Meet the Team
Jim Mathews
Executive Director
An LSU graduate with both a B.S. in Administration and an MBA, Jim brings more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience, including roles in skilled nursing, senior living, and behavioral health. At The Carrollton, he is dedicated to delivering a resident-centered experience and strengthening community connections through involvement with local and state associations. He is a proud board member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi/Louisiana Assisted Living Association, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Jim lives in Mandeville with his wife and three children, where they enjoy family life and community activities at Beau Chene Country Club.
Rachel Whitney
Director of Resident Care Services
With over 26 years of nursing experience, Rachel is a beacon of expertise and compassion in the healthcare field. As a certified dementia practitioner, she excels in geriatrics, hospice care, home health, medical-surgical nursing, primary care, and senior living. Rachel’s true passion lies in working with seniors, where she finds immense joy in bringing love, compassion, and happiness to their lives. Outside of her professional life, Rachel cherishes moments with her family and enjoys diving into the pages of a good book.
Candice Carpenter
Sales and Marketing Leader | Strategic Consultant | Advocate for Senior Care
Candice Carpenter is an experienced sales and marketing professional with nearly 20 years of expertise in building and managing client relationships across healthcare, senior living, and hospice care sectors. Holding a B.S. in Social Work from Southern University A&M College, Candice is passionate about serving as a trusted advisor to adult children, healthcare professionals, and seniors. Her career is dedicated to delivering customer-centric solutions that not only drive business success but also make a meaningful impact in the community.
Jennifer Blue
Sales and Marketing Leader | Strategic Consultant | Advocate for Senior Care
Originally from California, Jennifer Blue has proudly made New Orleans her home. With over 10 years of experience in senior care, she brings a deep commitment to supporting older adults and enhancing their quality of life. Jennifer is passionate about helping seniors live healthier, happier lives, and she combines her senior industry knowledge with a warm, compassionate approach that strengthens relationships with families, caregivers, and community partners. Her dedication to service and advocacy continues to guide her work and positively impact the lives of the seniors she serves.
Maxine Pittman
Chef
Meet Chef Maxine Pittman, our Dietary Manager at The Carrollton. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Maxine’s deep-rooted passion for cooking is matched only by her dedication to serving older adults. She is committed to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create nutritious and delicious meals, making dining at The Carrollton a truly special experience. Maxine’s culinary expertise and love for her craft ensure that every meal is crafted with care, bringing comfort and joy to our residents.
Dinah James
Life Enrichment Director
Dinah James brings several years of experience enriching the lives of seniors through engagement, wellness, and meaningful programming. After serving as The Carrollton’s Activity Assistant and driver, she stepped into the Life Enrichment Director role, where she leads resident‑focused programs that inspire joy, connection, and purpose. Dinah is passionate about creating experiences that brighten each day and believes in the power of thoughtful, person‑centered activities. Her enthusiasm and commitment help make The Carrollton a warm, vibrant community where residents can thrive.
Miguel Fabre
Maintenance Director
Miguel Fabre has over 30 years of experience in electrical and maintenance. He ensures that The Carrollton is always running smoothly. Miguel is a New Orleans native and is dedicated to making The Carrollton the best it can be for our residents.
Renea Verrett
Human Resources
Renea Verett has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations. She is a results-focused leader on a mission to maximize The Carrollton’s most valuable assets—our people. Her talent acquisition, retention and motivation solutions drive our team to new heights.
Steve Sharai
Business Office Manager
Steve Sharai has over 40 years of facility manager experience. He is born and raised in New Orleans and is excited to be a part of The Carrollton team. Steve enjoys engaging in heartwarming conversations with residents and soaking in their captivating stories.