Administrative Leadership

Discover the diverse expertise, experience, and dedication that drives Wellness Homes of Chicago. Our leadership team is committed to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and innovative environment, ensuring that every individual receives the care and support they deserve.

Dr. Maurice Brownlee

CEO /
President

Dr. Maurice Brownlee is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wellness Home of Chicago, an organization he founded with a profound commitment to providing inclusive and equitable healthcare to all individuals, regardless of race, sexual preference, color, or creed. Driven by a deep understanding of health disparities and inequalities, Dr. Brownlee has dedicated his career to improving access to quality care and fostering healthier communities.

Dr. Brownlee’s vision is the driving force behind Wellness Home of Chicago’s growth and impact. His leadership is characterized by a passion for patient-centered care, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to addressing the complex needs of underserved populations. He has cultivated a culture of compassion and respect within the organization, ensuring that every individual feels welcomed and valued.

Under Dr. Brownlee’s guidance, Wellness Home of Chicago has expanded its services to encompass a wide range of integrated care, including primary care, behavioral health, and specialized programs addressing specific community needs. He is a strong advocate for integrated care models, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social well-being.

Dr. Brownlee’s commitment extends beyond the walls of Wellness Home. He is actively engaged in community partnerships and collaborations, working to build a stronger and more equitable healthcare ecosystem. He is a recognized leader in the fight against health disparities and a champion for social justice.

Dr. Brownlee holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University and a Master’s in Business Administration. He also completed a prestigious HIV/AIDS program at Duke University, one of only eight US universities commissioned by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop such a program to address the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. This training focused on providing comprehensive care for people living with HIV/AIDS, reducing new infections, increasing access to care, and mitigating HIV-related health disparities. His expertise in leading healthcare organizations has been instrumental in shaping Wellness Home of Chicago’s strategic direction. Dr. Brownlee envisions Wellness Home of Chicago as a national model for inclusive and equitable healthcare, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

Dr. Vincent Vargas

Medical Director

Dr. Vincent Vargas is a board-certified medical practitioner with a 20-year clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient care. He completed his medical school at St. Luke’s College of Medicine (2005) and his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh (2011). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine (2012) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (2020).

He is a committed educator, currently serving as a preceptor for the Department of Family Medicine Residency Programs of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Humboldt Park Health, and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital here in Chicago. He is also a preceptor at Duquesne’s School of Nursing, the LECOM School of Medicine, and Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Vargas is an active competitor in volleyball and can also be found tearing up a karaoke stage from time to time. He is in solidarity with the LGBTQ community, serving as one of the captains of his Stonewall League Kickball team, AAC, and CMSA Volleyball leagues. On Mondays, he painstakingly cooks, and if that fails, he expeditiously orders takeout. His munchkin cats, Piolo and Sam, fill his home with lots of positive energy and joy.

Jackie Guzzetta

Chief Operations
Officer / Chief Financial Officer

Jackie Guzetta is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Chief Financial Officer at Wellness Home of Chicago, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s real estate portfolio, daily operations, and strategic initiatives. She brings over two decades of experience in practice and revenue cycle management, coupled with a deep commitment to Wellness Home’s mission of providing inclusive and equitable care to all.

Jackie’s leadership is instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of Wellness Home’s diverse programs and services. She is responsible for the overall management of operations, including finance, human resources, facilities, and technology. Her focus is on creating efficient and effective systems that support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. She has a proven track record of leading successful organizations, both medical and non-medical.

Beyond operational management, Jackie is a key contributor to the organization’s strategic planning and growth. She works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement strategies that expand access to care, enhance service delivery, and strengthen community partnerships. As a licensed realtor, she brings valuable expertise in real estate management to the organization. She is passionate about advancing health equity and ensuring that Wellness Home remains a vital resource for the communities it serves.

Jackie is deeply committed to Wellness Home’s mission of providing accessible and equitable healthcare to all individuals, regardless of race, sexual preference, color, or creed, and is dedicated to the organization’s overall success.

Janine Espinosa

Chief Administrative Officer

Janine Espinosa is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Wellness Home of Chicago. Her primary role as the administrative leader is to oversee the day-to-day operations of all locations, including outside contractors. She builds upon and enforces the existing operations policies, procedures, and systems to ensure the highest patient quality care. She strongly aligns with the company’s values. Under her leadership and collaboration with the teams, she leads by example to improve the efficiency and compliance of the operation along with providing the best service and experience to humanity and healthcare.

Within her 15 years of experience working in healthcare, she has been able to collaborate with other leaders from a variety of departments to achieve and promote team cohesiveness across the board. Her goal has remained the same to make a significant difference in all levels of patient care and transform patient lives.

Janine executes and performs holding a high standard in the enhancing of an operations performance through planning strategically, project development, compliance & regulatory standards, integrated health care delivery, staffing, training & development in cooperation with other personnel and to serve the lives of all communities. She operates with initiative in identifying opportunities that align with the company’s vision and mission. Her business mindset and financial management skills are to maintain budgets that produce effective performance.

Janine was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. She is an advocate of righteousness who is determined to be an example to others. She operates with integrity to identify opportunities that align with the company’s vision and mission. Her sacrifices and discipline make her a strong effective communicator. Healthcare is one sphere where she is able to perform top-notch. In her time away from work she serves her community as a leader as well.

Preston Luebbenhusen

Director of Operations - NorthStar

Preston Luebbehusen joined Wellness Homes of Chicago in January 2021 as the front desk administrator and was promoted to site administrator for the Wellness Home at the Northstar location, overseeing office operations.

Preston’s background in customer service, small business marketing, and business development drives his focus on patient experience at the Wellness Homes. He holds a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Tarleton State University.

Dana Batio

Director of
Clinical Services

Dana Batio is a dedicated nurse with nearly 13 years of committed service at Northstar, where her extensive experience and compassionate approach have made her a trusted and integral member of the healthcare team. Dana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with cum laude honors, underscoring her academic excellence and dedication to her profession as the Director of Clinical Services for the Wellness Homes of Chicago.

Her exceptional patient care and professionalism have earned her significant recognition, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the field. Outside of her nursing career, Dana thrives on creativity and mental challenges, frequently engaging in activities that stimulate her mind and allow her to express her artistic side. She enjoys exploring new creative projects and tackling complex problems, finding great fulfillment in pushing her boundaries and thinking outside the box.

In her personal life, Dana loves shopping, trying new restaurants with her boyfriend, and spending time with her two beloved dogs, Minnie and Snoopy. These activities provide her with joy and relaxation, balancing her demanding career with personal passions and cherished relationships.

Dawn Tipton, LCPC

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Dawn Tipton is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Counselor (PEL). She joined Wellness Homes of Chicago in October 2022 as a Psychotherapist. Dawn works with children, adolescents, and adults of various backgrounds. She has training in Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, CPT, trauma-informed therapy, play therapy, as well as other modalities.

Dawn’s therapeutic style is warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental. It is her hope that her space will serve as a safe place for you to explore and express your authentic self, as you work together. In her experience, she has learned there is no “one size fits all” counseling method.

Dawn earned her MA in mental health counseling and school counseling at Concordia University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Northern Illinois University. She has 12 years of experience working with children and young adults in the mental health field and has worked with adult clients for 7 years.

Marcellus Altman, MHA

Director of Internal RCM Operations

Marcellus leads like a palm tree in a storm—flexible in adversity, yet firmly anchored in his values. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that teams thrive when psychological safety, shared purpose, and authentic connection are prioritized. As Director of the Internal RCM Department at Wellness Homes of Chicago, he builds high-performing teams by fostering inclusion, clarity, and meaningful collaboration. He leads with integrity, transparency, and respect—core values that create belonging and drive performance.

With over a decade of experience in healthcare and hospitality management, Marcellus brings a unique perspective that blends strategic systems thinking with a service-driven mindset. From developing and launching organization-wide injectable therapy protocols to managing multimillion-dollar operations, he has delivered measurable outcomes in efficiency, patient access, and team engagement. His leadership has driven initiatives that improved psychological safety scores, increased staff satisfaction, and aligned efforts across departments.

Marcellus holds a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified and credentialed as both a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). His approach is informed by continuous learning, strategic agility, and a deep commitment to empowering others.

Marcellus’s anchors—Integrity, Transparency, Respect, Teamwork, and Fun—are not just values; they are the foundation of his leadership style. Whether launching a department, building systems, or mentoring a team, he leads with purpose, humility, and heart—because he believes great teams aren’t just built, they’re cultivated.

Perez Harrison Pratt

Director of Communications and Marketing

Perez Harrison Pratt is a dynamic marketer fueled by passion, empathy, and a thirst for adventure and has over five years of experience collaborating with prominent brands globally. Perez is dedicated to societal transformation, particularly advocating for diversity and inclusion.

He is currently the director of communications at Wellness Homes of Chicago, where he handles all marketing affairs, including internal and external communication. Prior to that, he worked as the director of marketing and head of communications for EBANMAN, an organization that showcases Black gay men across the globe, and First Brick, a London-based charity organization that provides housing for LGBTQ+ individuals.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Nexford University. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Marketing at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. He is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, London, and a member of Forbes BLK. Perez enjoys spending time with his fur baby, Bella.