Debbie's Angels
Since 2017
Scott Brown, MA
Scott Brown, MA, completed his Master’s degree in anthropology at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., with a focus on human evolution and museum studies. After graduation, he worked at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum as a museum exhibit researcher and also helped repatriate Native American skeletal remains back to indigenous tribes. In 1991, he began a career as a medical journalist. In 2006, he stopped working to care full-time for his elderly mother, helping her remain active and engaged for the last 10 years of her life. That experience made him keenly aware of the need for eldercare services to decrease isolation among the elderly. Scott volunteers with his church to feed the homeless and is involved with his local community “village,” part of a nationwide effort to help seniors age in place. In his spare time, he enjoys music, computers, hiking, and being with family.
Since 2018
Jenni Coopersmith, BS
Jenni Coopersmith, BS, received her education from Burlington College in Vermont where she double majored in education and psychology. She traveled extensively while working with an international resort company which fostered her interest in cultural anthropology and the experiences of others.
She is a former public school teacher and worked primarily with profoundly disabled students. She is a tireless volunteer both in politics and in her religious community. She sincerely enjoys “being of use” and is committed to Tikkun Olam (healing the world). Jenni also enjoys meeting new people, listening to live music of varying genres, reading about world history from diverse perspectives, art, language and beyond.
Since 2021
Lucy Ferris, BS
Asst Director of Debbie's Angels
Lucy Ferris, BS, grew up in Maryland, but lived for many years in Florida. She moved back to this area in 2017. Lucy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and went on to earn a Primary Montessori Teaching Certificate from the Washington Montessori Institute. She taught for over 25 years both as a preschool and elementary teacher in several Montessori schools. Lucy enjoys reading, cooking, live music, arts and crafts and helping others.
Since 2017
Claire Grabowski, BS
Claire Grabowski, BS, grew up on Long Island and earned a BS in Education at the Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH). She has worked as a teacher, a math tutor, an administrative assistant, a nanny, and a companion for older adults. She is also an author and speaker at national and local conferences on family issues and a regular guest on a national radio show. Claire has five adult children and is expecting her third grandchild. In addition to enjoying her own family, she and her husband have worked together for over twenty years preparing couples for marriage and have led a marriage enrichment ministry in their church for the last eight years.
Since 2021
Suzanne Levin, BS
Suzanne Levin, BS, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies at the University of MD in College Park. She has worked with people in many stages of life – as a preschool teacher, with children in a domestic violence shelter, counseling women in reproductive health clinics and in the later part of her careerworking as an activities assistant in Independent Living, Assisted Living, LTC and Memory Care units. Up until the COVID 19 Pandemic she volunteered at The Washington Ear where she read and recorded newspaper articles for the visually impaired. Suzanne lived in Phoenix, AZ for 16 years where her son still lives. She came full circle when she moved back in to her childhood home in Silver Spring to live with her elderly father after her mother’s passing. Since her fathers’ death she has been enjoying slowly redecorating the whole house. Suzanne also enjoys live music, dancing, playing volleyball, discussing politics and spending time with friends.
Since 2020
Laura Miller, BS
Laura Miller, BS, was born in Miami, FL but has lived in the Washington, DC area most of her life. She received a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of MD. She had the privilege of working with a wide range of patients at the National Institutes of Health until her second child was born. Over the years she has worked at The Word Among Us magazine, Mother of God School, and ran a summer camp at her home for neighborhood children for many years. She and her husband have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Her faith is an important part of her life. She also enjoys sewing, quilting, reading, cooking, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
Since 2022
Joel Minton, MA
Joel Minton, MA, a native of Maryland, graduated from UMBC in 2003 with a master’s degree in teaching English as a foreign language (ESL/Bilingual Education). He became a licensed teacher and taught in Maryland, Virginia, South Korea and China. He has been working as an instructor of gentle fitness for the elderly and homebound for the last few years. Joel’s interests are varied and include fitness, mindful meditation, foreign languages, international cuisine, stamp collecting, and learning new things.
Since 2017
Darcy Newell, BA, MS
Director of Debbie's Angels
Darcy Newell, BA, MS, is from the Midwest. She received her Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, Kansas. Darcy has lived in the D.C. area for over 12 years, with the exception of a two year stint in Cambodia. She has worked as a child and family therapist, a clinical care reviewer, and was a community liaison officer for the U.S. State Department while living in Cambodia. In addition to her role as Debbie’s Angels Coordinator, she also helps with client intakes and administrative work in the business office. Darcy’s interests are exercise/running, sports, reading, and volunteering as a co-facilitator for a grief support group.
Since 2022
Kendra Parham, MSW, LMSW
Kendra Parham, MSW, LMSW, is a native of Washington, DC. She earned her BA from Marymount University in psychology and her MSW from Columbia University. She has worked at The Children’s Inn at NIH and the Metropolitan Jewish Hospital System in NYC, providing hospice services. She has served in a variety of positions assisting seniors. Kendra enjoys reading, movies, helping out at her church, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat.
Since 2022
Peggy Redding, BA
Peggy Redding, BA, earned a BA in English from American University. She was a CNA between high school and college. She then worked for nearly 30 years at a legal publishing company. After that, she went back to caregiving. A native Washingtonian, she also enjoys reading, music, traveling and going to estate sales.
Since 2018
Andy Robbins, BA
Andy Robbins, BA, is a native New Yorker who came to Washington DC to attend American University. Andy graduated with a double major in education and business. He taught for two years in the local Montgomery County Public School system. After teaching, he found his true passion and began a career in the automotive industry. He sold vehicles on a retail level and then worked in automotive finance with both Ford Motor Credit Company and Volkswagen Credit. His business career helped him develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. During this time Andy made a commitment to volunteerism and has been a Hospice and Transitions volunteer with Jewish Social Services Agency, JSSA since 2007. Andy wanted to give more of his time, since retiring, to supporting families whose needs include spending time with an elder family member. Andy has two adult daughters. Since retirement, Andy fills his time with his enjoyment of music, attending concerts, film, and reading.
Key to Staff Credentials
- C-ASWCM – Advanced Social Work Case Manager
- CMC – Care Manager Certified
- MSW – Masters of Social Work
- LGSW – Licensed Graduate Social Worker
- LCSW-C – Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (in MD)
- LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (in DC)
- LISW – Licensed Independent Social Worker (in DC)
- BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN – Registered Nurse
- MPH – Masters of Public Health
- MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
- MS – Masters of Science
- NHA – Nursing Home Administrator
- JD – Juris Doctor
- CDP – Certified Dementia Practitioner