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.
Krissy York
Sales and Marketing Director
An Atlanta resident for over 30 years, Krissy has a Masters of Social Work from the University of Texas-Arlington. Early in her career she had the pleasure of working with United Way Community Centers offering support services and case management for seniors who were home bound. A move to Atlanta led to an opportunity to work as a counselor, assessing admissions for Anchor Hospital Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center. During her 8 year employment she became a compliance specialist in the Utilization Review department where she negotiated hospital contracts with insurance providers and gave oversight to medical staff for documentation compliance. As she raised her four children she immersed herself in volunteerism and co-founded a high school theater booster club, coordinates a music conservatory production every summer at The Art Place and served as president of her neighborhood women’s club that served local seniors with meal programs. In 2015 she and her daughter created Songs For Seniors where her daughter and other volunteer singers entertained residents at a local assisted living community. Krissy’s passion for working with seniors has been a thread throughout her career and now she shares her enthusiasm at Legacy Ridge, helping new residents transition to a community that offers social events, recreation activities and support for health management. Her background as a licensed real estate agent gives residents confidence in selecting a new place to live and calling Legacy Ridge Sandy Plains home.
She loves coffee, shopping, and a great pen!
Katarra Ashley
Wellness Director
Katarra is a native of Tutwiler Mississippi and a graduate of Delta State University with an English Degree. While in high school, she attended a pilot program for dual enrollment in nursing.
With over 23 years in the healthcare industry, she feels as if she has found her niche in the assisted living arena.
Katarra prides herself on strong communication, all while treating those she encounters as family and friends.
“I am looking forward to continuing my art in nursing, all while growing with a company where I can call 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.
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.
Johnny Weems
Maintenance Director
Johnny is a native and lifelong resident of Atlanta, GA. He has 20 years of experience in maintenance and has 4 years of experience in Assisted living. He has found his passion with working with the elderly.
Johnny and his beautiful wife have been married for 25 years. They have three daughters, Zhane, Zarra and Zaniya.