gener8tor Founder Series: Isis Ashford-Swain & Kehlin Swain from Greens Health
In this edition of the gener8tor Founder Series, we’re proud to feature Kehlin Swain and Isis Ashford-Swain, co-founders of Greens Health, a Birmingham-based healthtech company transforming how chronic care is delivered to underserved senior populations. Their mission: keep patients healthy, empowered, and out of the hospital—by meeting them where they are, with care that’s personal, proactive, and tech-enabled.
Turning Spikes into Smooth Lines
Greens Health provides chronic care management for Medicare-eligible patients aged 65 and older—especially those in low-access, low-resource communities. Many of their patients leave short primary care visits confused about medications and follow-up steps. Greens Health fills that gap with extended one-on-one time, health education, remote monitoring, care coordination, and even food-as-medicine programming.
“We’re not just checking vitals—we’re explaining why that blood pressure matters and helping people take control of their health,” says Isis Ashford-Swain, COO. “Our tech alerts us to concerning readings, and our nurses can intervene in minutes. It’s about preventing avoidable ER visits.”
From Prairie View to Prosper
The Swains met while studying engineering at Prairie View A&M University in Texas. What started as a behavioral healthtech project soon grew into a clinical solution supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, and later, investments from gener8tor, Innovate Alabama, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
Their startup journey took a major leap through the Prosper HealthTech Accelerator Powered by gener8tor, a Birmingham-based program. “Prosper gave us a concentrated 12-week sprint to refine our go-to-market strategy,” says Kehlin Swain, CEO. “We walked in with three potential models—and walked out with clarity and traction.”
Why Birmingham?
For the Swains, relocating to Birmingham wasn’t just strategic—it was mission-aligned.
“This region is known as the ‘diabetes and heart attack belt.’ If you want to change health outcomes, this is the front line,” Kehlin says. The city’s ecosystem—anchored by UAB, state programs, and a generous community—offered support they hadn’t experienced elsewhere. “Everyone we met was eager to connect, collaborate, and help us grow,” adds Isis.
People Who Made the Difference
Tara Talley of Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama went beyond the expected, mentoring the team and helping guide conversations with strategic partners. “She didn’t have to advocate for us—but she did, consistently,” Kehlin shares.
Tamika Holmes, founder of a local mobile market and nonprofit serving Birmingham’s food deserts, showed the team what community impact looks like in action. “Her work reminded us how deep generational change can start with a single act of service,” Isis says.
Advice to Founders
Their top advice? Focus and connect.
“Don’t come in with 10 goals—come in with three,” says Kehlin. “The accelerator team can then plug in resources where they matter most.”
Isis adds, “And talk to your customers constantly. During our MVP build, we worked closely with Camp Seale Harris—every screen was shaped by their input. That was invaluable.”
Their Ask
Isis is seeking introductions to physician- or NP-owned home health providers looking to enhance patient care through chronic care management.
Kehlin welcomes conversations with tech-enabled healthcare investors, especially those with experience in models like Teladoc or Omada. “Whether it’s equity, grants, or guidance, we’re open to connecting.”
