life Enrichment program, as well as overseeing ancillary services, learning the complexities of administration and regulatory compliance, and leading special project initiatives.
Beth expressed her pride in Emma’s accomplishments. “She has a light and energy that is contagious. Emma never backs down from a challenge — in fact, she’ll smile and ask, ‘Anything else I can do to help?’ and then exceed all expectations. She is a treasure and a gift to our community with a heart of service and love.”
“Emma was born for senior care and leads with skill and heart,” Beth added.
Reflecting on her journey, Emma said, “Monarch Landing cares about its employees and wants to see them succeed. We are supported in so many ways. I hope my story inspires others to be grateful and to keep working hard — because hard work does not go unnoticed, and you can do anything you set your mind to.”