Jessie’s passion for aging services first began when she trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant while in High School. After interning with the Givens Communities Human Resources team during her undergraduate studies, Jessie knew she had found her calling. Her pursuit of knowledge took her to England, where she earned an MSc in International Health Management from Imperial College London. Now, as the Executive Director of Givens Home First, she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to enhancing the lives of our community members.

Owner of Senior Helpers is the company, Senior Helpers Asheville leads in providing in-home senior care, delivering personalized services that cater to individual needs. Over 20 years of business experience and leadership, building and managing teams, developing revenue opportunities, driving sales, advocating for customer needs and growing business by fostering productive, long-term customer relationships. Expertise in communication, presentation, negotiation, and product education. Creative problem-solver focused on understanding client’s needs, solving them, and executing solutions. Entrepreneurial, assertive and motivated project pioneer with a proven track record of establishing relationships, reaching revenue goals and key performance indicators. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Spanish and Portuguese, able to educate complex and technical products.

Elizabeth Williams brings both heart and leadership to her role as Executive Director of Mountain Aging Partners (MAP), where she is dedicated to helping older adults and their caregivers thrive. With more than 16 years of experience in aging services, Elizabeth works to ensure that no one has to navigate the aging journey alone.

At MAP, she leads with a clear mission—building a community rooted in care, respect, and connection. She focuses on strengthening partnerships, expanding access to essential services, and making sure the organization continues to meet the changing needs of older adults across the region.

Elizabeth’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Watching her grandmother’s journey with dementia—and her mother step into the role of caregiver—shaped her belief that aging should be met with empathy, dignity, and meaningful support. That perspective continues to guide her work every day.

Known for her thoughtful, solutions-oriented leadership, Elizabeth is committed not only to supporting older adults, but also to caring for the caregivers who support them.

Outside of work, she enjoys the simple things—quiet walks in the woods, time on the water, and appreciating the beauty of everyday moments.

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.