Brea Kuykendall is an Aging Program Specialist focused on Health Promotion with the Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging. A lifelong resident of the Asheville area, she brings both local insight and professional expertise to her work supporting older adults across the region.

Brea holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law and a Master’s degree in Health Sciences from Western Carolina University. Her graduate research examined The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Rural Communities, reflecting her strong interest in the intersection of public health and underserved populations.

With five years of experience in her role, Brea is well-versed in Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HIPAA compliance. She plays a key role in coordinating, developing, and administering health promotion and disease prevention initiatives designed to help older adults maintain optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Her work includes advancing evidence-based health promotion programs—proven, research-backed interventions that address chronic conditions through community partnerships and practical lifestyle strategies. These programs emphasize physical activity and prevention as some of the most effective and accessible tools for improving long-term health outcomes.

Brea is committed to helping older adults stay active, informed, and independent through programs that are both practical and grounded in real-world results.

Cori Search serves as the Lead Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (AAA), representing Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties. In this role, she advocates for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Cori works directly with residents and families to investigate and resolve concerns related to care, safety, and quality of life. She plays a critical role in addressing complaints while promoting accountability and improved standards within long-term care communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Gerontology, bringing both academic expertise and practical insight to her work with older adults and long-term care systems.

The Land of Sky Ombudsman Program is dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents. Through her leadership, Cori helps ensure that individuals receive respectful, dignified care and that facilities remain responsive to the needs of those they serve.

Edward Jones serves as a Family Caregiver Specialist with the Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging, supporting individuals and families who are caring for aging loved ones or relatives with dementia. Through North Carolina’s Family Caregiver Support Program, he helps caregivers make sense of the often complicated network of services and resources available to them.

Edward works one-on-one with caregivers to connect them to essential supports such as home health care, respite services, and community programs. He provides practical guidance, individual counseling to help manage caregiver stress, and training on effective caregiving techniques that improve both confidence and care outcomes.

Grounded, knowledgeable, and approachable, Edward is dedicated to ensuring caregivers have the resources, support, and direction they need to care for others while also taking care of themselves.

Betsy O’Leary is a trusted resource for active adults and retirees navigating housing and lifestyle decisions in Western North Carolina—and the driving force behind the Ask the Experts series. As a Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH), she brings more than 20 years of experience working with older adults and their families.

As the owner and publisher of Carolina Living Choices, Betsy created the series to give readers direct access to knowledgeable, local professionals in a way that feels informative—not overwhelming or sales-driven. Through both the magazine and its digital platform, she connects readers with communities, resources, and practical insights to help them make informed decisions about their next chapter.

Known for her strong relationships within the business community, Betsy works closely with developers, real estate professionals, and service providers to stay current on housing trends and opportunities for active adults. She is also an active member of local chambers and senior-focused organizations, ensuring she stays informed on the issues that matter most to today’s retirees.

At the heart of her work is a clear mission: to make the process of finding the right home—and the right lifestyle—simple, approachable, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

That is Why We Created Ask the Experts
We know the questions around aging, housing, and care can feel overwhelming. That’s why Carolina Living Choices, led by Betsy O’Leary, created Ask the Experts—to connect readers with trusted local professionals who offer straightforward guidance, not sales pitches. It’s a place for honest conversations and reliable answers you can count on.

Brea Kuykendall is an Aging Program Specialist focused on Health Promotion with the Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging. A lifelong resident of the Asheville area, she brings both local insight and professional expertise to her work supporting older adults across the region.

Brea holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law and a Master’s degree in Health Sciences from Western Carolina University. Her graduate research examined The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Rural Communities, reflecting her strong interest in the intersection of public health and underserved populations.

With five years of experience in her role, Brea is well-versed in Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HIPAA compliance. She plays a key role in coordinating, developing, and administering health promotion and disease prevention initiatives designed to help older adults maintain optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Her work includes advancing evidence-based health promotion programs—proven, research-backed interventions that address chronic conditions through community partnerships and practical lifestyle strategies. These programs emphasize physical activity and prevention as some of the most effective and accessible tools for improving long-term health outcomes.

Brea is committed to helping older adults stay active, informed, and independent through programs that are both practical and grounded in real-world results.

Cori Search serves as the Lead Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (AAA), representing Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties. In this role, she advocates for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Cori works directly with residents and families to investigate and resolve concerns related to care, safety, and quality of life. She plays a critical role in addressing complaints while promoting accountability and improved standards within long-term care communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Gerontology, bringing both academic expertise and practical insight to her work with older adults and long-term care systems.

The Land of Sky Ombudsman Program is dedicated to safeguarding the health, safety, welfare, and rights of long-term care residents. Through her leadership, Cori helps ensure that individuals receive respectful, dignified care and that facilities remain responsive to the needs of those they serve.

Edward Jones serves as a Family Caregiver Specialist with the Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging, supporting individuals and families who are caring for aging loved ones or relatives with dementia. Through North Carolina’s Family Caregiver Support Program, he helps caregivers make sense of the often complicated network of services and resources available to them.

Edward works one-on-one with caregivers to connect them to essential supports such as home health care, respite services, and community programs. He provides practical guidance, individual counseling to help manage caregiver stress, and training on effective caregiving techniques that improve both confidence and care outcomes.

Grounded, knowledgeable, and approachable, Edward is dedicated to ensuring caregivers have the resources, support, and direction they need to care for others while also taking care of themselves.

Betsy O’Leary is a trusted resource for active adults and retirees navigating housing and lifestyle decisions in Western North Carolina—and the driving force behind the Ask the Experts series. As a Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH), she brings more than 20 years of experience working with older adults and their families.

As the owner and publisher of Carolina Living Choices, Betsy created the series to give readers direct access to knowledgeable, local professionals in a way that feels informative—not overwhelming or sales-driven. Through both the magazine and its digital platform, she connects readers with communities, resources, and practical insights to help them make informed decisions about their next chapter.

Known for her strong relationships within the business community, Betsy works closely with developers, real estate professionals, and service providers to stay current on housing trends and opportunities for active adults. She is also an active member of local chambers and senior-focused organizations, ensuring she stays informed on the issues that matter most to today’s retirees.

At the heart of her work is a clear mission: to make the process of finding the right home—and the right lifestyle—simple, approachable, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

That is Why We Created Ask the Experts
We know the questions around aging, housing, and care can feel overwhelming. That’s why Carolina Living Choices, led by Betsy O’Leary, created Ask the Experts—to connect readers with trusted local professionals who offer straightforward guidance, not sales pitches. It’s a place for honest conversations and reliable answers you can count on.