605-394-1722
SDSU West River Research and Extension
711 N Creek Drive
Rapid City, SD 57703
Leacey Brown is a highly organized and passionate professional dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults and families in South Dakota. In her role as SDSU Extension's gerontology field specialist, she helps individuals understand and prepare for the realities of aging—offering practical guidance on home safety, caregiving and end-of-life planning. Through her clear, actionable teaching, Leacey empowers families to make informed decisions that reduce long-term costs and promote dignity and independence in later life. Her strong network of statewide and national stakeholders, combined with her leadership and educational expertise, makes her a trusted resource and catalyst for positive change.
Areas of Expertise
- Aging well
- Family caregiving
- Life planning
- Planning for safe, accessible housing
Programs and Services
- Workshops and education about aging in place, family caregiving, mental health, dementia, obituaries, wisdom and strategies for organizing information and important documents delivered in a variety of formats (writing workshops, webinars, web pages, videos and more).
- Support for Aging in Place: Education and information on how adults can modify and renovate their homes to ensure they remain safe, accessible and comfortable, providing practical solutions for planning ahead for caregiving needs or end-of-life considerations.
- Care Conversations are free, one-hour sessions that provide individuals with the opportunity to have personalized conversations about elder care, future planning and end-of-life considerations. These sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant, allowing them to explore topics such as caregiving strategies, housing options, legal preparations and navigating available resources. With her advanced knowledge and compassionate approach, these one-on-one discussions provide valuable insights, clarity and guidance in a supportive environment, free from the pressure of purchasing services.