Our Team

Carla Payne, CMC, MA

Owner/Certified Care Manager

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.

Carla remains involved in her local community with the Chamber of Commerce, she is a past board member and Co-education chair of the Seniors Information Group of Wake Forest (SING), board member of Fidelity NC Bank and is past president of the WF chapter of Women in Networking.

Tara Dusthimer, Care Manager serving Wake Forest area

Tara Dusthimer brings extensive experience in senior care, patient advocacy, and community outreach to the Aging Care Matters team. With a background in business administration and a passion for improving the aging experience, Tara has worked in hospice care, home health services, and patient advocacy, ensuring that seniors receive the highest level of care and support.

Her expertise includes client relationship management, care coordination, and helping families navigate the complexities of aging. She has successfully developed programs to enhance patient satisfaction, streamline care transitions, and foster strong partnerships within the healthcare community. Tara is deeply committed to empowering seniors and their families with the resources, guidance, and compassionate support they need.

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

Audrey Gastmeyer, MBA, Care Manager serving Raleigh area

Audrey is a native North Carolinian and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a BA and MBA. She has been a Stephen Minister for several years, walking alongside people going through difficulties of all kinds. She enjoys combining that experience with her background in business processes and problem-solving to empower care management clients. Listening well and being a calm, accepting presence are her top priorities.

Margaret Brown, MS Care Manager serving the Triad Region

Margaret Brown brings a wealth of experience and compassion to Aging Care Matters. With a Master’s degree in Gerontology and over 15 years of professional experience in senior care, clinical research, and community support, Margaret is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and their families.

Her career spans roles in care management, clinical research coordination, and senior care advisory services, where she has demonstrated expertise in client assessments, cognitive and physical evaluations, and developing customized care solutions. Margaret is skilled at building strong community relationships, empowering families, and navigating the complexities of aging care with integrity and compassion.

Margaret has also contributed as a board member and chair for several aging services organizations, showcasing her leadership in the field. She is passionate about delivering person-centered care and creating positive outcomes for both caregivers and care recipients.

Sydney Payne, Wake Forest Day Center

From a young age, Sydney accompanied her mother to nursing homes, where they visited residents and provided much-needed love and compassion. This early experience inspired her passion for helping others and fostering meaningful connections.

She later pursued a degree in Mass Communications from UNC Asheville, where she developed a strong passion for film and storytelling. Alongside her education, she played an integral role in helping her mother open a day center, where she visited and supported clients, further strengthening her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

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.

Mary Green-Edmonds, Durham Day Center

Mary has a diverse background, working as an advocate for people with disabilities–striving for inclusion with diverse backgrounds through inclusive services, and achieving the unique dreams with others to be included and loved. With a diverse background advocating with parents and adults to achieve their freedom–to leave facilities and live in inclusive neighborhoods, Mary organized and attributed to the legal appeal to achieve basic rights for all people, to live free lives. Mary also worked as a traveling X-ray tech, working for the health and well beings of seniors to focus on healthy outcomes.
With a diverse background, Mary is committed to enhancing the lives of people who are living advanced lives by contributing to themselves and others. Expressing joy, success, brain healing, and increased spirit and body wellness is a part of it all.