Beth Joachim
Executive Director
I can proudly say that I have been a Registered Nurse for30+ years. Wow, that is a long time! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey University in 1991.
Fortunately, I have had the privilege and opportunity to serve in several different nursing roles over the past 30 years and the experiences have formed the nurse I am today. My passion has always been directed toward the senior population, especially those with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, and the various forms of dementia.
After many years of experience, I realized my heart was in long-term care and I accepted a position as the Executive Director of an Assisted Living and Memory Care facility in Gulfport MS. Working in that capacity, I was able to care for seniors in a 24-hour a day setting, intervening, and reducing their hospitalizations. While in that position, I am proud to say I started the first Greenhouse Alzheimer’s Unit in the State of Mississippi, where I became Eden Certified.
I was then blessed with the most rewarding position I have ever experienced, Executive Director of Lighthouse. Ocean Springs has always been my home and to be able to care for and serve the seniors in my hometown, is my dream come true.
Currently, I am a graduate student pursuing my Master of Science in Nursing as a PMHNP. I plan to use the knowledge I gain as a psychiatric mental health Nurse Practitioner to care for our seniors in a more cost-effective manner, reaching them where they are and truly listening to their needs. I don’t want to just treat the acute illness but also address the long-term, chronic illnesses, by promoting health and prevention of disease. I know I can make a difference!
On a personal note, I have been happily married to Craig, my college sweetheart for 31 years. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outside, exercising, and walking on the beach; but the time spent with my family is what I treasure the most.
Mason Joachim
Assistant Executive Director
My name is Mason Joachim. I have worked at Lighthouse for 5 years in many different positions. I started off as a caregiver and worked my way up. I have my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in Public Health Policy and Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. I have had the pleasure to not only watch Lighthouse grow as a community, but be a part of it as well.
Morgan Joachim
Chief Nursing Executive
A native of Ocean Springs MS I have always had a passion for caring for and pouring back into the community that raised me. This love of the coast made my decision clear as to where I would pursue nursing school, the University of Southern Mississippi. As a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi (2022) with a Bachelors of Nursing Science, I then began my career in intensive care nursing, gaining valuable experience both locally and across the country. During this time, I obtained multiple clinical certifications and developed a deep appreciation for the role quality leadership and how it plays in shaping staff experience and patient outcomes.
Having worked under both strong leadership and poor leadership, I was inspired to pursue a management philosophy rooted in holistic leadership, root cause analysis, and proactive risk management—all with the goal of supporting frontline staff and ensuring the best possible care for residents.
Now proudly serving on the Gulf Coast, I have returned to my first love: caring for the elders of our local community. I am currently furthering my commitment to healthcare leadership by pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration at LSU.
With a clear vision, compassionate heart, and evidence-based approach, I strive every day to elevate nursing practice and improve the well-being of both staff and residents.
Michelle McMillian
Director of Nursing
(bio coming soon)
John Bond
Dietary Director
I was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Growing up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi my mom and grandmother were major influences on my love for cooking and wanting to keep people fed and happy with my dishes which in turn sparked my interest into going into the Culinary world. Working in the casinos I got to experience people from different walks of life which furthered my interest in different culture’s cuisines. Beside cooking I have a passion for traveling and trying new foods and dishes. I currently reside in Vancleave, Mississippi with my four dogs who are rescues.
Chelsea Bates
Activities Director
I am originally from Mobile, Alabama. When I was 18, I accepted a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant/Medicine Technician which led to my passion in elder activities. I became the Activities Director at a community in Mobile in 2017. After moving to Mississippi, I joined Lighthouse in August 2019. This position has allowed me to find fun and creative ways to keep our seniors happy, involved, and lively. I am so blessed to be a part of the Lighthouse family.
Throughout my journeys, I found a love for supporting and raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Fight. I led our community to #1, for both donations and member participation, in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, South Mississippi Chapter. After that exciting achievement, I accepted a position to oversee Marketing and Outreach for the 2020 Walk and look forward to setting the bar even higher to get us closer to a cure for this life-altering disease.
A little bit about me personally, I am married and have three amazing bonus children, and also three fur children. I enjoy spending time at the beach and going for boat rides in the summer, or you can catch me thrift shopping!
James Livingston
Operations Director
My name is James Livingston and I am the Director of Operations at Lighthouse Assisted Living. I was in the Air Force for 6 years. When I got out of the Air Force, I started my own business doing construction and handyman work. I enjoy fishing, the beach, boating, football and Nascar.