06/19/2026
At Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Cahaba River, exceptional care begins with exceptional leadership.
We are proud to introduce the team guiding our mission of clinical excellence, compassionate service, and outstanding patient outcomes.
Maegan Estes Darby, LNHA, MHA – Executive Director
A fourth-generation healthcare leader with more than 15 years of experience in skilled nursing and post-acute care, Maegan brings a comprehensive understanding of facility operations, regulatory compliance, admissions, marketing, and resident services. Her hands-on leadership style and commitment to quality have helped shape a culture focused on excellence, accountability, and an exceptional resident experience.
Kaitlyn Palmieri, MSN, RN, TCAR – Director of Nursing
Kaitlyn’s background spans Level I trauma care, hospital operations, and post-acute leadership. From caring for complex trauma patients at the bedside to leading hospital-wide clinical operations, she brings a wealth of experience in quality improvement, team development, compliance, and resident-centered care. Her passion for mentoring clinical teams and driving exceptional outcomes is evident throughout our organization.
Stirling K. Shirah, MD – Internal Medicine Hospitalist
Dr. Shirah is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with nearly two decades of experience in acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care medicine. He works closely with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote recovery, preserve independence, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and ensure each resident receives personalized, evidence-based care.
Together, this leadership team shares a common goal: helping every resident achieve their highest level of health, function, and quality of life while providing families with confidence and peace of mind.
