Golden Horizons Adult Day Center

Lisha Vandersteen, MHA, MBA

Executive Director

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.

Denise Hargrove

With more than 25 years of hands-on experience in adult care, home care, and one-on-one support for individuals with special needs, Denise brings a deep commitment to serving others with compassion, professionalism, and respect. Caring for people is not just her profession—it is her calling.

Throughout her career, Denise has supported individuals of all ages and abilities, always taking a whole-person approach that addresses physical needs, emotional well-being, and meaningful social connection. She is known for meeting individuals where they are, honoring their life experiences, and providing care that preserves dignity, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.

Denise is passionate about building trusting relationships with participants and families and helping create environments where people feel safe, valued, and connected. Her dedication to individualized, person-centered care makes her a valued member of a team that prioritizes community, compassion, and respect.

Elvira Diouf, BS

Elvira Diouf is originally from Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Education. She brings a strong passion for community health, education, and global health to her work with older adults and their families.

Elvira is deeply committed to promoting well-being through education, connection, and culturally informed care. Her background in public health allows her to approach caregiving with a broad perspective, understanding how social, emotional, and environmental factors impact overall health and quality of life.

At Golden Horizons, Elvira is known for her warm presence, thoughtful engagement, and dedication to supporting individuals in a way that respects their dignity, background, and life experiences. She values building meaningful relationships and helping create a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants feel safe, understood, and supported.

Elvira is proud to be part of a team that prioritizes compassion, community, and person-centered care, and she is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.