Meet the Dream Team
Melissa Cosentino
Founder & Executive Director
Melissa has devoted her education and professional career to advancing the well-being of seniors. Her undergraduate degree in Health Services Management concentrating in long term care, and her Master of Social Work degree in Gerontology & Mental Health from Loyola University Chicago were obtained with the goal of improving the senior care industry.
Melissa loves spending time with seniors. They’re the ones who inspired her to start One Dream. So many truly amazing seniors have lived incredibly selfless lives, only to find themselves in a culture where they feel isolated without purpose or quality of life. It’s a passion of hers to share seniors’ stories and wisdom and show them they are loved and appreciated. By treating seniors’ with compassion and respect fulfilling a dream, we restore their dignity and bring them hope. The team here at One Dream are committed to making dreams come true for incredible, deserving seniors and in changing the way our society, especially our younger generation, views and values them.
By day, Melissa is an Executive Director at a senior living community. She is a proud wife and mother of 3 boys.
Nick Cosentino
President
Nick brings with him 15 years of experience in marketing strategy, business development, and digital media. He is a creative problem solver, a team player, and a storyteller that has produced and distributed thousands of online videos for clients, leading to millions and millions of views. He’s eager to share our Dreams Come True with the world.
Linda Howicz
Secretary
Linda is a seasoned professional with 30 years of professional experience in management, operations, customer service, and business development. She has used her talents in a number of industries, including senior care, print brokering, real estate, and theatre.
Before joining the team, Linda has been the Senior Director of Operations at Connected Living, a Technology-based Social Impact Company that teaches seniors how to use the computer and connect with their loved ones via social media online.
Brendan Ridings
Board Member
Brendan is the Co-founder and CEO of Genesis Pharmaceuticals leading the development of Genesis’ first FDA cleared medical device, NanoGranex. Brendan successfully raised 2 rounds funding and built the management team. NanoGranex is on track to be cleared 1st quarter of 2020 by FDA for the management of chronic wounds.
Genesis’ mission is to help individuals who do not have access to high quality wound care products. The majority of these individuals are senior citizens. In witnessing the overall attitude towards our seniors, part of the mission becomes to also improve overall quality of life and joy. One Dream was the perfect pairing for this opportunity, not just to heal the sick, but to bring joy to the healthy as well.
Michelle Fonsino
Board Member
Michelle is a high school teacher in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago. She’s taught both history and geography courses, and also has experience working with the community in a variety of ways. As the co-sponsor of the Sophomore Class Board at Prospect High School, Michelle has had the opportunity to connect students with One Dream since 2017, allowing kids to engage with our greatest generation and volunteer their time in a way that is inspirational and memorable for all involved. Michelle’s goal is to continue to enhance the relationship between our students and senior citizens, as she believes that those that lived history are truly the best teachers of all.
