Daniel Diaz currently serves as the Site Director for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at Esperanza, bringing a rich blend of experience from his background in healthcare, education, and military service. Growing up as the youngest of four in the south suburbs of Chicago and the son of Mexican immigrants, Daniel values family deeply while also embracing a strong desire to explore the world. This curiosity led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), where a pivotal experience witnessing a friend's recovery from a severe injury sparked his passion for healthcare and occupational therapy.
After completing his military service, Daniel pursued his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His career has since encompassed a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care, inpatient rehab, home health, and outpatient therapy. His growing interest in operations guided him into leadership roles in senior living communities, skilled-nursing facilities, hospitals, and most recently, pediatrics, where he oversaw operations across multiple clinics and played a crucial role in establishing and enhancing clinical operations. Daniel is excited to be part of a team committed to holistic care and collaborative efforts to bring health and hope to Chicago’s underserved communities.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Daniel is pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Management at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During his free time, he enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, listening to music, and spending quality time with his wife Claire and their pets, Shelby and Saffron.