Our Team
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The CareFirst Difference
David Jernigan
President
CareFirst was founded by David Jernigan, a Birmingham native. In 2000, David started CareFirst Home Health and Hospice, which is now St. Vincents’ Home Health. Understanding the need for care beyond the home health option, David founded CareFirst. CareFirst is comprised of caring, compassionate staff who will strive to keep your loved one in their security and familiarity of home. CareFirst offers supportive services, personalized assistance and health care designed to help with activities of daily living.
We only hire qualified, experienced caregivers, selecting them personally so your loved one receives the best possible care. Since 2000 we have served Jefferson County and the greater Birmingham area with excellence in home care. Our selection and training process is stringent. We go through these processes to ensure the best care for your loved one:
- We qualify staff by drug screens, background checks, interviews and references
- We train our staff through courses set forth by the State of Alabama
- Our staff are trained by a Nurse Manager, and monitored by our professional management staff
- Our staff is trained in Alzheimer and dementia care
CareFirst was founded by David Jernigan, a Birmingham native. In 2000, David started CareFirst Home Health and Hospice, which is now St. Vincents’ Home Health. Understanding the need for care beyond the home health option, David founded CareFirst. CareFirst is comprised of caring, compassionate staff who will strive to keep your loved one in their security and familiarity of home. CareFirst offers supportive services, personalized assistance and health care designed to help with activities of daily living.
We only hire qualified, experienced caregivers, selecting them personally so your loved one receives the best possible care. Since 2000 we have served Jefferson County and the greater Birmingham area with excellence in home care. Our selection and training process is stringent. We go through these processes to ensure the best care for your loved one:
- We qualify staff by drug screens, background checks, interviews and references
- We train our staff through courses set forth by the State of Alabama
- Our staff are trained by a Nurse Manager, and monitored by our professional management staff
- Our staff is trained in Alzheimer and dementia care
Susan Bertani
Director
Susan Bertani joined the CareFirst team in September 2017. In her position as Director, she manages the day to day operations and enjoys working closely with the wonderful caregivers and clients. Prior to working at CareFirst, Susan was in the advertising sales and public relations industry. “My passion has always been to be of service to others. At CareFirst, our goal is to provide the best care for our clients. We strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients and their family members by easing the burden through outstanding patient care.”
Susan stays involved in her community as a volunteer/board member of a local food pantry and as a ministry leader with the angel tree program at her church. She and her husband are both originally from Chattanooga, TN and have lived in the Birmingham area for over 25 years. They have one son who they have enjoyed watching play football throughout his youth and into his college years. In her spare time, Susan enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and their three dogs.
Katie Taylor, RN
Nurse Manager
Katie joined the CareFirst team as a nurse caregiver in August of 2019 and transitioned to the role of nurse manager in July of 2021. Her duties as nurse manager include training new caregivers, assisting in the recruitment and training of nurses, and brainstorming with our president and director to implement changes in our Private Duty Nursing program. She still enjoys her work as a nurse caregiver when she is not in the office and feels blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to both roles.
Before joining the CareFirst team, Katie was a NICU nurse of 10 years. She also has cardiac nursing experience and was even a CNA while finishing up nursing school. “I feel that my work as a CNA in a long-term care facility coupled with my NICU nursing experience puts me in a “full circle” position, as we care for pediatric clients with long term medical needs.” Katie is a 2005 graduate of Winfield City High School and received an Associate Degree of Nursing from Itawamba Community College in 2008.
Katie and her husband, Jason, are originally from Winfield. In their off time, they love spending time with their two girls, especially when outdoor adventures are involved! Their family enjoys kayaking, hiking, and geocaching. Katie is a homeschool teacher and co-op parent for her younger daughter. When it’s time to unplug and unwind, Katie’s favorite hobby is crocheting all kinds of yarn creations for her friends and family.
Iris Bennett
Staffing Office Assistant
Iris Bennett is the staffing assistant and has been with CareFirst since May 2003. She has developed many meaningful relationships over the years with the people she has worked with and has been a true asset to our company. She enjoys speaking with our wonderful clients and caregivers while assisting the staffing office with scheduling.
Iris also oversees the continuing education program and works with our after-hours team. When Iris is away from work, she enjoys listening to music, watching movies, spending time with her family, especially her precious great niece, Adrienne.
Crystal Harris
Billing/Payroll Coordinator
Crystal joined CareFirst in August of 2021 as the billing/payroll administrator.
She has over 20 years’ experience in this area. Her responsibilities include billing, payroll, and accounts payable.
She and her husband have been married for 18 years. They enjoy traveling, fishing, and spending time with family.
Crystal loves working at a faith forward company that makes such a positive impact on so many people’s daily lives.
Brandi Sandlin
Staffing Coordinator
Brandi Sandlin is the Staffing Coordinator for CareFirst, joining the team in March of 2017. Her responsibilities include scheduling, daily communications with caregivers and clients, and the hiring and orientation of our caregivers. She has 11 years of experience as a CNA and has been in Patient Care Management for over 9 years. As a team member of CareFirst, she enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. “It is our purpose to show God’s love through what we do no matter how big or small it may be.” In Brandi’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and going on walks with her dog.
Katie Parker
Nurse
Katie Parker is a Nurse for Choice Home Care.
Why Choose CareFirst?
Dependable
We provide prompt, reliable professional caregivers to meet the individual needs of your loved one.
Responsive
At CareFirst we pride ourselves in listening first then quickly responding to your needs.
Experienced
CareFirst caregivers are trained by an in-house nurse manager. In addition, we meet or exceed the training standards set forth by the State of Alabama and The Office of Senior Citizens.
Bonded & Insured
As an added protection for our clients, all of our employees are fully covered for liability while on the job.
24-Hours Availability
Someone is on call 24 hours. Speak to a live person and get immediate results–not an answering machine!
Drug Screening
Drug screens are performed initially, and also throughout the year. In addition to background checks, we check for any abuse history, fraud, and sex offense.
Background Checks
As a condition of employment, caregivers consent to a criminal background check. They must maintain an offense-free record to be employed by CareFirst.
Alzheimer's Specialists
CareFirst caregivers have access to the best, high quality training program which includes Alzheimer's and Dementia Training recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. The employee training and monthly continuing education program is managed by our supportive and knowledgeable nurse manager. In addition, our caregivers are experienced in dealing with dementia patients. Applied knowledge equals experience, and our goal is to bring peace of mind to family members who are impacted by this disease.
Providing Excellent Healthcare is Our Mission
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Our Home Service Areas
Did you know we serve not only the city of Birmingham, AL but also the surrounding area? Here’s a complete list of all the areas in which we currently provide senior home care:
- Fultondale, AL
- Gardendale, AL
- Leeds, AL
- Moody, AL
- McCalla, AL
- Pinson, AL
- Liberty Park, AL
- Pelham, AL
- Chelsea, AL
- Homewood, AL
- North Shelby County, AL
- Hwy 280 Area
- Birmingham, AL
- Vestavia Hills, AL
- Mountain Brook, AL
- Bessemer, AL
- Irondale, AL
- Hoover, AL
- Helena, AL
- Trussville, AL
- Alabaster, AL
- Cahaba Heights, AL
- Birmingham Metro Area
