At Transforming Age, every community is strengthened by leaders who bring compassion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Through our Executive Director Spotlight Series, we’re highlighting the incredible individuals whose leadership helps create places where residents feel at home, families feel supported, and team members feel empowered to make a difference.
This week, we’re proud to feature Calli Cantrell, Executive Director of Carriage Oaks. With a background rooted in healthcare, a heart for service, and a passion for supporting others, Calli brings both experience and authenticity to her role, helping create a community where relationships are at the center of everything.
Calli’s journey into senior living began at an early age.
At just 17 years old, she completed her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification while still in high school. Although she always knew she wanted a career in healthcare, the specific path she envisioned changed several times along the way. One thing remained constant: her desire to help people.
What she didn’t expect was to find her calling in senior living.
“I never imagined myself working with seniors,” Calli says. “But when I started, I knew this is exactly where I was supposed to be.”
That realization set the course for a career dedicated to serving older adults and their families. Over the years, Calli combined her passion for healthcare with her education in social work, developing a leadership style centered on empathy, advocacy, and building meaningful connections.
When she discovered Transforming Age, she immediately felt connected to the organization’s mission and values.
As a social worker by education, the philanthropic approach that guides Transforming Age stood out to her. She saw an opportunity to be part of an organization focused not only on providing quality care but also on enriching lives and strengthening communities.
“I love what Transforming Age stands for,” she says.
Serving as Executive Director allows Calli to make an impact on multiple levels. While resident relationships remain at the heart of her work, she also finds purpose in supporting families and helping team members grow and succeed.
“I love being an Executive Director because it gives me the opportunity to make an impact not only directly with residents, but with team members and family members as well.”
For Calli, leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility.
She believes the values of Transforming Age aren’t demonstrated through grand gestures, but rather through the small moments and daily interactions that shape community life.
“It’s how we speak to one another, how we respond when something goes wrong, whether we follow through on our commitments, and whether people know they can count on us,” she explains.
She strives to model those values every day by being present, approachable, and willing to work alongside her team whenever needed. Her philosophy is simple: great leaders don’t stand on the sidelines. They show up, support others, and help create an environment where everyone feels valued.
That same philosophy defines how Calli views Transforming Age’s Culture of Excellence.
To her, excellence isn’t a destination. It’s a series of everyday choices that build trust, strengthen relationships, and create positive experiences for residents, families, and team members alike.
She wants residents to feel more than comfortable. She wants them to feel truly at home.
“What I want our residents to experience is a true sense of home, where they feel known, respected, safe, and valued as individuals.”
For team members, her goal is equally meaningful.
“I want them to feel that they have a leader who supports them, listens to them, and believes in their ability to make a difference.”
Calli believes that when team members feel appreciated and supported, that positivity naturally extends into the care and service they provide each day.
One of the things she enjoys most about senior living is the opportunity to build relationships with people from all walks of life.
“Everyone has a story,” she says.
She considers it a privilege to learn from residents and hear the experiences that have shaped their lives. Whether discussing a lifelong career, family memories, personal achievements, or life lessons, Calli finds inspiration in the wisdom residents share.
She is equally passionate about supporting frontline team members.
“My philosophy is you don’t always get to choose your regular family, but you do get to choose your work family.”
Having experienced firsthand how impactful supportive leadership can be, she strives to be the kind of leader who encourages, mentors, and advocates for those around her.
“A supportive boss and leader can make all the difference. I like to be that leader for others.”
Outside of Carriage Oaks, Calli enjoys spending quality time with her children and family. Whether she’s practicing yoga, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or tending to her garden, she values activities that allow her to recharge and create meaningful moments with the people she loves.
As residents, families, and team members continue getting to know her, Calli hopes they understand how grateful she is to be part of the Carriage Oaks community.
“I’ve spent much of my career in senior living, and one of the things I value most about this work is the relationships I’ve been fortunate enough to build with residents, families, and team members along the way,” she says.
She believes a great community is about far more than services and amenities. It’s about creating a place where people feel respected, supported, connected, and truly at home.
To that end, she wants everyone to know her door is always open.
“I genuinely value your thoughts, questions, ideas, and feedback.”
Whether she’s connecting with residents, supporting families, or collaborating with team members, Calli approaches every interaction with a spirit of service and a commitment to helping others thrive.
Most importantly, she wants people to know why she does this work.
“I’m here because I care about people.”
That simple but powerful statement reflects the heart of her leadership and the culture she continues to foster at Carriage Oaks every day.
Visit Carriage Oaks
The best way to experience Carriage Oaks is to see the community for yourself. We invite you to meet Calli and the team, explore the community, and discover the welcoming environment that residents and families are proud to call home.
Whether you’re exploring senior living options for yourself, helping a loved one navigate their next chapter, or simply looking to learn more about life at Carriage Oaks, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Discover a community built on meaningful relationships, compassionate care, and a commitment to helping every resident live with purpose, dignity, and connection.
Community Website: Click Here
Phone: 331-272-2660
Address: 1500 South 14th Street, St. Charles, IL 60174
Living Options Available:
Schedule a tour today and discover how Carriage Oaks is creating a place where residents, families, and team members feel supported, valued, and truly at home.