Dedicated to providing a Superior Customer Service experience to our Valued Clients.
Established in 1997, Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI), an Independent, Authorized Senior General Agent for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois located in Riverwoods Illinois provides thier clients with exemplary service and quality insurance solutions.
Scott Loochtan, President of SSI, started the company with a phone, a computer and a desk in an office in his father’s candy factory with two of his friends. Over the years, that single office turned into a three suite, multiple office space that houses dozens of licensed education specialists and administrative staff.
SSI’s education specialists personally guide individuals through the insurance education process to ensure proper understanding. Many of our clients are comforted in knowing that all of SSI’s licensed specialists are certified each year with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services to be able to provide Medicare-related coverage to Medicare eligible beneficiaries.
SSI and its staff stays on top of issues that are important to its clients like the changes and reforms within the insurance and health care industry. We take ourselves seriously as well as the interests of our clients and potential clients.
SSI representatives have years of experience in the following areas:
● Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (Medigap Plans)
● Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
● Long Term Care Insurance
● Life Insurance
● Individual Health Insurance Plans
● Temporary Health Insurance (Short Term)
● Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
● Dental Insurance
Contact us at 1-800.806.1220 and allow one of our dedicated representatives to assist you in finding the most appropriate options for you and your family.
Scott Loochtan
President
Scott Loochtan has been been providing insurance solutions to individuals since 1987, the year he became licensed and started his first agency. He has been involved in insurance in one form or another his whole life. Scott started his next agency in 1991 with two of his friends, both of whom are still with him today–one of whom is now his brother-in-law. The office, was just that, one office, located in his father’s candy factory that had one desk, one phone and one computer.
In 1997, Scott’s agency changed its name to Senior Services of Illinois, Inc., which is an Independent, Authorized Senior General Agent for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. A distinction that only four other agencies in the state of Illinois hold. Scott is the President and the company specializes in health and Medicare-related coverage.
Rob Liano
National Sales Director
“Sales, by my definition, is simply outstanding service.”
Rob Liano has over two decades of experience in sales & service, the most recent of which has been in the insurance field. His training and consulting has been sought after by agents, tech companies and the most renowned insurance carriers in the country.
With intent to make the industry more respectable, he has pioneered a change in how agents approach servicing clients. His philosophy is genuine; the customer comes first and foremost. He emphasizes education and expertise, both of which are essential to providing peace of mind for the client. His practices are refreshing and effective in this ever-changing technological landscape we’re in.
Customer service is not a just a division, it’s a way of life, and the foundation of the entire CDIS team is based upon that principle.
Rob Liano is a best selling author, nationally renowned sales and success coach, a keynote speaker and a professional musician.
Jenn Hamann
Regional Sales Director
“Her philosophy is simple. She puts the client first!”
Jenn Hamann started in the Insurance industry in 2007 and although she may be considered a rookie by some standards, her commitment to serving the customer immediately catapulted her to the top in her field.
Her experience started at the agent level, but her desire to grow has led her to success as an agency owner and as motivator to many in her field.
She is licensed in over 25 states, focusing on Health and Medicare Supplements, and she continues to successfully coach agents to set and surpass their goals, and to grow their business to new heights. She encourages them to care of the customer and then the rest will take care of itself.
Prior to health insurance Jenn was a National Political Fundraiser. Jenn resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband Doug and her two children, Brayden and Gavin.
George Vida, Jr.
State Sales Director
“I know that every day I wake up that I am going to positively impact people’s lives by protecting their health needs and helping provide a legacy for their family”.
George Vida, Jr. has been in the insurance industry since 1986, which started with New York Life and currently serves as State Sales Director of Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI). Vida is responsible for the development of internal and external representatives.
George is a sought after speaker, has conducted numerous Medicare and Medicare Part D training seminars and has trained numerous successful insurance representatives.
His areas of expertise include:
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Fixed Annuities
- Medicare Supplemental Insurance
- Medicare Part D
- Life Insurance
- Group & Individual Health
When not in the office, he enjoys cooking, golf, bowling, watching sporting events and listening to live music.
George received his bachelor’s degree in Management in 1981 from the Bowling Green State University (OH). George lives in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago with his wife of over 27 years, Lilly and their four daughters. He is actively involved in his community with youth organizations as a coach and fundraiser.
Linda Berry
Senior Administrator
“When I come to work everyday, I enjoy knowing there is always a new challenge to address and new people to assist”.
Linda Berry, senior administrator, has been with Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI) since 2008. She is SSI’s jack-of-all-trades. That means that she steers the ship. Her responsibilities are numerous, from overseeing all processing of applications to systems control, Linda has the know-how, smarts and fortitude to handle it.
Prior to joining SSI, Linda was the tournament/office manager at one of the country’s largest Croquet Centers in West Palm Beach, FL.
When Linda is not navigating the SSI ship she is spending time with her family bike riding. Linda lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and has three children.
Debra Airhart, ACS, AIAA, AIRC
Education Specialist
“
Specialist – One who provides quality service without being asked, takes time to listen and discover individual needs and utilization, has complete knowledge of product and technical innovations to suit you and your family.”
Debra Airhart is an education specialist that has been with Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI) since 2010. She brings over 30 years of health insurance experience and is the go-to person in the office when it comes to information and compliance.
She has her licenses in life, health and property/casualty and is certified for long term care.
Outside of SSI, Debra has served as President of BEBC Health League Ministry for over five years and coordinates annual community preventative health fairs and workshops.
Debra lives in the Chicagoland area.
Phil Coelho
Education Specialist
“
I truly enjoy what I do, because I have the ability to really help people get through times of uncertainty. Whether it’s helping people prepare for retirement or making sure that their basic health insurance needs are taken care of, I know that I put their minds at ease.”
Phil Coelho is a licensed education specialist that has been involved in the insurance industry since 1996. He holds licenses in life, health and property and casualty. Phil has been part of Senior Services of Illinois (SSI) for nine years as an outside agent primarily providing health and Medicare-related insurance solutions to his growing list of clients.
Prior to joining SSI, Phil was with Allstate for six years writing home and auto insurance. Outside of the office, he is an avid golfer and skiier and enjoys Ohio State football and NASCAR.
Phil graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH with a degree in Economics and lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife and young daughter.
Darryl Feder
Education Specialist
“To share my experience with other seniors in order to make their retirement process easier.”
Darryl Feder has found a second career with Senior Services of Illinois (SSI). A retired engineer, Darryl decided to come out of retirement seven years ago to obtain his health and life insurance licenses. He admits that he did not know much about gardening so the local gardening super center did not appeal to him.
Darryl shares many commonalities with the individuals that he helps on a daily basis – one of them being his personal experience with being on Medicare. He is an education specialist that assists people in finding the best options in health and Medicare-related coverage.
Darryl graduate from the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma with a bachelor of science in engineering. In his spare time, Darryl enjoys reading, cooking and trying new restaurants. He lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife of 48 years and has three children.
Debbie Fiegen
Education Specialist
“Helping people achieve an understanding of what they need and how everything all ties together gives me a feeling of satisfaction on a daily basis.”
Debbie Fiegen is an education specialist that has been with SSI since 2007. She provides the office with a lively spirit and warm demeanor that translates over to her clients and client service.
Debbie enjoys the summer months and her hobbies outside of the office are gardening and boating. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband and two children.
Lesli Hassell
Education Specialist
“I love helping people and especially our seniors who have done so much for us. It is my way of giving back.”
Lesli has worked in Insurance since 2009 and her caring, knowledge and expertise has allowed her to assist many clients and also, many of those clients have become friends.
“I do what I can to make it a win/win solution for the client and the company.”
The best compliment that Lesli receives is a referral from her clients, which continue to come in from her efforts over the years. When a client trusts you enough to send family or friends over for help, that’s a job well done!
Prior to CDIS, Lesli has done varies businesses from her home all in the sales and service industry. What can she do for you?
Mindi Jacobs
Education Specialist
Mindi has been in the insurance industry for over 30 years, first as a property and casualty claims adjuster, then as project administrator for a $10 million upgrade of a major carrier’s software system. She switched her focus to life and health in 1997 with the National Association for the Self-Employed and began working in the Medicare market in 2007.
She has participated in a number of Annual Enrollment Periods in a call center environment. She also worked at Stonebridge specializing in senior’s life insurance, winning the Shining Star Award three different times. Most recently she was the third highest producer in the Pennsylvania start-up of a company based in Arizona. Her philosophy is “inform, educate, and advise.”
Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education, which has given her the patience to say the same thing in different ways to make sure that there is complete understanding on the client’s part before any decisions are made. Teaching is her first love and she plans to put it to good use here.
Darius Kohanim
Education Specialist
Darius Kohanim started his own agency Tru Health Solutions, in 2006 after working for other agencies for 2 years. Since then, he has been a top producer for Assurant Health, coming in #1 in the Atlanta region in 2009 out of 2500 agents.
Selling with integrity is something that is lost with most agents today, but Darius works with only the best agencies in the country like; CDIS, Integrity First Consulting Group, Coverage41.com, and Medical Benefits Group. Darius is licensed in 15 states, and sells mainly Health insurance, and Medicare Supplement for seniors.
Darius lives in Atlanta Georgia with his wife Jordan. He also runs a music event company in Atlanta. Having his hands in so many different things, Darius has many days that go by fast!
Brian Marsh
Education Specialist
“Providing exemplary service along with the best products to my clients makes this all worthwhile.”
Brian Marsh has been providing insurance solutions for his clients since 1986. He joined Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI) in 2008 after working for such companies as Metropolitan Life Insurance, AON and AAA Chicago Motor Club.
Prior to joining SSI, Brian was the top-producing agent for AFLAC in the state of Illinois for multiple years. He has his health, life and property & casualty licenses as well as long term care certification.
A valued asset for SSI, Brian’s motto is “you will not find a better insurance plan, better price or better client service” than what he can provide.
An accomplished percussionist, Brian prides himself in being accessible for his clients 24/7, but still finds time for his children and the occasional family camping trip.
Brian attended Benedictine College in Lisle, IL. He has two children and lives in the Chicagoland area.
Sue Puraleski
Education Specialist
“Insurance has been part of my life for quite some time and I understand how confusing it can be. I want to take away the confusion and help someone navigate the maze as well as decipher the jargon”.
When Sue Puraleski became involved in insurance doing group health claims in 1973 the Part A deductible was $40! She has been around and knows her stuff! Her health and life insurance background has covered everything from union labor contracting to claims processing and staffing.
In between, Sue took ten years off to become a real estate agent and although she loved real estate, she understood that health insurance was her calling. In 2005, after being a director at a health insurance staffing company, Sue joined SSI as an education specialist and has been helping individuals clear up the confusion of Medicare and health insurance.
When Sue isn’t translating deductibles and coinsurance you can find her shopping and antiquing at local flea markets or hunting for auctions. Sue has two adult children and one Bichon Frise name Maverick and lives in the Chicagoland area.
Jamie Richards
Education Specialist
“My philosophy is simple – I treat all my clients as if they were my own parents.”
With over 25 years experience in architectural design, building and construction, Jamie’s attention to detail makes him the right person for the job along with his calm demeanor! He has taken his philosophy and work ethic and translated it over to the insurance industry and his clients have come to appreciate that.
Jamie joined the SSI family in 2011 and holds licenses in life, accident and health. He also is also licensed in property, casualty and surety through the great state of Texas! He holds over 500 copyrights for his designs and has won numerous awards as well as been recognized annually since 2004 for outstanding luxury homes in Luxury Home Magazine.
When Jamie isn’t navigating clients through the Medicare maze with a fine-toothed comb, he still finds time for design, works out on a daily basis and is an avid golfer and outdoor sportsman. Jamie resides with his wife and their two dogs in the Chicagoland area.
Beverly Sandersfeld
Education Specialist
“Helping all seniors with their insurance needs.”
Beverly has always wanted to be a teacher. As an education specialist she is living out one of her dreams. “I never thought I would be teaching adults, but I love it.” She has made it her #1 priority to learn all she can in order to best serve her clients. She prides herself in excellent customer service.
Beverly is a native of Texas and speaks English with a Texas accent. Her smile is felt though the phone.
She loves to travel and stay in touch with her family and friends, which include 12 grandchildren. Evergreen, Colorado is where she calls home today. She lives there with her husband of 28 years.
Mary Shipley
Education Specialist
“I really enjoy helping and educating people regarding Medicare and what their options are. I feel good each day knowing that I am someone’s advisor and that they trust my guidance.”
Not only is Mary Shipley a dedicated education specialist, but the resident Peggy Fleming! Yes, Mary is an accomplished figure skater, but when she is not performing triple Lutzes she is providing exemplary service to her clients.
Prior to being an education specialist, Mary served as SSI’s Client Service Manager. Clients and and co-workers alike have complimented on her friendly, warm demeanor and wonderful organizational skills, which has made her a vital member of the SSI family.
Before joining SSI in 2009, Mary worked for Mature Health Services and was a residential real estate broker for over 12 years.
Mary is a skilled figure skater and classical music flutist who also loves to read, rollerblade and play volleyball. She lives with her son in the North Suburbs of Chicago.
Ann Thaler
Education Specialist
Ann Thaler started her career in the insurance industry as a part-time data entry clerk while a full-time college student. While continuing to work through the completion of her degree in business management with an emphasis in marketing and communications, she learned many elements of the industry including policy assembly, agent support and underwriting.
Upon graduation, Ann relocated to the Chicago land area taking a position as an Account Executive selling direct to consumers where she quickly excelled to a top producer in health care and life insurance sales. Her successes lead her to roles in sales management, external account management and whole-selling for world-class companies such as Zurich Life, Assurant and Humana – to name a few. After 18 years of experience and starting a family, Ann’s expertise and ability to put the customer first has brought her here today.
Selling in 48 states, she continues to be a top producer putting her customer’s needs first by relating to them personally and helping them secure peace of mind through proper insurance protection programs. Ann lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband Dana and toddler Charlie. Her endless passion for helping people prepare for the unexpected and the expected continues to drive her ongoing success.
Jason Vida
Education Specialist
“The opportunity to educate and assist people on a daily basis by securing their well-being and providing peace of mind wakes me up each morning.”
Jason Vida joined Senior Services of Illinois in 2009, the same year he transitioned his career into insurance. He is not only an education specialist but serves as the in-house communication manager that oversees and manages many aspects of the marketing for SSI. Jason honed his skills as a public relation practitioner in New York City, working at three of the largest public relation firms in the world.
Prior to joining SSI, Vida was the director of public relations for an advertising agency in Fort Wayne, IN. In his spare time, Jason enjoys music, reading, cooking, writing and golf.
Jason received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations from The University of Toledo (OH). He lives in the Chicagoland area.
Lilly Vida
Education Specialist
“
It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you are doing.”
Lilly Vida puts the ILL in Senior Services of Illinois, Inc. (SSI). Lilly is an outside agent and education specialist that has been assisting individuals with insurance options since 2005. She has been closely associated with insurance since 1986, seeing that her husband George is SSI’s state manager. SSI is truly a family affair for Lilly.
Prior to joining SSI, Lilly was the owner of Northwest Electrology. When not explaining the nuances of Medicare and Medicare Part D, Lilly is involved in arts and loves to garden and travel – not to mention she speaks Icelandic.
Lilly lives in the Northwest Suburbs with her husband George and their four daughters.
