In 2026, Rocky Mountain Health Care Services merged with Bethesda Senior Living Communities, forming Elevation Senior Services.
Dana Rasic
Chief Executive Officer, Elevation Senior Services
Dana began his career with Bethesda in 1996 and has served in several roles including President of the real estate division, Chairman of the Board of Bethesda Ministries, Bethesda Associates, Bethesda Foundation and Bethesda Board of Directors. Dana is a native of Colorado and resides in Monument, Colorado. His passion and commitment to seniors and the community in which he lives is very important to him. When asked why he chose senior living, Dana states, “Caring for seniors is a genuine calling, and we’re always thinking about how we are serving our residents, and how we can do it better. We’re working hard to make their time with us special.” Dana graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and has served as CEO for Bethesda since 2007.
Mark Hartman
President, Rocky Mountain PACE
Mark Hartman joined RMHCS in May 2020 after previously serving on the board of directors of the organization for two years. Mark has over 30 years of healthcare experience including both clinical and administrative, non-profit and for-profit. His roles have included CEO, CAO and COO involving hospital systems and physician practices. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Northwestern College (Iowa) and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa. He later obtained an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Regis University. He has volunteered with many local organizations including board service with the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Audubon Surgical Center and Corporate board at Mt. St. Francis. Mark enjoys spending time with his family, friends, church and staying active as much as possible.
Johan Kuitse
Chief Operating Officer
Johan Kuitse joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services in May of 2023. Having been trained as a physical therapist, he has served in the not-for-profit hospital sector since 1985 in various clinical and leadership roles. Johan earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Evansville (IN); a master’s in administration from the University of Notre Dame; and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University, Denver. Johan and his wife Amy have been married for over 34 years and enjoy exploring Colorado’s great outdoors. Amy and Johan are the proud parents of two daughters and look forward to their first grandbaby’s arrival in July of 2023.
Nathan Merrill, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Nathan’s career in finance started in auditing with a public CPA firm, and joined Bethesda in 1998 as Controller, becoming the Chief Financial Officer in 2007. His work experience and current role include overseeing financial reporting, accounting, debt financing, internal controls, investment management, cash flow planning, budgeting, tax reporting, and financial strategy, as well as a collaborative role in managing our retirement plan, benefits strategies, and insurance needs. He thoroughly enjoys supporting the growth of Bethesda Senior Living Communities. He joined Bethesda’s Board of Directors in 2007 and has maintained an active CPA license in Colorado since 1994.
Austin Harbach
Chief Legal and Risk Officer
Austin joined Bethesda Senior Living in 2019 as Bethesda’s in-house legal counsel and now leads the Legal Services and Risk Management department. He received a bachelor’s degree in business leadership from the University of Dallas and a juris doctor degree from the University of Colorado Law School. He has been a practicing attorney since 2017. Austin is thankful to work with a group of people dedicated to the call to serve seniors. He believes that, “Bethesda exists to lift our seniors up – to lift them through Christ-like humility and compassion and devotion – that they might enjoy a rewarding and blessed life.”
Dr. Eric Elliott
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Eric Elliott, DO joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services in 2025. A Colorado native from Thornton, he is a board-certified internist and Fellow of both the American College of Osteopathic Internists and the American College of Physicians. He earned his B.S. from Colorado State University and his D.O. from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Elliott previously served as Associate Program Director and teaching faculty for the Internal Medicine residency at UCHealth Parkview in Pueblo, where he led educational, quality improvement, and provider performance initiatives. He and his wife, Meghan, have two children, Jack and Lily. A lifelong ice hockey player and Colorado Avalanche fan, Dr. Elliott enjoys mountain biking and hiking, and considers becoming a father his greatest accomplishment.
Santiana Van Maldeghem
Chief Nursing Officer
Santiana Van Maldeghem joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services in December 2019. Santiana completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Regis University in Denver in 2015. She has 18 years of diverse experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, including nursing experience, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries, as well as home health and case management. Her goal in patient care is to work with our participants and families as a team to achieve the best possible outcomes. She has been married for 11 years and has rambunctious twin boys. She enjoys anything outdoors, loves to cook, and spending time with her family, especially traveling!
Christi J. Miller, SHRM-SCP
Chief Human Resources Officer
Christi has over 30 years of senior-level management experience in business operations, with 18 years focused on leading the Human Resources function. She joined the Bethesda team in 2014 as the Executive Director of Human Resources. Today, as the Chief Human Resources Officer, she provides executive-level leadership to the organization’s HR operations. Christi is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and earned her Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification in 2017. She considers it a blessing to work with a team who strives daily to honor our servant core values.
Robert J. Miller
Chief Administrative Officer
Robert Miller joined RMHCS in February 2023. Robert has 29 years of experience in Human Resources with 20 years in healthcare including both non-profit and for-profit companies. His roles have included leadership positions as a Manager, Director and most recently as the Senior Director of HR for one of the nation’s largest post-acute and senior living community providers. Robert is a native Oklahoman but has lived in Colorado Springs for over 9 years. Robert graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and earned his Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute. Robert and his wife Christi of 30 years have one daughter and one grandchild.
Melissa Kerr
Senior Vice President of Growth and Retention
Melissa Kerr joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services (RMHCS) in October 2021 after serving on the organization’s Board of Directors for more than six years, including two years as Board Chair. Prior to joining RMHCS, she spent nearly three decades in the not-for-profit credit union industry, holding leadership roles in strategic planning, operations, business development, project management, analytics, and commercial lending. Melissa brings more than 30 years of leadership and business development experience and is passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations. A Colorado native and veteran, she has served in numerous community leadership and volunteer roles throughout the Pikes Peak region. Today, Melissa leads strategies that expand access to care, strengthen participant engagement, and support the long-term sustainability of Rocky Mountain PACE and RMHCS. She is committed to helping older adults remain independent, connected, and thriving in the communities they call home. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys kickboxing, spending time with her husband of more than 34 years, Tom, and their Jack Russell Terrier, Gracie.
Andi McDonough
Vice President of External Relations
Andi McDonough joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services as the Vice President of Rocky Mountain PACE in June 2018. Andi brings over 20 years of leadership and patient care experience to Rocky Mountain PACE. After graduating from CU Health Sciences Center with a master’s degree in physical therapy, she began her career at Penrose St. Francis as a staff physical therapist. She advanced through various leadership roles culminating as the director of rehabilitation and respiratory therapy. In her spare time, Andi enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, friends, and her dogs and cats. She also enjoys reading and traveling.
Deana Hodge
Vice President of Ancillary Services
Deana Hodge joined Rocky Mountain Health Care Services in 2015. She brings over 20 years of non-profit healthcare management experience to the organization. Her role as Vice President of Ancillary Clinical and IDT Services encompasses responsibility for several clinical ancillary services including rehabilitation, social work, behavioral health, and recreation therapy, along with overseeing all things IDT. Deana was recently presented the first Rocky Mountain PACE President’s Award for her dedication to Rocky Mountain Health Care Services and Rocky Mountain PACE.
Jeff Figg
Vice President of Information Technology
Jeff has spent 8 years with Rocky Mountain Health Care Services, building technology foundation and ensuring our team members have the secure systems and support they need to do their jobs well. Jeff has led the expansion of the network, security, and systems capabilities across the merged organization, now supporting 23 communities in five states. He has been instrumental in bringing two IT teams together into one cohesive team serving the combined organization, laying the groundwork for the strategic direction of the IT department.
Audrey Oliverius
Vice President of Finance
Bio coming soon.