Meet The Team | Senior Helpers of Chattanooga
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Serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
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Serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
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Meet the Chattanooga Office

More than 90% of seniors want to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting.  At Senior Helpers Chattanooga we believe getting the best care for your loved ones should not be complicated.  We are committed to delivering the best possible in-home care to seniors in the Chattanooga community.

We take in-home care very seriously and make it a priority to provide the highest level of client service possible.  Over the past years we have built an exceptional team of care professionals, each committed to remaining at the forefront of the in-home care industry through our proprietary ongoing training and education programs.

The Senior Helpers Guarantee is what sets us apart from other Home Care Agencies

Our process and what we cover at the complimentary assessment includes discussing your loved one’s needs, our services, and determining what is best for your entire family – TOGETHER.

The first step in the process is a complimentary, initial in-home care assessment. The assessment helps you identify the true needs of your loved one and understand your options. We will discuss your family’s goals, your loved one’s specific daily plan and schedule, pricing and payment methods, implementation process, on-going communication, and follow-up plan.

Our commitment of never having a stranger at your door ensures a proper introduction and review of the care plan will always be made by one of our office staff.

In our experience, one of the most difficult aspects of being the client of a home care agency is having caregivers show up at your home without being properly introduced or prepared, or in the case of having a substitute, not getting advance notification of a change – then dealing with a poorly prepared fill-in that can’t provide appropriate care.

Our caregivers are supervised employees, not independent contractors which means Senior Helpers is professional, safe, and reliable home care services for your loved ones.

Senior Helpers pays our caregivers taxes, provides unemployment insurance and workers compensation; performs full background and reference checks and ensures the caregivers are bonded and insured. Senior Helpers also test caregiving skills, verify credentials, and reviews driver license history for safety.

Senior Helpers also provides the BEST Benefits program in the industry to our caregivers!

Senior Helpers of Chattanooga also offers all our caregivers the opportunity to attend Gateway Achievement, our Certified Nursing Assistant School. Through this program we are preparing students to take the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam with the state of Tennessee. Our programs include residential one on one training and a blended program which allows you to do your classroom learning remotely. 

Our Nurse on staff provides oversight and skilled knowledge that ensures quality care by a fully trained caregiver.

Senior Helpers of Greater Chattanooga employs Registered Nurse oversight training to ensure that all caregivers that join our team are fully equipped to provide the best quality care available.

Affordable options with local partnerships offer your family financial support to get care when care is needed.

As you start to explore the full continuum of care options for your loved one, it becomes obvious that elder care can be costly. We have the experience, certification, knowledge, and local partners to assist you in Veterans Administration benefits as well as assistance in navigating your Long-Term Care policies.

Meet the Chattanooga & Cleveland TN Team

Laura & Tim Palenkas

Laura & Tim Palenkas

Owners

Prior to working in the senior care industry, Laura was in marketing and merchandising for 21 years in Knoxville, TN. She also served on the boards of the Salvation Army and Children’s Hospital of East TN. Tim was self-employed as a general contractor building homes in Maryville, Alcoa, Kingston, and Knoxville, TN. They have two married daughters and have been blessed with two granddaughters. The experience they bring from their former careers along with their passion to help seniors get the support, dignity, and respect they deserve, led them to Senior Helpers. They have experienced first-hand the stress and burden a family experience when having to care for elderly parents who are no longer completely independent, while facing the challenges of everyday life.

Cody Stone

Cody Stone

Executive Director

Cody is a lifelong resident of East TN.  He attended Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN where he graduated with a Degree in Business Administration and played Basketball for 4 years.  He met his wife there in 2003 and they went on to get married in 2008.  They have since been blessed with two wonderful daughters, Ella and Harper.  Cody spent 14 years in Corporate America but decided in 2023 it was time to chart a new career course that could provide more purpose and create a stronger impact in the community.  It has been a wonderful decision and providing quality care for Seniors and their families continues to be our mission!

Ashley Muse

Ashley Muse

Director of Operations

Ashley Muse brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, having served in a variety of administrative and leadership roles across hospice, home health, and personal care services. Born and raised in the Chattanooga/North Georgia area, she is deeply connected to the community she serves. Ashley is passionate about being a trusted resource for individuals and families as they navigate senior care and explore options for aging in place. With a heart for education, advocacy, and service, she is committed to connecting people with the support they need. Ashley’s love for Jesus guides her compassion and purpose in both her personal and professional life. In her free time, she enjoys the company of her beloved dogs and embracing the simple joys of life.

Kevin Murdock

Kevin Murdock

Business Development Director

With over 25 years of experience in sales and customer engagement, Kevin has built a rewarding career in industries including education and senior living, engaging and helping families find solutions tailored to their needs. His passion for building relationships and generating enthusiasm around the products he represents has always set him apart. Beyond his professional life, Kevin served as a volunteer Outreach Director at Two Rivers Church in Ooltewah, his local church, a role that deepened his commitment to community service and making a positive impact. He continues to seek opportunities where he can inspire others, lead with purpose, and contribute to meaningful work.

Mia Pompey

Mia Pompey

Client & Care Team Manager

Mia was raised in Upstate New York. She moved to Bradenton FL in 2008 with her family. Mia recently had to move to TN in May of 2022 to help care for her mother who suffers from MS, and that started her journey in the world of caregiving. Mia has 3 children Jalen, Brianna, and Sidney, along with 2 grandsons. She has worked serving people in the community for over 20yrs. Mia has always had a passion for helping people and has finally been blessed with a position that she can finally not just work in her purpose, but now in a way that brings joy to the seniors she’s come to love so much!

Kenneshia Tibbs

Kenneshia Tibbs

Care Coordinator

Kenneshia was born and raised in Cleveland TN and had 3 children Jovohntae, Jasia and JR. Keneshia loves going to church, singing, camping, spending time with family and friends. She specifically enjoys going on roadtrips. She has a Criminal Justice degree and majors in Human Services with over 20 years in the caring field. She started her journey in the caring field after her grandmothers were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She later became a victims advocate to help survivors find their voice to prevent family violence. She loves greeting and meeting new people and never meets a stranger. She is excited about what the future holds in working with Senior helpers and feels blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference by bringing joy to our clients and their families.

Tiffany Woods

Tiffany Woods

Care Coordinator

Tiffany Woods is a Certified Nursing Assistant and Care Coordinator with 20 years of experience. She loves caring for others. Tiffany is a certified nurse assistant and care coordinator with a strong commitment to compassionate, patient centered care. She brings hands on experience in both clinical and home care settings, Tiffany helped patients navigate their health journeys by coordinating services, supporting families, and ensuring consistent quality care. Tiffany is known for being very attentive, organized, and calm under pressure. She brings empathy and efficiency to every interaction. She thrives in roles that require both human connection and detailed planning. She has been blessed with a supportive husband, and a daughter named Destanee. She loves reading and kayaking.

Amy DeWind

Amy DeWind

Human Resources & Office Coordinator

Amy is our HR/Office Coordinator at the Chattanooga Senior Helpers location. She joined Senior Helpers so she could make a difference in the lives of our VA clients and the large senior community in Chattanooga.  She has lived in Ooltewah for over 30 years after moving here to attend college.  She is married to Troy and has two amazing kids, Caleb and Caroline.  She not only takes care of our office, but she is also a caregiver to her parents, who are seniors.  When she’s not taking care of others, she enjoys reading and playing pickleball with friends. 

Beth Ford, RN, MS

Beth Ford, RN, MS

Director of Education & VA Liaison

Beth moved from East Pointe, MI to Maryville TN 30 years ago, and has never looked back.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Masters in Counseling from the University of Tennessee.  She has been a certified case manager since 2016 and has also worked in hospitals, surgery, home health and renal care.  Beth joined the team because she loves working with seniors.  Beth is responsible for both CNA schools and training at Senior Helpers, along with being the VA specialist in the group.  She enjoys spending time with her husband Keith and their son Nathan.

Susan Vieira

Susan Vieira

Human Resource & Senior Advocacy Specialist

Susan is a middle Tennessee native, having grown up in Nashville. She attended the University of Tennessee where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Susan has worked in the senior industry for 20 years. Susan serves on the boards of the Senior Information and Referral Service, and CADES Adult Day Program. She has been an active volunteer for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Caring Hearts, and the Office on Aging. Susan is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. In 2020 Susan was named the Snowflake Ball Queen setting a record for the most money raised in the 12-year history benefiting the Senior Companion Program. Susan is married to Scott and has a son Harrison. In her spare time, she enjoys her two labradoodles Knox and Ribbie. She also enjoys watching her son play baseball and working out.

Samantha King

Samantha King

Human Resources & Offfice Coordinator

Samantha brings over 23 years of experience in the healthcare field, beginning her career in a pediatric dental office before transitioning into senior care. She joined Senior Helpers in April 2025 as a caregiver and, with her dedication and leadership, stepped into the role of Human Resource & Office Coordinator just a few months later in July 2025. Samantha is passionate about supporting both clients and staff, ensuring that everyone feels valued, heard, and cared for. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three grandsons, hiking, and being near the ocean. She lives by the philosophy: Every day is a to learn, grow, and show up better than yesterday.

Kind Words from a Happy Client Family

Kind Words from a Happy Client Family

"Look at this picture. 

Praise the Lord. This is today. They had her hair done, nails done, lipstick on, watching Hallmark channel with her caregivers when I got there. Hasn't cared to even turn on tv in 3 months. Rob & Ashley sent her peanut butter pie for dessert. She's looking forward to trying it. Been successfully practicing getting in and out of shower. Look at the smile. This day made it worth it all. She's a survivor. Thanks to everyone for extra care while I was gone, and you at Senior Helpers, and Christy. She's come so far in just two weeks after 3 months down. She's happy to be home."

- Connie W. (Client's Family Member)

Our process

Our process

The first step in the process is a complimentary, initial in-home care assessment with a Senior Helpers consultant.  This assessment can help you understand the true needs of your loved one, and your options. Together we can discuss their needs, our senior care services and determine what’s best for your entire family.

We will cover:

  • Your family's specific goals
  • Your loved one's daily plan design and schedule
  • Pricing and payment methods
  •  Implementation process
  • Ongoing communication and follow-up plan

Areas We Serve

Senior Helpers Chattanooga provides a full range of senior home care services for you or your loved one—from companionship and housework help, to more complex care services, including disease management, Live-In and 24-hour care services.

Senior Helpers Chattanooga serves the cities and towns of: