Ask The Experts

Julie is the heart and soul of our Aging in Place program. She’s been empowering residents of Givens to age gracefully in their homes since 2004. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Aging in Place Specialist with the National Association of Home Builders, Julie has experience on how to make your home comfortable for aging in place. She provides safety assessments and tailors recommendations to help you embrace independence from stylish grab bars to bidets to remote lighting options.

LeeAnn Tucker has spent more than 25 years helping older adults across Western North Carolina live with dignity, independence, and connection. As Director of the Area Agency on Aging at the Land of Sky Regional Council, she works closely with communities in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties to make sure seniors have access to the services and support they need.

LeeAnn’s career with Land of Sky began in 2000, and she’s grown with the organization ever since—holding roles in volunteer services, senior programs, and leadership. That long tenure gives her a deep understanding of the challenges older adults face, as well as the resources that can truly make a difference.

People who’ve worked with LeeAnn often describe her as fair, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to the people she serves. She brings both professionalism and heart to her work—something that shows in the programs she leads and the relationships she builds throughout the region.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree from UNC Asheville.

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.