Our Team

Carla Payne, CMC, MA - Founder and Owner

Carla earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Master’s in counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 2004 she became an Ombudsman serving as an advocate for those living in skilled care facilities. Carla also earned a graduate certificate in Gerontology from West Chester University and her National Certification in Care Management. Over the past 18 years she has provided direction, intervention, and solutions to families in need. In addition, she has served as a chapter board member and unit leader with The Aging Life Care Association in both Pa & NC. Carla is the 2023-24 President of the SE Chapter which consists of care managers within NC, SC, TN, GA, MS and AL. In 2019 Carla was recognized as the SE Chapter Member of the Year.

Miriam Beck, MS, Care Manager serving Apex, Cary and surrounding area

Shakela Jeffries-Glover, MPH Care Manager serving Raleigh, Durham and Cary area

Shakela Jeffries-Glover, MPH, affectionately known as Kela, is a dedicatd public health and social service professional with several years of local government experience supporting programs ranging from housing to Medicaid and Medicare services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and visual impairments.

She recently earned her Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a concentration in Leadership in Practice. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Inspired early by her mother, a nurse for over 25 years, Kela approaches her work with compassion and a strong commitment to social justice, accountability, quality, and faith. She specializes in guiding families through complex systems with clarity and respect, empowering them to make informed, confident decisions about their loved ones.

Outside of work, she is a devoted wife and mother of two who enjoys exploring new cities—immersing herself in diverse cultures, savoring local cuisines, and seeking meaningful experiences.

Tasha Gaskins, MSW, MPA Care Manager serving Wake Forest and the surrounding area

Tasha Gaskins, MSW, MPA
With over 15 years of leadership experience in care coordination, team development, and quality assurance, Tasha brings a deep commitment to client-centered care. She has served in senior roles directing large care teams, developing specialized services, and leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. Tasha holds master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration and is passionate about ensuring families receive compassionate, personalized support throughout their care journey.

Te’Azsa Dash, Care Manager serving the Durham area

Te’Azsa Dash brings over five years of progressive leadership in home care, client services, and care coordination. With a strong background in operations, caregiver training, and quality assurance, she’s committed to delivering exceptional support to both families and staff. Te’Azsa has led teams across multiple locations, strengthened community partnerships, and developed programs to enhance both client satisfaction and caregiver retention. Her passion lies in ensuring every individual receives compassionate, high-quality care.

Melissa Nobles, Executive Director Adult Day Centers

Aging Care Matters | Golden Horizons

Melissa Nobles—known to many as “Mel”—joined the Golden Horizons family in November 2024. With a strong foundation in executive leadership, she currently serves as the Executive Director of Aging Care Matters, a role she stepped into in March 2025, following the organization’s acquisition by Carla Payne.

Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the aging care space. Prior to her current role, she served as the CEO of her own company, where she also published her first book, The Six Step Method. Her leadership journey includes spearheading critical initiatives, such as leading the pilot program for The Trevor Project, the nation’s largest suicide prevention nonprofit. Under her guidance, a team of eight women helped launch the transition of the national suicide prevention hotline to the now widely recognized 988 platform.

In addition to her nonprofit impact, Melissa has held senior operations roles at several Fortune 500 companies, where she developed her reputation for strategic thinking, heart-led leadership, and building high-performing teams.

Melissa initially joined Golden Horizons to complete a contracted assessment, but quickly found more than a project—she found a family. The seniors at Golden Horizons became her passion, and her mission became clear: to be part of the movement that helps seniors stay in their homes as long and safely as possible.

Outside of work, Melissa is a devoted mom to her three daughters and a proud dog mom to Fran and Penelope.  She finds joy in traveling to the beach, relaxing in the sun, and cherishing time with her family.

Stavie Thompson, Wake Forest Day Center

Meet Stavie Thompson, a Carolina girl with a heart as warm as her southern roots. Raised on a farm in Enfield, NC, surrounded by the love of her incredible family and cherished animals, Stavie’s upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for compassion and service. Her journey led her to Meredith College, where she pursued her passion for language, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Stavie’s life has been enriched by her love for music, particularly her lifelong dedication to playing the piano. Married and blessed with two children and two beloved grandchildren, Stavie’s family is the center of her world. Adding to her bustling household are three dogs, two cats, and three horses, each a testament to her unwavering affection for animals.

Stavie’s calling to serve others has been a constant thread throughout her life. From her early days as a vet assistant to her roles at Exporis and Marbles museums, she has always sought to uplift and educate those around her. In recent years, Stavie found fulfillment in caring for her aging parents, a journey that deepened her understanding of the needs of seniors.

Now, Stavie brings her wealth of experience and boundless compassion to Aging Care Matters Adult Day Center, where she embraces the opportunity to continue her life’s work of serving, loving, respecting, and protecting the vulnerable. With a fierce dedication to making a difference in the lives of others, Stavie Thompson exemplifies the heart and soul of our team.

Denise Hargraves, Golden Horizons

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in Adult Care, Home Care, and one-on-one support for individuals with special needs, I’ve dedicated my career to serving others with compassion, professionalism, and respect.

I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and abilities, always focused on supporting the whole person—physically, emotionally, and socially. My goal is to meet each consumer where they are, while always providing care that preserves dignity, encourages independence, and promotes quality of life.

I’m proud to be part of a team that shares my passion for compassionate care and to serve in a center that truly values community, connection, and individualized support.

Kierra Igo, Golden Horizons and Aging Care Matters Durham

Kierra Igo comes to us with extensive experience in food service and caregiving, bringing both professional skill and deep compassion to her role. She is ServSafe certified and has served as a Kitchen Manager, where she led a team of 10 and ensure full compliance with all state food safety and health requirements. As she does now for the members of Golden Horizons

Morgan McCaslin, BS Wake Forest, Durham and Golden Horizons

Morgan McCaslin joined our team as a care management intern after graduating from NC State University with a Bachelor of Social Work in May 2025. A native of Denver, North Carolina, Morgan brings both heart and insight to her work with older adults.

Her passion for the field was shaped early on by watching her mother’s dedication as a nurse practitioner. Inspired by the deep care and support her mother provided to clients, Morgan felt called to pursue a career that allows her to offer the same comfort and advocacy to others.

Morgan is thoughtful, compassionate, and eager to continue learning in this field. Outside of her work, she enjoys playing music, writing, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her sister and friends.