About Us
The Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance is an independent, national non-profit organization that provides opportunities for people impacted by Parkinson’s and other movement disorders to learn, live life more fully, and connect with others.
PMD Alliance reaches across all communities and partners with many movement disorder specialists. We seek to address the needs of the people we serve by providing innovative solutions that inform, inspire and empower. These include experiential opportunities, exercise programs, and growth-oriented social interactions.
Focusing on the whole person, PMD Alliance complements a physician’s care with live and online holistic wellness services that include:
- Educational workshops
- Care partner and adult children retreats
- Interactive physician-led online discussions
- Live-stream exercise and wellness programs
- Support group leader conferences and resources
Our Vision
PMD Alliance is a systems advocacy organization.
We created the Movement Disorder Care & Support Ecosystem© to serve as a guiding star as we develop and refine our programming. When all parts of the ecosystem are working well, and working together, the positive effect on people impacted by movement disorders is immeasurable.
Our Team
Becky Branum
Program Manager
Becky Branum brings her friendly professionalism, kind concern about people, and attention to detail to all aspects of her work as PMD Alliance Program Manager. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience at a a major movement disorder and research facility, and five years as an Enrollment and Student Services Coordinator, she possesses the range and depth of abilities necessary to deliver high quality programming. Becky’s motto, “Let’s do it – and let’s do it well,” inspires her work and energizes everyone around her.
Shannon Elliott, NASM-CPT, MA
Community Engagement Manager
Shannon utilizes her multi-faceted knowledge of movement and the body to improve the fitness and overall well-being of people impacted by movement disorders. Trained in Dance for PD, she has worked in the professional dance world for 20 years as a performer, teacher, choreographer, director and arts administrator. She teaches exercise and dance programs for people impacted by PD in Santa Fe, NM. With extensive experience in business development and community relations she connects people living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders to health and wellness resources.
Margie Gray, CPC
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Margie came to PMD Alliance with decades of expertise coordinating and managing practices of various movement disorder physicians and neurosurgeons. With a deep bench of experience in the medical side of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, an eye for detail and a big heart she embodies the “just do it” spirit of PMD Alliance in all she does. She is an energetic person committed to supporting her work community as a team player in setting and achieving goals while maintaining a high level of personal integrity, loyalty and confidentiality.
Sarah Jones, MPA, MS Strategic Design
CEO
With more than 25 years of experience leading non-profits and health care programs, Sarah is an energetic, visionary leader who is continually looking for opportunities to increase impact and address unmet needs. Her expertise extends to creating dynamic work cultures, systemic transformations, and blending passion for mission with innovative, high-quality business models. Sarah has designed programs and led trainings for local, national and international audiences, including groups in Canada and Botswana. Driven by the belief that life is too short to just show up every day, she strives to create a world that we are excited to live in and be a part of.
Rebecca Korduner
Manager, Digital Programs
Rebecca is an energetic problem-solver with a long history in IT, strategic thinking and program implementation. She brings with her a thirst for developing ways to streamline processes and create efficiencies that allow our staff to focus their time on what matters most — the mission! When Rebecca is not attempting to solve the mysteries of the world (or a Rubick’s Cube), she can be found writing or brushing up on her ‘dad jokes.’
Andrea Merriam
VP, Community Engagement
A hungry learner and divergent thinker, Andrea’s talents shine at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Her hard-wired empathy and refined communication skills make her a natural fit to lead the PMD Alliance community engagement team in developing connections, partnerships, and relationships across all our stakeholder groups. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys tickling her kids, reading Scandinavian crime fiction, and drinking hoppy beer.
Robin Myers, MAc
Business Manager
Robin brings accounting expertise and creativity with a human touch to her role with PMD Alliance. With extensive experience in accounting and financial management in nonprofits, as well as grant reporting, Robin manages the financial aspects of PMD Alliance. In addition to this experience, Robin is completing her training as an acupuncturist and is looking forward to utilizing Chinese medicine to help bring health and healing to others. Robin’s decades of management experience in a variety of fields will enable her to perform extensive research and analysis in needs assessments and service availability in various regions across the US.
Amy Reiland
Coordinator, Communications Systems
Amy joined PMD Alliance, bringing with her over 10 years of marketing and communication experience from both the corporate and non profit sectors. With a deep understanding of design implementation and effective communication, along with a strategic analytical mindset, she provides vital support for PMD Alliance to continue to grow as a leading voice in the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder community. By connecting with those who are living with Parkinson’s or who are a part of a support system, Amy creates information to meet their unique needs.
Monika Sawdy, RN, MSN-L
VP, Strategic Programs
Monika’s twenty-five years of experience as a nurse in movement disorders and other settings provides a bridge between the medical world and PMD Alliance’s focus on quality-of-life programming. Her experience as an Army EMT and in nursing leadership offers a depth of experience and compassion for supporting individuals facing challenging times. Born in Germany, her global perspective informs PMD Alliance’s ability to reach underserved areas. Monika has extensive experience working with geriatric populations, hospice and in various leadership roles within medical organizations and hospitals.
Maureen Simmons, MA, Philanthropy & Development, CFRE
VP, Philanthropy
Maureen joined the Parkinson Movement & Disorder Alliance in June, 2018. She brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience to PMD Alliance, most notably in her recent role as Executive Director for the New Mexico Parkinson’s Coalition. Maureen is passionate about life, mission-driven and donor-centric. She earned her Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from the University of Minnesota in 2006 and was awarded the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in 2009. Maureen lives in New Mexico and loves the outdoors!
Judy Talley, MA Gerontology
Director, Certified Parkinson Disease Care Program
Judy draws upon two decades of experience in housing, services and healthcare for older adults to inform her passion for designing and implementing dynamic, quality programming. With leadership experience in assisted living, rehabilitation and nursing facilities, Judy brings a wealth of information about training, program design and delivery for older adults and adults navigating chronic, degenerative diseases. She has expertise in developing educational programs for varied audiences. Judy leads the Certified Parkinson Disease Care™ program and provides guidance and information about navigating changes in care needs and lifestyle choices.
