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

Lisha Vandersteen, MHA, MBA Executive Director Southpoint Adult Day & Golden Horizons Adult Day

Lisha Vandersteen is a seasoned senior-living leader with more than six years of experience overseeing independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities across North Carolina. A licensed NC Assisted Living Administrator, Lisha is known for building strong, relationship-centered teams and creating environments where residents, families, and staff feel supported and valued.

She brings deep expertise in operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, and dementia care, including extensive training in Positive Approach® to Dementia Care as a Champion, Trainer, and Coach. Throughout her career, Lisha has led communities through successful compliance surveys, improved quality ratings, strengthened financial performance, and rebuilt teams with a focus on excellence and compassion.

At her core, Lisha is a teacher and coach with a strong sense of purpose — committed to helping older adults live their best lives and supporting the teams who care for them every day.

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.

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 Adult Day Care

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.

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.