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Testimonials

What People Are Saying

Real stories from those who’ve experienced Penny’s care and connection

Penny Brown’s approach is warm, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Her sessions go beyond brain training—they create moments of joy, confidence, and meaningful connection. The kind words below reflect the impact she’s had on individuals and families alike.

letters of recommendation

💌Letters from the Heart 💌

Penny was THE best part of Dad’s assisted living. She got to know him, and he clearly sought her out even outside of games and activities.



Penny planned multiple engaging activities per week- she included them on the monthly calendar, and had great fun, it seemed, with the residents. Lots of outrageous costumes, every possible special day celebrated.



She found ways to have residents be able to paint, glue, bowl, garden, have “beer”, and even tea parties with special decorations. I hope she had a large budget for these, as they were the first engagement with families and residents!



Penny knows how much music impacts the demented mind, and lots of opportunities were provided for live piano, spiritual music, patriotic songs, and music of the era of residents.



We miss her so much. Not all assisted living places are equal. Penny made the difference.

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Good morning Penny,

I wanted to send you a note of appreciation for the activities and life enhancements you brought to my Dad. And through the activities you provided to him, you gave me ideas about how to better interact with him, which has been a blessing. Also it was clear to me how much he loved you and your activities. Every time he saw you, the biggest smile came over his face! Our entire family was quite sad to see you go.

All his life he was very strong, physically active and competitive.  Before retirement,  he was in the air force. He exercised and walked or jogged every day but Sunday! He was a handyman at home and not only maintained our home well, but created beautiful projects with wood, tile and paint. He chose to take piano lessons when he retired. He really loved to help others. He grew up on a farm and loved all kinds of animals. He loved to laugh and was a fun social guy. He loved to be with others in his community. He went to Catholic 

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Social/special activities for my wife, Cindy, who is in her 17th year of early onset Alzheimer’s, have been extremely beneficial for a number of reasons.  Specifically, it has delayed the decline of her mental and physical abilities, reduced the effects of her anxiety – a major issue for her and, most importantly, allowed her to socialize with others – along with exercise, one of the most important activities delaying the effects of her Alzheimer’s.
The most important activity for Cindy was/is music – particularly Christian and patriotic based on her background as she still retains, although declining, many of the lyrics, and dancing – a very beneficial physical activity.  It has been very important that the activity director note and promote what Cindy benefits from the most and that keeps her engaged.  Because of these focused social activities, Cindy continues to enjoy a relatively good quality of life which, as her caretaker for life, gives me great comfort and joy.

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Ms. Penny Brown, as Activities Director at Somerford Place, later Charter Senior Living of Annapolis, worked with my wife, Linda, for over
two years.  Linda is just one of the residents cared for by Penny.  Penny took special interest in many residents, guiding them through ever evolving activities to keep them both active and involved.  Linda benefitted greatly from Penny’s arts activities, games, and particularly for Linda, music!  Linda is a music lover and Penny routinely went out of her way to play Linda’s favorites.   She was very kind to my wife and I believe Penny was a major contributor to Linda’s well being during
Penny’s tenure.  Any care facility would be lucky to get Penny.  She’s extremely committed, pleasant, kind, and caring.

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Mainly, through all of the activities I get to see parts of my “old” Dad come through that otherwise I think is gone. I know for sure that all of these made my Dad’s day better.

Exercise and games gave my Dad a chance to work on mobility and dexterity. He was able to get somewhat of a physical workout playing with the balloon. I didn’t believe he used his upper body at all, until I played with him. It was a fun way to connect with him, assess his ability in the game, and see how much he enjoyed doing the game. He really isn’t verbal so again, a great way to connect with him. Music gives me a chance to hear some of the few words he manages to get out. Again, it’s a connection and something mg we can enjoy together. Art-I had no idea he could hold something with one hand and paint with the other. Through your activities, I get to see what he is still capable of doing and it’s always a big surprise.

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It is with great respect and genuine admiration that I provide this testimonial for Penny Brown, a truly exceptional Brain Fitness Coach and Memory Wellness Advocate. Throughout the many years of her career, I have had the privilege of witnessing Penny’s unwavering dedication to those she serves. Her approach is both compassionate and creative, tailored thoughtfully to meet the diverse needs of each individual she supports. What distinguishes Penny is not only her extensive knowledge in the field of brain health and memory wellness but also her heartfelt commitment to the people behind the diagnoses. She listens deeply, responds intuitively, and consistently goes above and beyond to foster meaningful improvements in cognitive functioning and overall well-being.
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Personal Stories & Feedback

“I really enjoyed witnessing Penny lead yer class, “Brain Boosters.” Penny is kind, and her class is engaging, and it’s such a positive environment for learning and connection. It’s been amazing to see how the class has brown over time—proof of how much the residents of Cedar Lane appreciate it. The classes leave the residents feeling sharper, more sociable, and excited to come back.”

Unique Carter/ Marketing and Communications Coordinator Cedar Lane Senior Living Community

There are three words that describes Penny and she encourages members of the members of our Brain Boosters classes. She brings various games and word puzzles to the classes to stimulate our brains and as well as her so called “Facts of the Day” which we try to remember as time passes into the hour. She encourages us with meaningful words, songs, of the past and present, as well as TV classics like “Jeopardy” and other facts which encourages us to remember things, past and present. Penny is a terrific teacher and friend who helps us all in her class, more than she realizes. God Bless you Penny

Theresa (participant)

I have enjoyed every Brain Booster class that I’ve attended. The inspiration that you bring to this class is over and above. It is a joy to be in your class. These are classes that I thoroughly enjoy. What a pleasure that you are there for us, you are truly a gifted teacher.  I am amazed at the love you share with us in every class. It takes a specially gifted person to work with seniors on a regular basis. I believe my brain may work a bit better because of Penny’s dedication.  I love Penny and all the love and joy she brings to the class. Any other classes that Penny teaches; I would surely try to attend. God Bless you Penny and Thank you.

Thelma Teri Bowling (participant)

I am very grateful to you for the service you provide and the difference you make in participating in residents’ lives. You always bring excitement to each activity filling it with genuine compassion. Thank you for the impact you had on the job well done. 

Tawanna/ Social Services Cedar Lane Senior Living Community

I truly enjoyed participating in the Brain Booster sessions. Mrs. Penny Brown provided a supportive environment filled with activities like card games, dice games, puzzles and exercises for improving our cognition. I also discovered new hobbies like reading and writing, learning new skills that improve our limbic system. This made each session even more rewarding. The classes helped me stay sharp, active and inspired. I am grateful for Mrs. Penny Brown patience, creativity and encouragement. I highly recommend Mrs. Penny Brown to anyone looking to strengthen their mind in a fun and meaningful way. 

Aqela Khaleef (participant)

Penny’s class Brain Boosters is my favorite activity at this community. When I first started attending, I thought it would just be fun brain teasers. That is part of it, but there is so much more. She has interesting topics in every class which keeps me engaged and focused. Sometimes I even look up more info online after class. I never thought my interest in learning would be awakened at this stage of my life. I also love most of the games we play. My only regret is that I did not join Brain Boosters class earlier than I did. 

Suzanne (participant)

Our residents absolutely love Penny. She does so many fun and creative activities to stimulate them. She brings an upbeat, positive and fun energy to our community. 10 /10!!!

Arielle Turley/Social Services Cedar Lane Senior Living Community

When I decided to try the Brain Booster Class I had no idea what was involved. First off I met our wonderful instructor, Penny Brown. Penny is not only extremely knowledgeable but also interesting and fun. She taught the class how to control our emotions through simple exercises, singing, humming, laughter, breathing exercises etc.  Penny has enriched my life in so many ways. I can’t thank her enough. I encourage everyone to take her course. You will not regret it. 

Dee (participant)

When I started to come to Brain Boosters class, I was frightened because I couldn’t understand what was happening in my mind. Penny, you prepared me for many things. You helped me to think more clearly and trust myself more. You are gentle, kind, gracious, supportive, encouraging, and understanding. Penny made me believe in myself. Thank you, Penny.

Jill (participant)

When I first heard about Brain Boosters, I thought it was for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. LOL! Boy, was surprised. Every day we learn something new, from the fact of the day to things to keep us alert and our minds sharp. Every day it’s something new: Jeopardy, Spoons game, dice game to exercising with drumsticks to music. Penny has really helped me to keep sharp. Every day is a new adventure. Laughter is the best medicine, and we sure do laugh. I look forward to Penny’s smile and bubbly personality.  

Angie Batch(participant)

Penny has helped in many ways, with my brain exercises to help remember the different match ups and in the ways she challenges you to fog forward with your thoughts. Also doing hand exercises to help with cognition. She has challenging games to play to for stimulation and for socialization. It keeps us happy and smiling. I will mis her so very much she’s wonderful to be around. 

Loretta(participant)

I am challenged with Parkinson and neuropathy. The Brain Booster class was certainly a benefit for me. Penny made the class very challenging but also fun and enjoyable. I would rate the class a five star in excellence. I will miss the classes I felt like I was making progress with my issues. Thanks Penny

Bunny (participant)

In reflecting on the last few months of attending the Barin Boosters class, I find that I am going to miss it. The love and care that Penny brings to the classes are obvious. What is not so obvious is how she gets into your thoughts. She has explained different ways the brain works and in a manner that the lay person can understand. Penny has mastered the art of play while you work your brain. I firmly believe that anyone who is fortunate enough to be in a class of Penny’s will come out not only more educated on the brain, but also more refreshed and happier. 

Eileen B.(participant)

Penny was THE best part of Dad’s assisted living. She got to know him, and he clearly sought her out even outside of games and activities.



Penny planned multiple engaging activities per week- she included them on the monthly calendar, and had great fun, it seemed, with the residents. Lots of outrageous costumes, every possible special day celebrated.



She found ways to have residents be able to paint, glue, bowl, garden, have “beer”, and even tea parties with special decorations. I hope she had a large budget for these, as they were the first engagement with families and residents!



Penny knows how much music impacts the demented mind, and lots of opportunities were provided for live piano, spiritual music, patriotic songs, and music of the era of residents.



We miss her so much. Not all assisted living places are equal. Penny made the difference.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Mahoney

Good morning Penny,

I wanted to send you a note of appreciation for the activities and life enhancements you brought to my Dad. And through the activities you provided to him, you gave me ideas about how to better interact with him, which has been a blessing. Also it was clear to me how much he loved you and your activities. Every time he saw you, the biggest smile came over his face! Our entire family was quite sad to see you go.

All his life he was very strong, physically active and competitive.  Before retirement,  he was in the air force. He exercised and walked or jogged every day but Sunday! He was a handyman at home and not only maintained our home well, but created beautiful projects with wood, tile and paint. He chose to take piano lessons when he retired. He really loved to help others. He grew up on a farm and loved all kinds of animals. He loved to laugh and was a fun social guy. He loved to be with others in his community. He went to Catholic church every week. He was active and engaged.

My Dad came to assisted living because he had Alzheimer’s and also he became agitated and very physically aggressive at home with us. Unfortunately, we could longer care for him at home because of the level of agitation. He began to hit family and caregivers. 

At first, he lived in another location. While the staff was quite kind, when I visited, I didn’t see much in the way of organized activities going on with Dad. When I visited, he seemed to be watching TV, laying in his room, or sitting in the common area. He participated in a few holiday parties which he enjoyed. While there was a schedule of activities there, the activities mostly didn’t seem to be occurring when I came to visit.
He remained somewhat aggressive, and he ended up in the ER over one Christmas awaiting a psych bed so his medications could be adjusted. While that bed never materialized, because it was the holidays, my mom took the opportunity,  when he was released, to move him to a new home, where he met you and the rest of the staff.

He clearly became much happier and less agitated or aggressive once he met you and began to participate in many activities with you. Music, art, exercise, games, snack time, Catholic and Christian services every week, and more. You had a full calendar of activities and when I came to visit Dad, he and the other residents were always happy and engaged.

Before covid-19, I was able to join Dad and the other residents in some of your activities. Early on, I was struck by the effort you made to ensure everyone at all levels of dementia and physical ability was included and could participate in some way. It wasn’t just for the mobile and aware. You went looking for every resident to include them in the activities. My Dad couldn’t tell you what was on a calendar or when activities were starting. But you looked for him and made sure he and the others were included every time. When he was able to walk on his own,  he was the first to get into the activities room before the activity started! That tells you how much he wanted to participate! Later you made sure he got there either with his walker or in his wheelchair. 

I came many times and sat with Dad and held his hand during music activities and singing. While normally he didn’t have many words, his hands moved to the beat of the music and if a very familiar song was played, I sang along to it and he sang a lot of it as well. I could also see how happy some of the other residents were singing along or dancing to the music. That opened my eyes to singing songs with him, which I still do with him to this day. 

A number of times I saw Dad working on art projects with you and he loved those. You picked art projects that seemed to resonate with him. And just as important, art set up in ways he could do at his level of dementia. He loved the painting and gluing art projects you set up for him. I saw he was very engaged with painting an airplane and artwork of dogs and farm animals or flowers. When he had a little trouble with it, you helped him gently. For families, you set up the Artsonia portal and put photos of his completed projects there so we could see the art projects he was doing. 

I wasn’t usually visiting during exercise or game activities.  But you showed me the golfing activity which he enjoyed. And you gave an idea to our family about blowing up a big balloon and tossing it back and forth with him. So I started doing that during my visits and he still loves it. I think it helps him to exercise and he uses both arms above his head and laughs while doing this.

You set up weekly Catholic services which he still attends. He did this his entire adult life, so I believe it resonates with him.

Of course, he was always eager for and loved the coffee/snack social time you set up. I could see that in his face. He also enjoyed the many theme days and parties you planned. He loved the outdoor activities. I try to take him outdoors whenever weather permits. 

I benefited from seeing your activities with Dad by learning some better ways to interact with a guy who has lost most of his words. You had him smiling and treated him and everyone with kindness and dignity and great smiles. Your activities kept Dad active and engaged. And clearly happy. 

Thank you,
Cindy Scharf 

Social/special activities for my wife, Cindy, who is in her 17th year of early onset Alzheimer’s, have been extremely beneficial for a number of reasons.  Specifically, it has delayed the decline of her mental and physical abilities, reduced the effects of her anxiety – a major issue for her and, most importantly, allowed her to socialize with others – along with exercise, one of the most important activities delaying the effects of her Alzheimer’s.
The most important activity for Cindy was/is music – particularly Christian and patriotic based on her background as she still retains, although declining, many of the lyrics, and dancing – a very beneficial physical activity.  It has been very important that the activity director note and promote what Cindy benefits from the most and that keeps her engaged.  Because of these focused social activities, Cindy continues to enjoy a relatively good quality of life which, as her caretaker for life, gives me great comfort and joy.

Best Regards,
Bob Riera

Ms. Penny Brown, as Activities Director at Somerford Place, later Charter Senior Living of Annapolis, worked with my wife, Linda, for over
two years.  Linda is just one of the residents cared for by Penny.  Penny took special interest in many residents, guiding them through ever evolving activities to keep them both active and involved.  Linda benefitted greatly from Penny’s arts activities, games, and particularly for Linda, music!  Linda is a music lover and Penny routinely went out of her way to play Linda’s favorites.   She was very kind to my wife and I believe Penny was a major contributor to Linda’s well being during
Penny’s tenure.  Any care facility would be lucky to get Penny.  She’s extremely committed, pleasant, kind, and caring.

Sincerely,
Richard Cullins

Mainly, through all of the activities I get to see parts of my “old” Dad come through that otherwise I think is gone. I know for sure that all of these made my Dad’s day better.



Exercise and games gave my Dad a chance to work on mobility and dexterity. He was able to get somewhat of a physical workout playing with the balloon. I didn’t believe he used his upper body at all, until I played with him. It was a fun way to connect with him, assess his ability in the game, and see how much he enjoyed doing the game. He really isn’t verbal so again, a great way to connect with him. Music gives me a chance to hear some of the few words he manages to get out. Again, it’s a connection and something mg we can enjoy together. Art-I had no idea he could hold something with one hand and paint with the other. Through your activities, I get to see what he is still capable of doing and it’s always a big surprise.



The activities all gave me a way to interact with him in ways I wasn’t aware that I could. We were having fun together when I had thought there wasn’t much anymore that we could do together. They have all made his quality of life better because we are together having fun!!



Through the activities I see that I haven’t lost all of Dad yet to Alzheimer’s.

Sincerely,
Terry Allnutt

It is with great respect and genuine admiration that I provide this testimonial for Penny Brown, a truly exceptional Brain Fitness Coach and Memory Wellness Advocate. Throughout the many years of her career, I have had the privilege of witnessing Penny’s unwavering dedication to those she serves. Her approach is both compassionate and creative, tailored thoughtfully to meet the diverse needs of each individual she supports.

What distinguishes Penny is not only her extensive knowledge in the field of brain health and memory wellness but also her heartfelt commitment to the people behind the diagnoses. She listens deeply, responds intuitively, and consistently goes above and beyond to foster meaningful improvements in cognitive functioning and overall well-being.

As a psychotherapist, I have encountered many professionals in adjacent fields, but few exhibit the depth of care and skill that Penny brings to her work. My strongest wish is that every individual struggling with memory or cognitive challenges could experience the level of attention, dignity, and encouragement that Penny provides.

She is a rare and valuable asset to the wellness community, and I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.

Sincerely,
Debbie Spearing, LPC-S Psychotherapist