Dr. Alexis Chettiar, CEO and Co-Founder
Dr. Alexis Chettiar is a clinician, program builder, data scientist, and passionate advocate for vulnerable populations. Dr. Chettiar is the CEO and co-founder of Cardea Health, and a medical director for Project Roomkey/Homekey. She has extensive experience with safety net services and community-based care, particularly integrated medical/social programs such as PACE, HCBA, and other Medi-Cal waiver programs. While at Center for Elders’ Independence, Dr. Chettiar built a Medi-Cal waiver program which successfully supported a large population of institutionally-frail individuals in remaining at home. Many of the beneficiaries of this program required long-term ventilators and feeding tubes, but were able to thrive at home with the support of in-home caregiving teams. Dr. Chettiar has dedicated her professional live to creating programs that provide high-value care for individuals with complex, chronic illness and improve care for underserved populations. This is apparent in her current work with the Project Roomkey/Homekey where she oversees clinical services for medically-frail unsheltered individuals. Outside of work, Alexis loves bicycle travel and gardening. She recently rode a triplet (3-seat tandem) from Oregon to Montana with her teenage sons and hopes to ride the rest of the way across the country before her kids leave the nest.
Catherine Hayes, MPH, FNP. President and Co-Founder
Catherine Hayes has dedicated her professional life to bringing quality healthcare and services to marginalized populations. After serving for seven years as an officer in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, Catherine transitioned to a career in emergency humanitarian aid working overseas with populations affected by war and political instability. In 2014 Catherine began working with homeless populations in Boston, Massachusetts and has since become a clinical and programmatic expert in homeless health care. In 2020 Catherine assumed the role of co-medical director of the Alameda County Healthcare for the Homeless Project Roomkey initiative and in 2021 became the co-founder and president of Cardea Health, after observing the need for creative and sustainable approaches for healthcare delivery within the homeless population. Catherine is driven by the belief that healthcare and shelter are basic human rights, and that communities can’t thrive until the most vulnerable are protected. When she’s not fighting for social justice, Catherine can be found hiking, skiing, camping, and exploring the California beaches with her husband and two young children.