Who We Are
For family care partners aging is a complex process that touches many facets. As members of the Aging Life Care Association™, our Care Managers brings knowledge, skills and experience to help you navigate the journey, no matter the challenges you may face. LifeCare for Seniors assists individuals of all ages who are facing health challenges or need help navigating the care network. Our Care Managers support the client to optimize independence and quality of life while reducing stress and anxiety for family care partner.
“To our team, it’s personal! While Senior Care has been our specialty, with our various backgrounds, education, professional and personal experience, we want to serve those of all ages, backgrounds and conditions no matter how complicated. Care is our calling, not our job! Our own families and loved ones have endured many of the same hardships and challenges our clients face. That’s why we choose team members with the right educational background, years of expertise in the industry, personal experience and most importantly the heart and passion to serve our clients and their families.”
Christy Baynes, Founder
Leadership Team
Christy Baynes, MSHA, MBA
Founder & C.E.O.
Care Manager & PAC® Certified Trainer
The Guide Model Team
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Christy Baynes is the Founder and Lead Care Manager of LifeCare for Seniors, LLC. She has dedicated herself and career to helping seniors and their families. Along with her education and professional experience, Christy has also cared for members of her own family with dementia and other chronic illnesses. Christy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama as well as a Master's in Business Administration and Master's in Science of Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also holds a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Christy is a Professional Member of the National Association of Aging Life Care™ Specialists and she is also a Certified Trainer through Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care® Program. In addition to her education, Christy's experiences in the field of aging are very diverse including assisted living, specialty care assisted living, in-home care, community councils on aging, Alzheimer's and aging research, long-term care insurance, elder care coordination, geriatric health education and caregiver support groups. Christy has served on the state's Long-term Care Rebalancing Advisory Committee, where she was one of four community individuals appointed by Alabama Governor Bob Riley in 2009. She served on the Executive Board of Alzheimer's of Central Alabama (ACA) from 2006 - 2015, where she received the Mitzi Kronenberg Service Award in 2008. Christy was President of the Board from 2009 - 2012 and also served on the Endowment Board for ACA. In the past, she has served on the planning committee for the Canterbury Beeson Forum on Aging. She is past Leader of the Senior Adult Council and Radical Hospitality Team.
She and her husband, Allen, reside in Birmingham with their two children and fur baby.
Andrew Duxbury, MD
Medical Director
The Guide Model Team
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Dr. Andrew Duxbury joined LifeCare for Seniors in December of 2024. Dr. Duxbury is a distinguished physician, researcher, and educator with a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of older adults. He currently serves as a Professor of Medicine in the Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Additionally, Dr. Duxbury is a Senior Scientist at UAB’s Integrative Center for Aging Research and the UAB Center for Study of Community Health. With over 25 years of experience in academia, clinical practice, and aging research, Dr. Duxbury has become a leading expert in the field of geriatrics.
Dr. Duxbury's career spans both clinical and research roles, focusing on aging-related challenges such as fall prevention, mobility, dementia care, and the reduction of polypharmacy in the elderly. He is particularly passionate about improving the quality of life for aging adults, supporting caregivers, and advancing knowledge in geriatric care. His innovative work emphasizes patient-centered approaches to maintaining independence while minimizing risks, helping seniors navigate the complexities of aging in a safe and fulfilling way.
Dr. Duxbury earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Washington in 1988. Following his medical degree, he completed rigorous postgraduate training at the University of California, Davis, including an Internship, Residency, and Fellowship in geriatrics and aging research. His fellowship at UC Davis, completed in 1993, further honed his expertise in the complexities of aging and reinforced his dedication to the field.
Since joining UAB in 1999, Dr. Duxbury has contributed significantly to the development of aging research and clinical practice. He has played a key role in various interdisciplinary studies focused on understanding and addressing the multifactorial nature of aging and its related health challenges. As a mentor to numerous students and junior faculty members, Dr. Duxbury has helped shape the next generation of geriatricians, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Duxbury’s clinical expertise is complemented by his research, where he has led numerous projects aimed at improving the management of aging adults, from fall prevention strategies to the safe use of medications in older populations. His research contributions have helped bridge the gap between clinical care and community health initiatives, further enhancing the quality of life for seniors in both institutional and home-based settings.
Throughout his career, Dr. Duxbury has remained deeply engaged in advocating for seniors and their families, believing that effective geriatric care is not just about medical treatment but also about fostering independence, dignity, and social engagement for older adults.
Allen Baynes, SRES®
C.F.O. & Home Repair Specialist
Senior Real Estate Specialist®
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Allen Baynes joined LifeCare for Seniors in the Fall of 2017 to assist with business growth and development. Allen serves as our Director of Business Development and Home Repair Concierge Coordinator. He also works for LAH Real Estate where he is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® and owns Baynes Properties. On Sundays in the fall, you can see Allen as an NFL official on National Football League (NFL) fields throughout the country. He recently completed his tenth year in the League as a Side Judge #56. Allen enjoys speaking at senior programs and churches, where he tells stories from the gridiron. His presentation, "Make That Call” allows participants to review plays from previous weeks' games and give their ruling as if they were an on-field official in an NFL game. This interactive program is both informative and a lot of fun. In 2016, Allen was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Alzheimer's of Central Alabama (ACA) (www.alzca.org). ACA is an organization he loves to support and has helped raise over $75,000 through contributions such as "A Weekend with a NFL Referee", Super Bowl Ticket Raffles, personal giving and other auction items at their annual spring Garden Art Party. Allen and Christy are blessed to have a wonderful team of Care Managers helping families in Central Alabama.
Chaeli Lawson, MSN, CRNP, AGPCNP-BC
Chief Clinical Officer
The Guide Model Team
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Chaeli Lawson joined LifeCare for Seniors in December of 2024. Chaeli is an experienced Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with a career spanning over a decade. Since 2014, Chaeli has dedicated herself to caring for frail, medically complex adults, with a particular focus on helping patients and their families navigate challenging medical situations and complex prognoses.
Her diverse clinical background includes home-based primary care, hospice and palliative care, geriatric medicine, and nephrology. Chaeli began her Nurse Practitioner career at the UAB Geriatrics Clinic, where she played a pivotal role in establishing and growing the UAB House Calls Program. As the lead NP for both the UAB House Calls and Geriatrics Clinics, she served in this capacity for seven years, building strong relationships with patients and teams alike.
Before joining LifeCare for Seniors, Chaeli focused on providing specialized care for patients with kidney disease, ensuring comprehensive management for medically complex cases. She continues to work with a local hospice organization, where her passion for palliative medicine, goals of care, and end-of-life care remains central to her practice.
Chaeli enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
Nicole Crawford, MA, CMC
Certified Care Manager
PAC® Certified Trainer
The Guide Model Team
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Nicole joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in December 2017. Nicole serves as our Assisted Living / Memory Care Specialist and Care Manager. She is also a licensed real estate agent and holds the designation of Senior Real Estate Specialist®. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Masters of Arts in Gerontology from the University of South Florida.
Nicole is certified through the National Association of Certified Care Managers and she is also a Certified Trainer through Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care Program. Nicole has an incredible passion and love for helping seniors and their families. She began her health care career in academia, where she worked for the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Center for Nursing Research. She worked on various nursing grants, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's caregivers' education research. In 2004, Nicole moved to Tampa, Florida and worked full-time as an Assisted Living Director while pursuing her Masters. After completing her graduate work, she returned to Birmingham and worked with the UAB Study of Aging and Mobility. Over the past ten years, Nicole has worked in leadership positions in the community setting: nursing home, assisted living and specialty care assisted living. She became a licensed, Category Il Assisted Living Administrator (ALA) in 2013. Before joining the LifeCare Solutions Team, Nicole served as the Assistant Assisted Living Administrator at St. Martins in the Pines. She is also a licensed real estate agent and specializes in assisting families with downsize and relocation. Nicole is also very active with Alzheimer's of Central Alabama and served on the Board of Directors from 2009 through 2016 and was President of the Board from 2012 through 2016. Nicole and her two young children love hiking, playing with their dog Rosie and their cat Squeaker and eating ice cream sundaes!
Tracey Smith, M.S.CCC-SLP
Executive Director of East Alabama
Care Manager & Speech Language Pathologist
The Guide Model Team
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Tracey joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in December 2022 as a Care Manager and Rehab & Discharge Specialist. She is originally from south Alabama and lived in Hoover for 22 years before she made her way home to Lake Martin. She has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Speech Pathology from the University of Montevallo. She has worked with adults for 25 years in acute hospital, outpatient, skilled nursing and home health settings. Tracey was a director of rehab for three years in a skilled nursing setting. While at Montclair Hospital, she helped start and then ran a stroke support group. In her thirteen years in skilled nursing, she helped develop and teach a diabetes program for therapists and nurses. She also started a dementia support group for families of residents and has also served as a Rehab Liaison. Her love of helping people and her medical background led her, in the last three years, to be a rehab liaison for an inpatient rehab hospital helping patients get the rehab they deserved. She has one son who is a college freshman in Orlando at Full Sail University. Tracey enjoys being outdoors and in the water - lake or beach. She enjoys college football, a good fire and making delicious desserts.
Taylor Crane
V.P. of Operations
PAC® Certified Consultant
The Guide Model Team
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Taylor serves as our V.P. of Operations. Taylor joined the LifeCare for Seniors team as a full-time employee in July of 2021. She has worked part-time with LifeCare for Seniors since May 2020. Taylor is a graduate of Samford University where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While at Samford University, she double-majored in Marketing and Management. Taylor has gained great experience in Marketing through internships and special projects that assist her in her role at LifeCare Solutions. Taylor specializes in digital marketing, content creation, client relations, operations management and administrative duties for LifeCare for Seniors. She served as the Secretary for the Medical Social Service Organization of Great Birmingham (MSSO) for the Summer and Fall term of 2021. Taylor also serves as the President of the Junior Board of Alzheimer's of Central Alabama (ACA), representing her team at LifeCare Solutions. She is also a Positive Approach to Care® certified Consultant. Taylor loves spending her free time with her husband, family and friends. She enjoys reading, hiking, going on walks, tennis and playing card games!
Bragan Petry, RN, CRNP
Nurse Care Manager & Assessment Specialist
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Bragan joined LifeCare for Seniors in September of 2021 as a Nurse Care Manager and Assessment Specialist. She is originally from Birmingham and loves living in such a wonderful community and beautiful town. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Vanderbilt University in Human and Organizational Development and Special Education. She continued her education at Vanderbilt University and received a Master's Degree in Nursing. Bragan has a great love for people of all ages and a deeply driven desire to help others.
Bragan began her nursing career as an RN in Intensive Care at Children's Hospital. After a few short years in an RN role, she became the first Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Endocrinology at Children's Hospital of Alabama. She loved working as a nurse practitioner for 15 years in Pediatric Endocrinology. While she has watched the Children's community grow immensely, she is thrilled to now be venturing into the Geriatric field. Over the past 10 years, Bragan has taken a very large role in the Mountain Brook School system. She served as the Mountain Brook Elementary school PTO President and was on the board for 6 years. She went on to be the District PTO President and now serves on the Mountain Brook Foundation Board. She not only serves in leadership roles for the school system, but she also volunteers her time at the school quite often, even substitute teaching on a regular basis. A servant's heart is a wonderful way to describe Bragan. She is actively involved in her church, St. Luke's Episcopal, and served the Junior League of Birmingham for 14 years. Most recently during the Covid-19 Pandemic, she has volunteered her time to several Vaccine Clinics in underserved areas of Alabama. While all of this represents Bragan, God and her family are at the center of it all. She resides in Birmingham with her husband, Banks, their three boys and black lab. Their family enjoys the outdoors, playing games together, good food and fun travels - they are always up for a new adventure.
Care Managers
meet our
Our Care Management and Clinical team have over 300 years of combined experience working with older adults and persons facing complex care challenges. Our team offers a multidisciplinary approach to meeting our clients’ on-going care needs.
Linda Bottoms, RN
Nurse Care Manager
The Guide Model Team
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Tina joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in June 2021 and serves as our Associate Care Manager. She is originally from Meridian, MS and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Tina has had over 22 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has worked in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, acute care and home health care. Her primary emphasis has always been caring for the geriatric population. Tina has had expertise in providing home assessments to ensure that your loved one is safe while living in their own home for as long as possible. Tina and her husband Jeff, have two children and a dog. They enjoy the beach, spending time outdoors and watching their kids play soccer and basketball. They are members of Trinity United Methodist Church where they have taught Sunday School and assisted with vacation bible school.
Tina Gray, OTR/L
Care Manager
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Linda serves as LifeCare for Seniors Lead Nurse Care Manager and Clinical Advocate. She joined our team in 2016 with over 20 plus years of nursing experience. Her primary focus has been case management and in-home nursing. Linda also helped care for her grandmother and other family members. Linda received her Nursing degree at Samford University in 1994 and worked two years in the inpatient setting with ICU and medical-surgical patients. After leaving the in-patient setting, she served as a home-health nurse for Gentiva Home Health Services. She worked in home health for over fifteen years, where she provided direct patient care and supervised LPs, home health aides and other ancillary staff. After leaving Gentiva, Linda served as a Nurse Care Manager for an in-home care provider and was responsible for admission and follow-up assessments for Medicaid, Workman's Compensation and private duty clients. She also led staff orientation and training for caregivers and nurses. Linda received her certification as a Care Manager from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers and was a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Linda and her husband, Steve, live in Birmingham and are very active in their church, Mountaintop Community Church, where they lead various small groups. Steve and Linda volunteer with Raleigh's Place, where they created Katie's Closet in memory of Steve's daughter, Katie. This ministry provides clothes, shoes and various accessories to foster children and families that are in need. Together, Linda and Steve have four children and six grandchildren. Family is very important to them and Linda loves to accompany her grandchildren on field trips and attend sporting events. She's an incredible cook and her Louisiana-roots come through in her amazing Cajun cuisine.
Marsha North, RN, CRNP
Nurse Care Manager
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Marsha joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in August 2022 as a Nurse Care Manager. She was raised in the small town of Ashford, Alabama, but has called Birmingham home since 2014. Nursing is her second career in healthcare with the first being in Health Informatics. Marsha received her BS from Auburn University Montgomery in 2007 and her MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner in 2013. Professional and personal experiences have led Marsha to step away from a strictly clinical practice and take a more personal and holistic role in caring for others in need. During her time as an emergency department (ED) nurse, and later as a nurse practitioner, she learned how to recognize, assess and treat the acute and long-term health problems of the elderly and disabled. Her tenure as an ED Case Manager provided the experience and knowledge needed to assist patients and families after discharge from the hospital. All of her nursing knowledge and work experiences were put to personal use in caring and advocating for her physically disabled mother and her father with dementia. In her spare time, Marsha enjoys traveling with her husband, Matthew, or friends, hiking, reading, trying Birmingham's newest restaurants and gardening. She can also be found listening to music or talk radio while embarking on culinary adventures in her dream kitchen.
Leah Doss, LMSW
Care Manager
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Leah joined LifeCare for Seniors in April 2022. Originally from Boaz, Alabama she has made Birmingham her home since 1997. Leah graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a Master's Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Healthcare. Leah's experience in working with seniors and their families was gained in a variety of settings including assisted living, hospitals, home health and hospice. Personal experience with multiple family members suffering from dementia has provided Leah with compassion and empathy for the unique challenges faced by the aging population and their caregivers. She has a strong desire and dedication to serve her clients by providing positive, meaningful interactions based on their individual needs. Leah is a member at Church on the Highlands, an active participant in the PTF at Briarwood Christian School and has served in various roles and committees throughout the years. She finds her greatest joy spending time with her husband, Logan, and two daughters. She also enjoys cross training, tennis, vacationing at the beach, but can usually be found watching her girls compete on the volleyball court, track and cross country course.
Care Navigator
The Guide Model Team
Caroline Autrey, M.S.CCC-SLP
Care Manager & Speech Language Pathologist
The Guide Model Team
Kate Morgan
Our therapy services focus on one-on-one care tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. Our experienced therapists work closely with individuals to improve their quality of life.
Therapists
meet our
Our therapy team provides private services and is also in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
Liz Klein, LICSW
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Liz is thrilled to join the LifeCare for Seniors team, counseling clients through the inevitable peaks and valleys of their life journeys. Liz comes to us after spending nearly 10 years at UAB as a medical social worker. Her first 7 years were spent working on the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit (ACE), where she fell in love with the field of geriatrics. It was also here that she recognized the importance of educating families on long-term care options outside of the hospital setting.
She transitioned to the Hematology Oncology Clinic in 2022, where she navigated patients through the financial, emotional, and practical barriers that a cancer diagnosis presents. Prior to UAB, Liz worked with various populations including teenagers, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, adults with severe mental illness, and children in the foster care system.
At a young age, Liz started showing interest in connecting with people by accompanying her father, a Rheumatologist, to make house calls to his home bound patients. She volunteered at the Crisis Center of Central Alabama throughout high school and college. She attended Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Distinction in Leadership Studies. She credits the Service Learning program with giving her invaluable skills in community engagement and relationship building with people from different backgrounds.
Liz completed the Master of Social Work program at the University of Alabama. During her free time, she volunteered at Good People Brewing Company, which is where she met her husband Adam. They live in Hoover with their two daughters and a geriatric pitbull named Hobo. She is excited to serve in this new role, providing emotional support to the families of LifeCare for Seniors.
Counselor & Care Manager
The Guide Model Team
Elena Leonard, PT
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Elena Leonard joined the LifeCare for SEniors team in 2021 and serves as an Associate Care Manager. She is originally from Elba, AL. Elena received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition from University of Alabama and then earned a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from University of Alabama at Birmingham. Elena has 21 years of experience in physical rehabilitation of the aging population. Through these years of experience, Elena brings vast insight and expertise to her on-going work in geriatric care. She has worked in Alabama and Georgia and has spent the majority of her career in geriatric settings including assisted living, memory care, long-term care, home health, acute care and outpatient. Elena loves living in Mountain Brook and enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, and their two daughters.
They are involved in Canterbury United Methodist Church. For fun, Elena enjoys traveling, playing tennis and spending time with their two rescue dogs.
Physical Therapist
Tracey Smith, M.S.CCC-SLP
Executive Director of East Alabama
Care Manager & Speech Language Pathologist
The Guide Model Team
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Tracey joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in December 2022 as a Care Manager and Rehab & Discharge Specialist. She is originally from south Alabama and lived in Hoover for 22 years before she made her way home to Lake Martin. She has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Speech Pathology from the University of Montevallo. She has worked with adults for 25 years in acute hospital, outpatient, skilled nursing and home health settings. Tracey was a director of rehab for three years in a skilled nursing setting. While at Montclair Hospital, she helped start and then ran a stroke support group. In her thirteen years in skilled nursing, she helped develop and teach a diabetes program for therapists and nurses. She also started a dementia support group for families of residents and has also served as a Rehab Liaison. Her love of helping people and her medical background led her, in the last three years, to be a rehab liaison for an inpatient rehab hospital helping patients get the rehab they deserved. She has one son who is a college freshman in Orlando at Full Sail University. Tracey enjoys being outdoors and in the water - lake or beach. She enjoys college football, a good fire and making delicious desserts.
meet our
BRIDGE Team
Our BRIDGE team is dedicated to BRIDGING the gap of our client’s non-care related needs! Our BRIDGE team can help with those everyday tasks that have become overwhelming. Our team can help with personal assistant tasks, household management, grab bar installation, senior move services, home safety modifications and more. Our approach is holistic and personalized to each individuals needs!
Abbey Sheehan
BRIDGE Team
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Abbey joined LifeCare for Seniors in January of 2024. Abbey is a graduate of Auburn University with a strong passion for community service and creating meaningful connections. As a dedicated mother of three, she balances family life with a vibrant enthusiasm for new experiences, always seeking ways to foster joy and build lasting memories. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Abbey is an avid explorer of her city, continually discovering its hidden gems and local treasures. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community, volunteering with organizations like Meals on Wheels to support those in need. With a zest for life and a heart for service, Abbey strives to make a positive impact both at home and in her broader community.
Kathy Pope
BRIDGE Team
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Kathy joined the LifeCare for Seniors team in June 2023. Kathy grew up in Homewood and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Elementary Education. Kathy has ten plus years of experience teaching and working with children. She has a love for people of all ages and a desire to help others, especially those that do not have close family and/or friends available to help them.
Kathy and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with four fantastic children and two of the best dogs. Their family enjoys all things outdoors. Kathy especially enjoys hiking, running, playing tennis, and time spent together with family and friends.
Cassie Hall
BRIDGE Team
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Cassie began her rewarding journey with LifeCare for Seniors in September 2024, bringing a deep passion for serving others and an infectious joy that brightens the lives of those around her. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, Cassie offers steadfast support to both her clients and the dedicated individuals providing respite care, fostering a sense of community and trust.
Outside of her professional life, Cassie is a devoted wife and proud mother of three amazing children. She finds balance and fulfillment through activities that bring her joy, including playing tennis, quilting, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Whether enjoying walks in the park with her loyal goldendoodle or sharing moments with friends and family, Cassie’s personal life is filled with love and laughter.
Cassie’s unwavering dedication to both her work and personal life reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on those she encounters, making her a valued and cherished member of the LifeCare for Seniors family.
Kathleen Bunn
BRIDGE Team
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Kathleen joined LifeCare for Seniors in July 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for helping others. As a military child, she grew up moving frequently, which gave her a unique perspective on adaptability and understanding diverse backgrounds. She later attended a small college in Georgia, earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
Her professional journey began with a Christian organization called Campus Outreach, where she worked before marrying her husband, Max. Together, they continued their work with Campus Outreach, strengthening their shared mission to serve and uplift others. In 2012, the family relocated to Birmingham to support Max in his role as a pastor.
In addition to her ministry work, she spent five years as a Wholesale Operations Manager at a local company. Through these experiences, she discovered her true passion: working closely with people and making a positive impact on their lives.
Her commitment to service, both personally and professionally, makes her a valuable and cherished member of the LifeCare for Seniors team.
Adam Klein
BRIDGE Team
Ada McBride
BRIDGE Team
Mary Ann Friday
BRIDGE Team