Leadership
Heather Bauer, BA, Equity Advocate
Executive Director
Ext. 1312
Heather started at Council on Aging in January 2020.
“In addition to my professional aging services background, I grew up as the oldest in this generation of over 40 grandchildren with great respect for the elders in my life. I moved to Buncombe County as a child from northern New Jersey. After having attended UNCW and living on the NC coast, I returned to western North Carolina in 2010. I spent 13 years in non-medical home care in Human Resources, Outreach, Education, and Care Management – my first job in senior care was as a professional caregiver. I have a BA in English and Professional Writing, a minor in Women’s Studies, certificates in Gerontology, Photography and Grant Writing, and ongoing education credits in serving older adults, people with cognitive impairments and caregivers as well as specialty certificates (such as Web design for seniors, home safety, workforce development, health equity, and falls prevention). I facilitate evidence-based falls prevention programming as a Master Trainer, serve on Age-Friendly Buncombe Advisory committees, and on steering committees for groups, such as Dementia Friendly WNC and the Buncombe Aging Service Alliance (BASA). I am a local Rotarian, volunteer my time on projects for literacy, design, and consultation.
As a daughter, mother, sister, and friend I cherish my relationships and my calling to listen to the needs of others, meet people where they are, and seek solutions to challenges we face throughout our lives. I enjoy any time spent with family and friends, Yoga, conscious movement, hiking and camping, music, creative expression, reading, food, and adventure! It brings me great joy to lead a life of service, one where my next step is always guided by a vision to live well at any age, with growth and authenticity being paramount to wholeness.”
Bruce Birdsall
Director of Medicare Services
Ext. 1304
Bruce started at Council on Aging in 2017.
“As the Director of Medicare Services, I direct three of COA’s programs: the SHIIP Medicare Program, the Navigator Program for the Affordable Care Act, and the Benefits Enrollment Center. I have served in non-profit management for over 25 years.
In my free time, I love golf, pickleball, and boogie boarding.”
Susan Wilson, MA, JD
Affordable Care Act Program Director
Ext. 1321
Susan started at Council on Aging in 2013.
“I began working for COA in November of 2013 during the first open enrollment period for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Needing a new challenge and burned out on domestic law, I joined the Council as one of the first Navigators helping people get insurance through the ACA Marketplace. As challenging as the first year was with technical snafus and confusion over the new program, the relief expressed by people with preexisting conditions able to purchase health insurance made it all worthwhile. Every year brings new challenges and changes but the gratitude of my consumers keeps me energized.
My wife and I live in a bi-species household with three dogs and currently only one cat. We have nine (9) wonderful grandchildren who keep us entertained even if only on Zoom calls.”
Emily Carleo, MA
Director of Congregate Nutrition
Ext. 1316
Emily started at Council on Aging in September 2021.
“I started my journey of working with older adults at age 12 volunteering with the Adult Life Center in Conover, NC, and fell in love. I knew from that moment I wanted to make a difference in the lives of older adults. Working with the Council on Aging’s senior dining program does just that. Offering nutritious meals, activities, and solicitation with people in the same age group feeds people’s bodies, minds, and spirits.
I grew up in Hickory, NC then attended UNC Charlotte for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I graduated with a Master’s in Gerontology. For the last 20 years, I lived in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Previously I ran a similar program in Iredell County.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my cats, listening to podcasts, and reading. I am really looking forward to exploring my new home!”
Rachel Miller, BS
Director of Community Services
Ext. 1305
Rachel started at Council on Aging in March 2022.
“As a multi-generation family caregiver, I am passionate about caregiver support and simplifying resource navigation. I’m a Buncombe County native and graduate of Western Carolina University. I am part of the Buncombe Aging Services Alliance, past representative for the Buncombe County Aging Advocacy committee, member of the North Carolina Coalition on Aging, and participate on the Buncombe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day committee.
I enjoy making with craft cocktails, trying new restaurants, hiking, and most of all, I love laughing with my husband and our two young adult daughters.”
Program Staff
Marina Kovalyova, BSW
Lead Resource Coordinator
Ext. 1315
Marina joined Council on Aging and the resource team in February 2022
“After spending over 17 years in aging services with non-profit and government agencies in Henderson County, I am delighted to join the team at Council on Council of Buncombe County. I moved to Hendersonville in 1997 from the UK, where I graduated from Keele University with a joint honors BA in Social Work and Russian Studies.
My social work skills enable me to work and communicate with individuals from many different backgrounds, identify challenges and offer solutions. I enjoy working with the senior population; connecting people with services, programs and community resources. Outside of work, I like to spend time with family, friends and my dog Bella. I practice yoga, enjoy painting, travel, cooking and swimming. I am a native Russian speaker and a Human Rights advocate.”
Gayland started at Council on Aging in 2017.
“I am a retired North Carolina educator, having worked 33 years as a teacher, counselor, coach, and school administrator. I hold a BA from Guilford College and an MA from Appalachian State University. Since retiring as a state educator, I’ve worked as an adjunct supervisor for the UNC-Asheville Teacher Education Department and in the same capacity for Mars Hill University.
I started working for COA as a part-time resource coordinator serving the Fairview/Fletcher communities. In September of 2019, I moved into a similar position as the Service Coordinator at Battery Park Apartments in downtown Asheville.
My work for COA came at just the right time. After retiring from one career, I was looking to stay active and involved in something that was both challenging and meaningful. My role as a service coordinator has been all of that and more. Aging with meaning and integrity is something we will all aspire to do at some point in our lives. My work has allowed me to find that meaning for myself and support others who are trying to do the same.”
Susan Hebach
Service Coordinator at Vanderbilt Apts.
Susan started at Council on Aging in 2022.
“I have always enjoyed working with people and connecting them with services and other resources so being the Service Coordinator at Vanderbilt Apartments will give me the opportunity to do just that.
I have worked primarily with children and families but am excited to be able to work with seniors.
I grew up in New York and moved to North Carolina in 1997 after my parents retired to Henderson County.
I enjoy watching TV and movies about science, psychology, history, and anything funny. I love animals especially cats. I live in Henderson County with my mom.”
Erin Whiteaker
Volunteer Coordinator
Erin started at Council on Aging in 2021.
“I am truly blessed to join the team at the Council on Aging. I have a strong background in the medical field and with insurance and am excited to help people navigate the Marketplace to make their experience as easy as possible. Being able to help others in the community is a true passion of mine.
I spent the majority of my adult life in Charlotte, NC and Pensacola, FL. I have family that resides here in Transylvania and Henderson County and am now proud to call Western North Carolina my forever home.
When I’m not working I’m usually spending time with my amazing three year old son and other family and friends. “
Steffie Duinske
Family Caregiver Support Specialist
Steffie started at Council on Aging in 2022.
“My role with Council on Aging is Family Caregiver Support Specialist.
My career interests have focused on health and wellness through public health programs pre-K through centennial for the past 24 years in various areas including health & physical education teacher, health educator focusing on community health assessments, preconception health, tobacco treatment, health coaching, and Meals on Wheels.
I am passionate about helping others live their healthiest lives. I’m a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University. I have a Health Coaching Certificate from UNC-Greensboro, and am a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist through UNC-Chapel Hill/Duke. I’m a Midwestern Indiana Hoosier at heart and have enjoyed living in the south – calling it home for over 20 years. I like being creative and crafty and spending time with my kids, husband and family.”
Edwina Craig
Family Caregiver Specialist
Edwina started at Council on Aging in 2022.
“By working in the senior care field, I understand the hazards that the elderly face as they become more fragile due to a physical illness, changes, or dementia. Personally, I know how OVERWHELMING it is trying to suddenly take responsibility and care of a parent, while having to juggle home/family/work/finances with all the medical appointments and supplies needed to make sure your loved one gets the best care available. It is so stressful and at times you wonder how you will get through the day! This is where the Family Caregiver Specialist comes in to provide options and I am so happy to be available for our Madison County residents!
I grew up in NC and live in beautiful Madison County. I graduated from UNC-Green.”
Insurance Staff
Vance Goodman
Benefits Enrollment Specialist
Ext. 1314
Vance started at Council on Aging in 2019.
“I am a native of Asheville, NC. When I started at the Council on Aging, I began as a Service Coordinator at Vanderbilt Apartments in downtown Asheville before assuming the role of Benefits Enrollment Specialist.
Prior to my time with COA, I pursued a Masters in Divinity and worked as an interfaith chaplain in a trauma-one pediatric hospital in Dallas, Texas. I am glad to be back in Western North Carolina, closer to family and the mountains I adore.
When I am not assisting lower income adults with benefits enrollment, I am on my bicycle, hiking, reading good books or writing poetry. I have an amazing family and super friends. I also enjoy films and engaging speaker events.”
Stephanie Oakey
Medicare Assistant
Stephanie started at Council on Aging in 2022.
“I am the Medicare Assistant for the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. After being a recipient of the Make-A-Wish foundation as a child, my goal and passion has been to help others.
I grew up in Andrews, North Carolina and have two degrees from Western Carolina University in Political Science and International Affairs. I worked for The Department of Health and Human Services providing the people of our area with Food and Medicaid assistance for almost a decade and am honored to be here with the Council on Aging.
In my free time I enjoy crafting, refurbishing and building furniture, and spending time with my wife and our five wild pets.”
Michael E. Sprengelmeyer
Affordable Care Act Navigator
Michael started at Council on Aging in 2022.
“As a Federally Certified Marketplace Navigator, I help people overcome confusion or other hurdles to find and secure health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Gaining access to affordable health insurance can be life-changing for people of all ages, and I’m excited to help — in either English or Spanish.
Helping people has been the focus of my second career. Before moving to the Asheville area in 2018, I spent 30 years as a newspaper reporter and publisher. That calling took me all over the world, including Washington, D.C., the battlegrounds of Afghanistan and Iraq, and even to a scrappy little newsroom in Santa Rosa, N.M. In journalism, I got an up-close view of some of the struggles people face in their everyday lives, and I wrote stories to cast light on issues society needs to face. Still, I craved a chance to help people more directly. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about my new role.
I’m a graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where I majored in journalism with minor concentrations in political science and Spanish literature. In my spare time I am an avid bird-watcher, photographer, songwriter, accordion player, student of American Sign Language and artist who transforms discarded laundry soap jugs into colorful ‘plastrickery’ mosaics.”
Administrative Staff
Arlyn Villafuerte
Media Support Specialist
Arlyn started at Council on Aging in February 2018.
“I am the Media Support Specialist for Council on Aging. My role is to provide program support to staff for outreach and marketing materials in English and Spanish through various forms of media. I have a BA in Sociology and Spanish. I love helping out in the community and I am very happy to be here.
I was born in El Sallvador and have lived in Asheville since I was three. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors. My favorite activities to do are mountain biking and hiking.”
Jasmine Hanks
Administrative Assistant
Ext. 1300
Jasmine started at Council on Aging in March 2022.
“As the Administrative Assistant here at the Council on Aging, my job is to act as a human GPS connecting our clients to the correct resources so that they can reach their destination. I have been working administratively for the past 12 years and this is my third non profit. I am an Asheville native so my heart is really with the community.
When not at work, I have a teenage daughter who keeps me busy. When I do have a few moments of true down time, I enjoy the restaurant scene here, journaling, reading, and binge watching Netflix.”
