Zachery Ellwood

Senior Director of Life Enrichment

Zachary Ellwood joined The Village on Morehead in October 2023 and brings over nine years of experience in senior living. As Senior Director of Life Enrichment, Zachary is passionate about creating dynamic, inclusive programming that inspires residents to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled. In addition to leading life enrichment efforts at The Village on Morehead, he also supports other luxury communities in enhancing their offerings. Zachary oversees all transportation operations—both medical and recreational—and works to bring high-quality entertainment and diverse experiences to the community.

He holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and is a certified water aerobics instructor, personal trainer, and massage therapist. Outside of work, Zachary enjoys running, hiking, biking, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. He is deeply inspired by seeing older adults embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest.

Brandon Studebaker

Senior Director of Dining Services

Brandon Studebaker is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in hotel and restaurant operations. He joined The Village on Morehead in October 2023. He oversees daily dining operations, leads budget planning, and consults on dining strategies for luxury senior living communities across Houston, Austin, Charlotte and Nashville.

Known for building strong, high-performing teams, Brandon has a proven track record in multi-unit dining, bar operations, and driving both cost savings and revenue growth. He previously directed Nashville’s first tri-branded hotel.

Brandon is passionate about the power of food to bring people together. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, Emily, and their two young children, Presley and Jackson. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, traveling, Braves baseball and volunteering with Feeding Charlotte and Dilworth Soup Kitchen. He’s also a bourbon enthusiast and proud dog dad to two boxers, Folly and Camo.

Cynthia Henry

Director of Sales & Marketing

Cynthia Henry brings extensive experience as a high-performing sales and marketing professional, known for exceeding goals and building lasting client relationships. With a keen ability to understand individual needs, she combines strategic thinking with exceptional communication to deliver meaningful results for both residents and families.

A proud Charlotte resident, Cynthia is deeply engaged in her community through active involvement with Rotary, the Chamber Presidents Club, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, and other volunteer efforts—reflecting her commitment to service and connection.

Outside of her professional life, Cynthia enjoys 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Earl. Together, they share a love for travel, kayaking, and spending time on Lake Wylie. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Hillary and Katie, with whom they’ve created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Steven Poole

Director of Sales

With over 10 years of sales experience in the senior living and property management industries, Steven offers deep expertise in both sales and operations within senior living communities. His three years of personal caregiving for his mother provide him with a unique perspective, combining professional knowledge with personal compassion. This allows Steven to connect with families on a meaningful level and genuinely understand their emotional journey.

Steven is a certified dementia practitioner. His expertise and commitment to the care and well-being of others are evident in both his professional role and his volunteer work. Beyond his career, Steven generously volunteers his time delivering medical equipment to those in need, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in his community.

Corey Sparks

Director of Plant Operations

Corey Sparks brings over 15 years of expertise in HVAC and building maintenance to his role as Director of Plant Operations at The Village on Morehead. A Charlotte native, Corey joined the community five months before its official opening and quickly advanced from Plant Operations Assistant to his current leadership role. Prior to that, he played a key part in opening four other luxury senior living communities over the past five years.

Corey holds multiple certifications, including EPA Type III, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), OSHA compliance, and Maintenance Technician. At The Village on Morehead, he oversees all aspects of plant operations—from HVAC systems and maintenance to housekeeping, landscaping, and safety compliance—ensuring the community runs smoothly and safely.

Known for his hands-on leadership and high standards, Corey is passionate about creating spaces that enhance residents’ comfort, safety, and quality of life. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his son’s basketball team and spending time with his family, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and community.

Emma Foreman

Director of Administrative Services

Emma Foreman brings over eight years of experience in senior living to her role, offering a thoughtful and detail-driven approach to community operations. A graduate of Appalachian State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Computer Information Systems—equipping her with the knowledge to oversee both financial and human resource functions effectively.

Emma has served mature adults across several Charlotte-area communities and is known for her warm energy and strong leadership. She leads with a commitment to excellence, guiding a concierge team focused on delivering personalized service and creating meaningful first impressions. Her passion for exceptional care and operational precision helps foster a welcoming, comfortable environment for residents and their families. and spending time with his family, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and community.

Hosie Pope

Executive Chef

Chef Hosie is a dedicated culinary professional with over two decades of experience in luxury senior living. His passion for cooking began at East Mecklenburg High School and led him to earn an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Charlotte. With nearly 22 years in the senior living industry, including 20 with a national provider, he brings deep expertise in crafting meals that are both delicious and tailored to the preferences of mature palates.

Outside the kitchen, Hosie enjoys life with his wife Heidi and their three children—Raiden, Myles, and Aubrey—along with their family dog, Rocky. His love for food and family is reflected in the warm, welcoming dining experiences he creates each day at The Village on Morehead.

Ruth James

Director of Dining Services

Ruth is a seasoned hospitality professional with a strong background in healthcare and senior living. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from East Carolina University in 2017 and brings over a decade of experience in dining services within the senior living industry. Passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences, Ruth combines deep food and beverage knowledge with a commitment to outstanding customer service at The Village on Morehead.

Known for her enthusiasm for mentoring and service excellence, Ruth is excited to support the community’s vision of becoming a premier destination for luxury retirement living in the Carolinas. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her family, especially her nephews Doriae and Jasai, attending church, and practicing self-care—bringing warmth, care, and balance to everything she does.

Wadlay Mondesir

Sous Chef

Wadlay Mondesir is a skilled culinary professional whose passion for cooking began at an early age, inspired by his father Lony, a longtime pizza chef. He began his career in 2010 as a utility aide and steadily worked his way up through the kitchen, eventually becoming a sous chef. For the past decade, Wadlay has partnered closely with Executive Chef Hosie, forming a dynamic culinary team known for both collaboration and creativity.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Charlotte’s Culinary Arts program, Wadlay joined The Village on Morehead prior to its Spring 2024 opening. He assists with menu planning, catering, and culinary team oversight, while bringing his specialty—baking—to the forefront. His homemade chocolate cookies and award-winning banana chocolate chip cookie bar with Haitian rum glaze, which earned top honors at a recent Chef Wars Culinary Competition, showcase his innovative spirit.

Wadlay finds deep fulfillment in serving seniors and values their honesty and feedback. He is committed to exceeding residents’ expectations with every meal. Outside of the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Francine, and their daughter, Mattea.