
Meet Our Team
We believe every family in the area deserves tailor made in-home senior care with a compassionate touch. That's why we established Home Instead® of Meridian, MS.
Proudly Serving Aging Adults & Their Families
Our Promise
- Do what we say we’re going to do – each and every time
- Solve care problems using compassionate, person-centered solutions
- Engage in thoughtful relationships with the families we serve
- Give back to our community

Ben Shirley, Co-Owner
Meridian native Ben Shirley works as a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Baptist Anderson Medical Center. He has received his doctorate of health administration from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Ben chose Home Instead because he knows his community has a great need for in-home care and is dedicated to the mission of bringing great care to his community. Outside of work, Ben enjoys time outside with his wife and four kids.

Charrisa Shirley, Co-Owner
Charrisa Shirley is married to Ben Shirley and they have 4 beautiful children ; Aslan, Owen, Jena Marie, and Macy. She was born and raised in Meridian. Charrisa is very involved in the community in which she serves in many capacities. Charrisa and Ben opened the Meridian Home Instead franchise in 2017 after they saw that Meridian needed an outlet for aging seniors. She strives to make everyone feel loved and appreciated.

Kim Yudt, Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator
Kim Yudt is a Meridian native and is married to Bob Yudt. Together they have 4 children; Chandler(Lauren), Taylor(Henry), Parker(Ashley) and Abby, along with 4 granddaughters. They are members of Northcrest Baptist Church where they are very involved in the children/youth departments, as well as, missions.
Kim handles all aspects of hiring and orientation for our CAREGivers.

Sarah Allison, Home Care Consultant
Sarah moved to Meridian in 2004 when her dad was transfered to NAS Meridian. She is an active member of FBC Meridian.
Sarah began her career with HISC February 2018 as a CAREGiver and moved into a keyplayer position in 2019. Sarah brings her enthusiasm to learn and dig into the culture of Home Instead to our team. Sarah has held several positions as a keyplayer.

Tami McManus Draughon, Schedule Coordinator
Tami is married to Jackie. They have five children and 8 grandchildren. She has owned her own business and has experience in healthcare and scheduling. Tami brings her multi-task skills to the table and works eagerly to keep our caregivers scheduled to meet their availability and keep our clients safe and confident in our services and their caregiver.

Claire Buchanan- Long Term Care Insurnace
Claire lives in Collinsville, MS with her husband, Wayne and two sons, Brooks and Mason. She has been a dental hygienist for 19 years. She is a member of FBC Collinsville for over 25 years. Claire cherishes her family and friends and long story short, its just her heart. Claire is our Long Term Care/VA Insurance Policy Coordinator. Claire brings so much joy to our team.

Katelyn Lundy- Caregiver Engagement Coordinator
Katelyn is married to Ashton and is a native of the Southeast community in Meridian, MS. She is a mother of twins. Katelyn has brought her skill from a busy medical clinic where she was the patient service representative.

Christy Simpson, RN
Christy is a registered nurse and performs our quality assurance visits with our clients. Christy is married to Ben and has five children. Christy works hand and hand with our caregivers to make sure our clients are safe and healthy.

Jimmie Faye Wall
Jimmie Faye comes to Home Instead after retiring from The Meridian Orthopedic Clinic. Ms. Jimmie Faye has 3 daughters and 7 grandkids. She is the voice of Home Instead.
Our Team
Your Home Instead team in Meridian, MS possesses a heartfelt desire to work with seniors in the community. It is our ultimate goal to forge extraordinary relationships between our clients and their Care Professionals.
When you are ready for help, our caring staff is on call to quickly answer your questions and accommodate your senior services needs.
