“The best part of running a service oriented business is seeing that our team of caring experienced professionals are making a difference in the day-to-day lives of our clients.  I love the sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction our team feels when we have helped our clients maintain order in their lives.”

The youngest of three daughters, Jackie grew up in Skokie, IL, with the support and love of her parents, who were themselves successful entrepreneurs and small business owners. They instilled great confidence, independence, and strength in Jackie, who attended the University of Illinois. There she met Michael Melinger, and the two quickly discovered that they would make a great team. Together they are fortunate to be parents to three busy daughters. Jackie also helped to care for her parents for many years, when they were no longer able to care for themselves. She has also been a devoted volunteer in her children’s schools and at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park. Working as a team, Jackie and Michael have built a successful eldercare business, and were thrilled to acquire The Sprau Advocate Group (now known as My Personal Bookkeeper, Inc.) in October of 2018.

Jackie met Kathy Sprau, founder of The Sprau Advocate Group, LLC, in 2003 and was quickly impressed with Kathy’s business model. Jackie was assisting her own parents with the demands of their healthcare paperwork, long-term care insurance, bill paying, and daily household management needs at the time, and understood firsthand the value Kathy’s service brought to others.

Jackie has always managed the finances for her businesses as well as her household, and she has helped numerous family members and others with their budgeting and organization.

Jackie’s background includes:

Business experience:

My Personal Bookkeeper, Inc., Skokie, IL, Owner – Oct 2018 – Present
Home Instead Senior Care, Skokie/Chicago/Des Plaines, Franchise Owner – 2001 – Present
Inviting Designs, Inc., Highland Park, IL – Business Owner – 1997 – 2001
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator – Quality Care, Inc. – Chicago – 1994 – 1997
Human Resources Manager, Claire’s Stores, Wood Dale, IL – 1991 – 1994
Bank Teller – Cole Taylor Bank, Skokie, IL – 1990 – 1992
Pharmacy Technician – Medicare Pharmacy, Skokie, IL – 1982 – 1990

Education:

B.A. Speech Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
MS. Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Loyola University, Chicago

Volunteer Work:

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement,  Congressional Team Member Advocate

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park:

• Financial Secretary
• Committee Co-Chair for Senior Life Committee
• V.P. Membership and Programming 2015 – 2018
• Various Clergy Performance Review and Search Committees
• Strategic Planning Committee
• Member of Religious School Committee
• Chairperson of Parent Auxiliary Committee

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly – Volunteer
Indian Trail School – PTO Committees
Elm Place School – PTO Committees
Highland Park High School PTO Committees

How she makes a difference:

“By using my experiences and perspective as a family caregiver to help clients assess and manage their individual needs.”