Michelle Barnes’ passion for health care began at age 12 when she began volunteering at a nursing home in her hometown of Paonia, Colorado. She has always loved helping seniors and making a difference in their lives.

By the time Michelle had turned 24, she had earned her certified nursing assistant and licensed practical nurse licenses. After a career in social services, she earned a certification as an assisted living executive director and served in that role for the last four years.

In her free time, Michelle enjoys camping and playing outdoor sports with her husband, Robb, and five children. Consuming music is her favorite hobby, whether it be playing the drums or going to concerts or band competitions.

Annie LeVan is the director of Sales and Marketing for Solstice Senior Living at Grand Valley. Annie’s professional background includes advertising, management, sales and being a true renaissance woman as she owned and operated Handi Annie home repair and remodeling.

Annie has had the privilege of being the local companion and caregiver of a great-grand parent, two sets of grandparents and both her husband and her own parents. She has been on the other side of working with senior living situations and understands this very complex journey. Annie is looking forward to the opportunity to share her personal experience and help others transition to senior living.

Annie has lived in Grand Valley for over 40 years where she raised her three children and is now a proud grandmother of three beautiful grandkids. Annie has a strong love for adventure and her and her family enjoy their time together camping, hiking, mountain biking and exploring the great outdoors. Their outdoor adventures have taken them to the summit of several 14ers (mountains over 14,000 ft in height) and to the shores of Lake Powell among many other places.

Sarah Mcmanis-Oxenford has worked in the food industry since she was 14 years old. Sarah has always loved being in a kitchen and cooking for seniors.

Prior to joining the Solstice at Grand Valley team, Sarah had experience as a chef and sous chef. As Culinary Services director, Sarah looks forward to cooking for residents and making them smile and laugh.

When she isn’t in the kitchen, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, trying new things and drawing.

Kimberly Preisser joined Solstice at Grand Valley as the Vibrant Life® director in February 2021. Prior to working with Solstice, she served brain injury survivors at the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado’s Hilltop Life Adjustment Program. Kim’s passion for helping others also motivated her to earn her bachelor’s degree in health care administration in January 2021. 

When Kim is not working, she enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, gardening, crafts, and attending church events with her husband and three children. Living vibrantly is a lifestyle Kim fully embraces, and she enjoys bringing a smile to residents’ faces every day! 

Ernest Hale is the Building Services director for Solstice at Grand Valley. Originally from Texas, he’s lived in Colorado for nearly 50 years. He has seven years’ worth of construction work experience. He enjoys working with his hands and using his skills to accomplish a job properly and safely. He finds his work most fulfilling because of his interactions with the residents.

He has been married for 19 years and has two kids and one grandchild. He also enjoys playing guitar and singing to the residents. In his spare time, you can find Ernest riding his Harley.