Vineyard Heights Assisted Living
Our Team

Malissa is the Executive Director, overseeing operations and quality of care at Vineyard Heights Assisted Living. With over 20 years of experience in the senior living sector, she has worked across home health, independent living, and assisted living communities. Certified as a Residential Care Facility Administrator and a Qualified Mental Health Associate-Registered in the State of Oregon. Malissa’s core competencies include mentoring, communication, and organizational vision. She is dedicated to creating a positive work culture, advocating for seniors’ rights and dignity, and enhancing their quality of life.

Malissa values relationships and enjoys spending time with her residents and staff. You will often find her circulating the dining room during lunch or throughout the hallways checking in with staff. When she’s not at work, Malissa spends her time with her two teenagers and her three dogs, which includes her newest addition, a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix. Her true escape is hiking for waterfalls, walking scenic nature trails, and indulging in her creative and beloved hobby of interior design.

As the Community Relations Director at Vineyard Heights, Mike Payne brings a passion for creating a community that feels like home. He is dedicated to building connections and ensuring residents lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. Away from the office, Mike is often exploring the great outdoors with his Husky or delving into the pages of both captivating reads. His love for nature and storytelling deeply influences his approach to nurturing a lively and welcoming environment at Vineyard Heights.

Kim Blackwell, our esteemed Office Manager at Vineyard Heights, brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in both Memory Care and Assisted Living. An Oregon native, she has a profound connection to the community and a genuine passion for serving our senior residents. As a mother and grandmother to one daughter and three grandsons, Kim's nurturing spirit is a cornerstone of her professional and personal life. Her love for the outdoors and gardening, along with her cherished visits to the Oregon Coast, reflects her deep appreciation for the natural beauty of her home state. In her role, Kim's dedication shines through as she ensures the smooth operation of our community, always with a warm and welcoming presence that makes Vineyard Heights feel like home.

Christie has been the Wellness Director since January 2024. Her background includes nursing in psych, acute care, hospice, and nursing education. She has received a bachelor’s in business from Western Oregon University, a bachelor’s in nursing from Linfield University and a master’s in nursing leadership and management from Western Governors University. In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with family, camping, and riding her horses.

Cole has been the resident care coordinator since May 2024. He has been working in assisted living and memory care since 2019. Cole grew up locally in Carlton and moved to McMinnville after graduation. In his time away from work, he enjoys going out with his friends, or staying in and playing video games.

Jennifer joined Vineyard Heights Assisted Living as our Licensed Practical Nurse in May of 2024. Her background includes over 15 years of medical records in skilled nursing and with a pharmacy. She then became as medication aide and caregiver in an assisted living facility for 4 years where she also obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing education and graduated from the Institute of Technology in Salem, Oregon. Jennifer worked with long term care residents for the last year after graduation before coming to join out team here at Vineyard Heights Assisted Living. In her free time, she can often be found spending time with her family, crafting, or cooking.

Jamie Soto, who has been at Vineyard Heights since 2008, is not just a staff member but a pillar of our community. As a devoted father to three daughters, he brings the same nurturing care to his work. Jamie's passion for cooking and his joy in making people happy shine through in every dish he prepares. His longstanding commitment to Vineyard Heights is fueled by a genuine love for his role, where he combines culinary talent with the desire to bring joy to residents every day.

Arial is passionate about bringing fun and joy to residents, creating memorable experiences that brighten their days. With a rich background in in-home caregiving, Arial has honed her skills in spreading light and happiness wherever she goes. As a dedicated mom of two boys, family values and compassion are at the core of everything she does. Currently, she is expanding her expertise in the medical field, driven by a commitment to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Join her in this journey of creating moments that matter and spreading smiles every day!

Alan Baker has been the Maintenance Director at Vineyard Heights since 2021. A longtime McMinnville resident, Alan has spent over 30 years as a Realtor, marrying his high school sweetheart Michelle. They have two wonderful adult children, along with two rescue dogs and one cat. Alan is passionate about assisting residents with various projects, particularly in enhancing the community's garden and koi pond area. His daily goal is to bring smiles to the faces of residents, ensuring they and their visiting family and friends enjoy the serene beauty of Vineyard Heights' expansive 4 ½-acre grounds.