Built from years of listening to older adults.
Dr. Abiola Akinosho-Williams, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC
Board-Certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner · Founder, Pen Pal Tree
Why Pen Pal Tree
For more than 16 years, I've cared for older adults across long-term care and senior living. Again and again, I've seen that what residents need most isn't always in a care plan. It can be someone who asks about their life, remembers their stories, writes back, sings a familiar song, or simply shows up.
Older adults carry extraordinary stories, skills, humor and wisdom. Yet connection can become harder to find as people age, move, lose loved ones, or spend more time within care communities.
My doctoral research explored dementia across cultures. It reinforced something I had already seen in practice: the need to be known, respected and remembered crosses cultures and generations. Pen Pal Tree grew from that belief.
It makes it easier for families, schools, homeschoolers, volunteers, performers, faith groups and community organizations to find older adults and communities that would welcome connection.
“A letter, a song, a visit or a shared project may feel small to the person offering it. To the person receiving it, it can become the best part of the day.”
Built with safety and dignity at the center
I designed Pen Pal Tree the way I would want a connection platform designed for the older adults I care for. There are no public resident profiles. Participating communities decide what they welcome, who takes part, and what visitor or volunteer requirements apply.
Professional background
Dr. Akinosho-Williams is a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner with more than 16 years of experience in long-term care and senior living. Her PhD in nursing focused on dementia across cultures. She is also a nurse scholar, educator and advocate for older adults and families.
Pen Pal Tree is an independent community-connection platform. It does not provide medical care or replace facility safety policies.