Our Leadership Team
Cindy Brown
Executive Director
Cindy Brown is a native of the charming historic city of Savannah, GA, but has been living in the Atlanta area for the past 30 years. She has an extensive 20-year background in Healthcare and Human Resources, and she brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate touch to the residents’ wellbeing. Cindy has expressed her sincere interest in the Assisted Living sector over the past 8 years and- has been thriving since. Her deep faith has shown her that it’s possible to see things change for the better and good in her communities. She loves to share laughs and smiles with those she meets, and personally finds that this line of work affords her the opportunity to serve and help others while embracing their senior years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a mother of three adult sons and five adorable grandchildren. She loves to relax in her spare time while either reading, shopping, or having fun making candles.
Hillary Rhodes
Sales and Marketing Director
I am a Southern Belle, born and raised in North GA. I attended Shorter University as a student-athlete where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration focusing on Marketing Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Hospitality is my passion! I focused my career in the hospitality industry because I have a genuine enthusiasm for creating positive and memorable experiences for others. I find joy in helping others, and being part of a team that shares this mission is incredibly motivating to me.
Outside of the office, I spend my time exploring nature with my dog, Loki, trying new restaurants, reading thriller books, and binge watching a new detective series. I am excited for my journey with Legacy Ridge at Sandy Plains and look forward to discovering how I can best serve you, helping to enhance the welcoming and supportive community that makes this establishment feel like home.
Penney Williams
Lifestyle Director
Penney says she immediately felt at home at Sandy Plains during her first visit after being welcomed on the front porch by one of our residents. She describes the atmosphere as warm and cozy. Penney says the residents inspire her every day. “It has been a joy to get to know all our Assisted Living and Memory Care-Spirit Community residents.” She looks forward to creating and delivering a meaningful and impactful engagement program for all the residents.
Penney has over six years’ experience in Senior Living both as a family member and in Engagement for senior living communities. She has developed many programs, served as a trainer for staff and volunteers and provided support for families. Her trademark saying is “Today is a good day to have a good day.”
Penney has a B.A. in English and a M.S. in Education (Guidance and Counseling) from Longwood University. Penney is married with two sons and a six-month-old yellow lab puppy named Winnie.
Darrell Brown
Wellness Director
With more than 20 years of pediatric and geriatric nursing experience under his belt, Darrell Brown joins the leadership team at Legacy Ridge as Wellness Director. Darrell worked for many years in Home Health Care as a private duty nurse and in Skilled Nursing Care as a charge nurse in Connecticut. He began his nurse management career when he relocated south to Georgia nine years ago. Compassionate care is his specialty, and he is dedicated to nurturing quality caregivers and med techs. He takes pride in creating lasting bonds with his residents and their families. Darrell is an avid sports fan (Go Jets! Go Mets!) and enjoys cooking for friends and family. He has become a BBQ enthusiast now that he can smoke and grill year round. Married for over 30 years to his college sweetheart, Darrell has a daughter, two sons, a 3-year-old grandson, a 9-month-old granddaughter and miniature Schnauzer named Jaxx. Fun Fact: Darrell and his wife were in the same freshman class at Howard University with Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Gerry
Business Office Manager
Gerry is excited to serve as the Business Office Manager here at Legacy Ridge at Sandy Plains. She started working with Atlas Senior care in June 2021.She was the Business Office Manager at Legacy Ridge at Sweetwater Creek.
She has 17 years of healthcare experience. She attended Med Tech school for Medical Assistant. She is a certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Aide and Pharmacy tech. She is originally from Shubuta, Mississippi, 35 miles south of Meridian, Mississippi. She moved to the Atlanta Metro area in 1998.
She has two kids and two grandkids. She enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves traveling, her favorite place to visit is Montego Bay. Gerry enjoys talking with the residents and their families.
Joey Chenot
Dining Director
While residing in Naples, Florida, I have honed my culinary expertise across various esteemed country clubs, collaborating with exceptional chefs along the way. My culinary journey began at Golf Harbor Country Club in Fort Myers, where I seized the opportunity as a grill cook, skillfully preparing an array of proteins such as veal chops, lamb rack, duck breast, filet mignon, and more. Venturing to Naples, I continued my culinary exploration as a grill cook at Mediterra Country Club, delving into the realms of soups, sauces, and off-site catering.
Under the guidance of CIA graduate Chef Gregg John, I absorbed invaluable culinary insights, cultivating my passion for the art of cooking. Drawing inspiration from culinary luminaries like Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, John George, and Charlie Trotter, I dedicated the first decade of my career to working under exceptional chefs at various country clubs. Notably, I had the privilege of preparing meals for distinguished figures such as George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, and even the bass player of AC/DC – a surreal experience, to say the least!
Transitioning to a new chapter in my life, I married Erica Klaw and relocated to the vibrant state of Georgia. At Ansley Golf Club, I assumed the role of Sous Chef, overseeing Sunday brunch and curating menus for lunch and dinner. After a rewarding three-year tenure, I embraced a Chef position at the Defoors Center, a cafe specializing in weddings and banquets. Following a successful two-year stint, I embraced the role of DSD/Chef at Saint Ann’s Terrace Independent Living, where my culinary creations brought joy to residents.
Now, I am thrilled to bring my culinary passion and leadership skills to Legacy Ridge as the Dining Director, committed to crafting exceptional dining experiences for all.
Bryan Swindell
Maintenance Director
My name is Bryan Swindell. I have been in maintenance for 22 years. I love the challenge of fixing things and making things look beautiful again. I love our seniors. My heart is with them and serving them. They are just like my family. Just like the challenge of fixing broken things, I look forward to the challenge of helping and serving them on a daily basis.
I look forward to coming to work everyday so I can see the smiles on their faces. After all, they are the reason why we are here. Outside of work I enjoy hunting and fishing, woodworking and cooking on my three grills. I am also the youth pastor at my church where I teach our youth.
