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Leacey Brown

SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist

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.

State & Regional Offices

West River Research and Extension

Also by Leacey Brown

Three people sitting around a table writing

SDSU Extension Heirlooms Wisdom Writing workshop available online for first time

July 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that the Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop is now available through a virtual platform for the first time.

Older man writing on a notepad and looking at a computer screen.
Sep 06

Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop

SDSU Extension will host an online wisdom writing workshop over Zoom on September 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CDT.

wooden squares with letters spelling purpose

Registration now open for Purposeful Retirement online book club

July 21, 2025

Registration is open for the Purposeful Retirement Online Book Club, hosted by South Dakota State University Extension and North Dakota State University Extension.