THE PORTRAIT: MARISSA BOGLE

Volunteer Manager at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, reflects on her work and life in Lake Bluff.

North Shore native and University of Missouri-Columbia graduate Marissa Bogle moved to Chicago to start her career in nonprofit fundraising, never imagining she’d return to the suburbs. But in 2017—a year before joining Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital as Volunteer Manager—she and her husband made the move to Lake Bluff. “We couldn’t be happier to be ‘Bluffers’,” says Bogle, a passionate gardener who is now a proud member of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest. “I love to travel, cook, and entertain family and friends.” She also loves her role at Lake Forest Hospital, working across multiple departments to place volunteers where they can best support patients, visitors, and staff. “Our volunteers are the most generous, wonderful people. It’s rewarding to see the impact they have,” says Bogle. “More than 230 volunteers, ranging in age from 16 to over 90, do everything from delivering flowers and stocking supplies to giving directions and offering a warm welcome.

The hospital will open two new pavilions in 2026. I look forward to expanding the volunteer program to support those needs as well.” A dog lover, who owns two dachshunds, she also launched the hospital’s first animal-assisted activities program, which now includes 10 dog therapy teams. Outside of work, Bogle is an avid reader who practices yoga, plays in a long-standing mahjong group, and is part of a pickleball crew at the Lake Forest Rec Center. This busy “Bluffer” recently took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things.

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Favorite Lake Forest spot to unwind after a long day? Walking the Lake Forest Hospital campus, especially the meadow path. It’s peaceful and a perfect way to reset. Trip you’re looking forward to next? We are planning a trip to Sweden with my parents this summer. My grandfather was Swedish, so it has been a dream to visit with my mom. Best beauty hack? My beauty regimen is extremely low-key, but the most important thing to me is sunblock. I love Avène for my face. Favorite Lake Bluff restaurant? JDR Wine Bar in Lake Bluff has that incredible small-town vibe and JDR has the best summer patio. Favorite city escape? I am an avid cook and foodie, and love trying new restaurants. Monteverde is my go-to in the city. Next stamp on your passport? Portugal. I visited Sao Miguel in the Azores and I fell in love. Spending a day hot springs hopping is a must. Dessert you can’t say “no” to? The Butter Buns from Gerhards are to die for. Favorite driving music? I am all about upbeat pop music from any decade. Disco, ‘80s pop, Lady Gaga, Doechi, Taylor Swift, and Chappell Roan are all in regular rotation on my playlist. What’s next on your bucket list? I have a big birthday coming up and Monica Varri from Lake Forest Travel Bureau is helping us plan a trip to Tahiti and French Polynesia with our best friends. I can’t wait! Favorite spring tradition? Celebrating National Volunteer Week in late April with the amazing volunteers who support Northwestern Medicine. It’s so much fun to take the week to honor them. TV show you can’t stop binging? Shrinking on Apple TV; so good! Favorite flower? Ranunculus. It’s a spring blooming bulb with a short season, so my husband brings me a bouquet whenever he sees them at Heinen’s. Local restaurant your whole family loves? I have three nieces, ages 3, 9, and 12. When they get to plan a night on the town, their go-to is The Lantern (for the train and the claw machine, naturally) followed by ice cream at Sweets! Favorite annual fundraiser? The Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board Holiday Boutique cannot be beat. The opening night party is fantastic and they always have amazing vendors. Famous person (dead or alive) you’d most like to have dinner with? José Andrés, his work with World Central Kitchen is inspiring, and I’d love to talk food and travel with him! He also just seems like a really fun guy!