Meet the Dream Team
Melissa Cosentino
Founder & Executive Director
Melissa has dedicated her education and career to advancing the well-being and experience of older adults. She holds a degree in Health Services Management with a concentration in long term care, along with a Master of Social Work in Gerontology and Mental Health from Loyola University Chicago. Both were rooted in her commitment to improving the senior living experience.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal. Time spent with seniors has shaped her perspective and inspired the creation of One Dream. She believes that every individual has a story worth honoring, yet many seniors find themselves in a stage of life where connection, purpose, and recognition can feel diminished.
Through One Dream, Melissa is committed to creating meaningful experiences that celebrate seniors, honor their stories, and remind them they are seen, valued, and appreciated. She is equally passionate about inspiring younger generations to build deeper connections with older adults and to view aging with respect, curiosity, and compassion.
Professionally, Melissa serves in a corporate leadership role in senior living, where she focuses on mentorship and leadership development.
She is also a proud wife and mother of three 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.
