Catie Chain, AHA
Catie Chain, AHA, is a dedicated Nursing Home Administrator in Training at Cavalier Healthcare Inc., with a strong focus on senior living management and resident care. A licensed Assisted Living and Specialty Care Administrator in Alabama, Catie brings progressive leadership experience in resident engagement, regulatory compliance, staff management, and operational oversight. She is passionate about fostering strong community cultures and ensuring excellence in care delivery, taking a hands-on approach to support both residents and staff in senior living communities.
Catie’s career in healthcare administration has been marked by rapid growth and diverse experiences. Prior to her current role, she served as Independent Living Community Director at St. Martin's in the Pines and held positions at Galleria Woods Senior Living, where she advanced from Activities Assistant to Community Life Coordinator. Her background also includes administrative support roles, which helped her develop a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations and the importance of compassionate, resident-centered care.
A proud alumna of Samford University, Catie studied Healthcare Administration and Public Health, participating in multiple honors societies and leadership organizations, including Alpha Lambda Delta and Upsilon Phi Delta, where she served as President and Vice-President. Recognized as both a Crossland and Davis Scholar, she is committed to servant leadership and continually seeks innovative ways to enhance senior health outcomes while supporting the professional growth of her team.
• Category II Assisted Living/Specialty Care Assisted Living Administrator
• Samford University
• Crossland Scholar
• Alabama Association Healthcare Executives
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute my success to the residents I’ve had the opportunity to serve — they’ve teach me more about patience, grace, and purpose than anyone else; their stories and constant resilience remind me every day why I love and continue to choose this field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to stay teachable. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always something to learn from the people around you. This is especially in senior care, where residents and staff teach you something new every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I’d tell them to lead with confidence and compassion. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and take initiative - even when you’re the youngest in the room. This field needs strong, empathetic voices who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to lead and drive change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Staffing is definitely one of the biggest challenges right now, but I also see it as an opportunity. It’s pushing us to rethink how we lead, support, and motivate our teams so we can create stronger, more connected communities for our residents.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value honesty, accountability, respect, and compassion. I think those values build the foundation for trust - both with residents and with your team. In senior care, people can feel when your intentions are genuine, and leading with those values keeps the focus where it belongs: on the people and the purpose behind what we do.