Two Gen Z caregivers work alongside their mothers in the same community.
Danville, Ky. — February 2, 2026- As many industries struggle to attract young workers, a different story is unfolding in Danville. At Morning Pointe of Danville Assisted Living, members of Generation Z are choosing caregiving over more conventional career paths — and doing so alongside their mothers.
Two mother–daughter teams are helping drive that trend: Kristen McCollum and her daughter, Ava Whittaker, and Ashley Grubbs and her daughter, Lexi, who all work together at the community.
Kristen has served as Campus Community Relations Director for one year, guiding families through the senior living journey. Five months ago, she referred Ava, who now works as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing hands-on care and building close relationships with residents.
Ava graduated high school in 2025 and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification through a program at Garrard County High School. She currently attends Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Danville, where she is studying radiography. Despite having multiple career paths ahead of her, Ava says working with seniors feels meaningful.
Her interest in senior living was sparked after attending a family night at Morning Pointe with her mom and siblings last August. Meeting residents and watching her mother interact with them left a lasting impression and inspired her to apply.
Although Kristen works days and Ava typically works evenings, their schedules occasionally overlap. Residents often ask Kristen if Ava is working, and families have shared praise for the compassionate care Ava provides.
“There’s nothing like seeing your child care for others with such kindness,” Kristen shared. “When I see Ava interacting with the residents, I feel immense pride.”
They often laugh about a moment from years ago, when Ava — passing the building as a child — told her mom, “When you’re older, you can live there.” Today, the comment feels full circle, as they now work together caring for others.
Ashley Grubbs has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the community for nearly a year. Her daughter, Lexi, recently joined the team as a Resident Assistant. Lexi says watching her mother’s dedication — along with hearing residents’ life stories — inspired her to follow in her footsteps.
When their schedules align, Ashley and Lexi cherish the opportunity to work side by side, supporting one another while caring for residents together.
For these young caregivers, senior living is not a fallback career — it is a purposeful choice shaped by example, connection, and compassion.
“Every role here matters,” Kristen reflected. “From the first phone call a family makes to the care residents receive every day, we’re all part of something bigger. Caring for seniors isn’t just a job — it’s a calling.”
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
