Meet The Team

Kaile Hilliard, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado, is an alumna of Colorado State University’s Master of Social Work program. With extensive experience in skilled nursing, assisted living, and critical access hospital settings, she is an expert in regulatory compliance and quality assurance. As a former Colorado state surveyor and seasoned clinical consultant with over 17 years in the field, Kaile has successfully guided healthcare operators in achieving CMS 5-Star ratings and optimal clinical outcomes. Her expertise includes mock surveys, staff training, and crafting multi-state IDR/IIDR submissions. Kaile is the co-founder and CEO of Granite Peak Healthcare Solutions, LLC, where she works closely with facility leadership to identify challenges and implement effective strategies.

Dr. Carmen M. Taylor is a distinguished nursing executive with over 32 years of comprehensive experience spanning various sectors of healthcare. Her diverse expertise includes acute care, quality assurance and performance improvement, regulatory compliance, public health, critical access hospitals, psychiatric care, and subacute/long-term care. As both a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA), Dr. Taylor brings a unique blend of clinical acumen, regulatory knowledge, and leadership proficiency to her roles.

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Dr. Taylor is committed to advancing nursing education,training and practice. She has served as a faculty member at a nursing college, where she is dedicated to mentoring nurses. She continues to practice as a Nurse Practitioner, ensuring her skills remain current and relevant. Her previous experience includes serving as a long-term care and complaint surveyor, as well as participating in the Informal Dispute Resolution Committee for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Dr. Taylor's expertise is  sought in legal contexts, where she provides expert testimony on clinical matters.

Dr. Taylor’s academic credentials are extensive and impressive. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, followed by a Master of Science in Management from Keuka College, NY. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), specializing in Adult Gerontological Primary Care, from Walden University, graduating with honors. Dr. Taylor is board-certified and licensed in Colorado and holds a compact nursing license. She has recently completed her doctoral degree and is on track to complete her dual certification in Psychiatric care by 2025.

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An active member of several professional organizations, Dr. Taylor is involved with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her commitment to excellence in nursing and healthcare leadership is demonstrated through her diverse roles and professional accomplishments, underscoring her position as a leader in the field.

After a balancing a thriving career as a social work director and part-time consulting work, Jessica joined the Granite Peak consulting team with over 15 years of LTC experience and continues to do great work in our new endeavors at Granite Peak Healthcare Solutions, LLC. Jessica is available to provide temporary social services work, education, system -specific social services and activities/recreation consulting.

Sarah Thomas is a Master of Social Work and Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience in healthcare. As a former surveyor and former Director of Social Services for an acute care facility, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge in regulatory compliance and patient advocacy. Her extensive background as a case manager has equipped her with the skills to navigate complex healthcare systems, ensuring that patients receive the support and care they need. Sarah is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes and improving the overall quality of care in the facilities she serves.

Samuel Okhiku is a Registered Nurse with a robust background in healthcare leadership and regulatory compliance. As a former surveyor, Director of Nursing, Regional Nurse, and Regulatory Compliance Manager, Samuel has a comprehensive understanding of healthcare operations and standards. His experience spans across multiple levels of nursing and management, making him an expert in ensuring regulatory compliance and fostering high-quality patient care. Samuel is dedicated to guiding healthcare facilities toward achieving excellence in both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.

Betty Bajarias is passionate about serving the elderly population with unwavering conviction in providing the highest level of service to the Food and Clinical Nutrition Department in Skilled Nursing and LTC facilities. Betty holds dual degrees in Food Science, Nutrition & Wellness from Florida State University, and Dietetics from the University of Texas Pan American. Betty has over 25 years of practice experience in food science, clinical nutrition, wellness, fitness, and multi-level management in LTC.

Betty has worked as a nutrition educator, personal trainer, aerobics & kickboxing instructor, and corporate dietitian. As corporate dietitian for the past 20+ years for skilled nursing & LTC national companies, Betty held multiple positions, ranging Lead Dietitian, Regional Dietitian, Regional Director, and Division Director. Each position encompasses of having oversight of 40-125+ facilities across multiple states in which Betty had the privilege of directly overseeing dietary managers, chefs, and dietitians.

Betty is experienced in survey management process (pre, during, post), IDR, and DPOC. Betty has been in multiple positions with administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability in the development and implementation of Dietary and Clinical

Nutrition services that align with company’s business and financial targets, and ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory statutes, Company policies, and the Purpose, Vision, and Values of the organization. Lastly, Betty is experienced in providing leadership and guidance to various key stakeholders of organizations in developing menus and dining programs that enhance customer experience and quality of life. Betty’s attributes are, she has strong communication and analytical skills. Outgoing

personality, highly organized and detail oriented. Independent worker requiring no supervision when working on projects. Team driven, highly motivated, able to multitask and results oriented. Betty can exercise independent judgment and possess extensive knowledge and understanding of LTC regulations. She has proficient knowledge of

Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. In Betty’s free time she enjoys spending time with her furry babies, taking road trips with her family in her motorhome, playing golf & pickleball, harvesting home grown produce, cooking, and always learning from professional journals and motivational books.

Laiken is a full-time college student at Montana State University, pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Science. Alongside her academic journey, she works as an Executive Assistant at Granite Peak Health Solutions, where she provides essential support to the executive team. In addition to her professional and academic commitments, Laiken is dedicated to her role as a dance instructor at a local nonprofit, where she shares her passion for the arts with the community. Outside of work and school, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.