By Alex Popa
Cassandra Plaisir is a Haitian-American entrepreneur and healthcare professional who has made it her mission to transform the assisted living industry through education, training, and advocacy.
With over 20 years of experience in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she has built a business that not only guides individuals through the process of starting and managing assisted living facilities (ALFs) but also ensures that culturally inclusive and affordable elder care options are available for families in need.
Educational Achievements
Cassandra’s educational background is deeply rooted in healthcare, equipping her with the expertise to train, consult, and advocate for better geriatric care. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, a foundation that helped her understand the complexities of patient care, record-keeping, and healthcare administration.
Her professional journey started in skilled nursing facilities, where she worked as a social worker. It was during this time that she realized the impact that quality care could have on elderly patients and their families. Determined to make a greater difference, she went on to earn a nursing degree, which allowed her to take on leadership roles in assisted living facilities as a wellness director and clinical specialist for six years.
Cassandra’s expertise in assisted living regulations and healthcare compliance led her to become a licensed ALF CORE Instructor and CPR/First Aid Instructor, enabling her to train the next generation of caregivers, administrators, and entrepreneurs in the field of elder care.
The Story of Alf Consultant
The inspiration behind Alf Consultant came from Cassandra’s years of experience working in assisted living communities, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. She had always been passionate about helping the elderly population, but it wasn’t until she spent two years shadowing a consultant with over 30 years of experience that she realized she could make an even greater impact by educating and guiding others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cassandra was working in a facility where she witnessed firsthand the challenges in elder care. She saw the lack of proper training, misinformation about assisted living regulations, and the need for compassionate, well-prepared caregivers and administrators. This was the turning point—she knew she had to do more.
With a vision to empower individuals and create well-managed, high-quality assisted living facilities, she launched Alf Consultant, a business dedicated to providing professional training, licensing assistance, and business consulting for those interested in the assisted living industry.
One of the biggest challenges she faced in the beginning was trust. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are often misled by false information and unreliable consultants. Cassandra had to build her credibility and prove that she was a reliable source for accurate, up-to-date guidance.
Another challenge was financial stability. Starting a business meant balancing income and expenses, preparing for slow seasons, and ensuring that the company could weather economic fluctuations.
To manage this, Cassandra implemented a budgeting strategy where she plans expenses every six months, allowing her to adjust for changes in client demand, operational costs, and unexpected financial challenges.
What the Future Holds for Cassandra Plaisir
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Cassandra has ambitious goals for Alf Consultant and the assisted living industry as a whole.
One of her primary objectives is to expand her training programs by offering both classroom and virtual options, making them more accessible to people across Florida and beyond. She also aims to create specialized resources and tools for individuals who speak English as a second language, ensuring that language barriers do not prevent qualified professionals from succeeding in the field.
Beyond business growth, Cassandra has a larger vision for social impact. She wants to start a foundation dedicated to helping elderly individuals navigate essential services such as paperwork, insurance, and medication management.
By raising awareness about elder care options and educating families on the importance of planning for their loved ones’ long-term care, Cassandra hopes to change the way people perceive assisted living facilities.
Can Haitians Walk in Cassandra’s Shoes?
Cassandra’s journey is one that many Haitian-Americans can relate to—a story of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to giving back.
Many individuals in the Haitian community are naturally inclined toward caregiving, whether through nursing, social work, or home health services. However, navigating the business side of healthcare can be challenging without the right guidance and resources.
For those looking to start their own businesses, Cassandra emphasizes the importance of adaptability, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to stay informed, seek mentorship, and never stop learning.
She also encourages Haitians to embrace entrepreneurship as a means of creating generational wealth. By owning and operating assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, and nurse registries, they can build lasting legacies while improving elder care within their communities.
Cassandra Plaisir is more than just a consultant—she is a mentor, advocate, and changemaker in the assisted living industry. Through Alf Consultant, she has opened doors for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools, training, and knowledge they need to succeed.
For Haitians and other minorities looking to enter the healthcare business, her journey serves as a blueprint for success, proving that with determination, expertise, and a heart for service, anything is possible.
