Shelby Chattin, maintenance director at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Chattanooga, never expected to be in the role she is now, but she has found at Morning Pointe Senior Living a place to grow and find a fulfilling career.
Morning Pointe’s only female maintenance director, Shelby started with the company as a housekeeper at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley in Walker County, Georgia, in January 2024. She enjoyed her job and the location close to her home, but she had an interest in doing maintenance work.
“I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on, and I enjoy challenging myself,” she shared. “I suggested to the maintenance director at Happy Valley, ‘If you ever need a maintenance assistant, let me know.’”
Shelby is no stranger to hard work. Her background includes a variety of jobs, including working as a waitress, working for a construction company, working at a warehouse and even some electrical work. She has done woodworking for fun since high school.
John Hempel, facility services director for Morning Pointe’s Lookout Region in the wider Chattanooga area, heard about Shelby’s interest in maintenance, and around the same time, the maintenance director position at The Lantern at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga became available. “He said, ‘Why be an assistant when you can be a director?’”
“Shelby is very dependable and has a strong work ethic,” said John. “She is knowledgeable in the fields of plumbing, painting, construction and light electrical. She is not afraid of heights and hanging Christmas lights and is always ready to learn new things, but most of all, she loves her residents.”
Shelby started as maintenance director at The Lantern in June 2024. “I like being hands-on with work that is needed, and the joy of seeing the residents happy when I can fix something for them. I enjoy helping them with the simple, little things.”
That might include changing a light bulb, fixing a shelf, or hanging a picture frame. It also includes driving residents to doctors’ appointments, as well as helping them on and off the bus for these trips. The residents have even complimented Shelby on her gentleness during this process. “Always showing that you care is very important for the residents,” she said.
“Every day is different – you never know who’s going to need something fixed,” Shelby added. “This is not something that I ever thought of doing, but I like this company because you are able to grow.”
