Penny gained her Diploma and the Margaret Hone award in 2001 having studied astrology for many years while working in the National Health Service. She particularly likes teaching students at the beginning of their studies as well as supporting and encouraging them in a supervisory capacity as they begin doing consultations. She runs occasional small groups for absolute beginners in South London and enjoys introducing astrology to those who are not currently able to study formally. She is also interested in genealogy and how astrological themes are passed down the generations. Her husband was born on the island of Madeira which she visits frequently and enjoys speaking Portuguese with family and friends.