“Sequence of Movements”

Darbe Schlosser is the owner of Motorvation and the President/Founder of the Motorvation Foundation. Darbe helps people with Parkinson’s build a life of movement and re-discover their inner athlete by moving with more speed, accuracy, and purpose. She is also the creator behind Brain Blast, a dual task training system that combines cognitive training using mathematics with functional and martial arts-based movements. She has her graduate degree in motor learning and motor control from Teachers College, Columbia University and an undergrad in Psychology. She is active in the Parkinson’s community at a global level through advocacy and research. Darbe was awarded the Parkinson’s Foundation community grant for three years, which led to the creation of an online peer-based community of people with Parkinson’s who train others with PD. She is excited to continue growing this community in hopes to make system level changes.

“Creating Research-Informed Groups that Last” and “Improv for Work and Wellness”

Dr. Robert Cochrane is a graduate of UNLV’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program. He continues to test and research the effect of improvisation and storytelling on Parkinson’s disease. He has received grants from the Parkinson’s Foundation and support from the Davis Phinney Foundation. He is a popular, unique and high energy Keynote speaker, bringing joy, optimism and practical tools for all people in the PD community to thrive today.

He has a background in filmmaking, with the Artisan Entertainment release, The Playaz Court, and two Stephen King-based short films among his credits. His father, Dan, was diagnosed with PD in 2001, which shifted Robert’s artistic lens to health. He made his first documentary, the award-winning Boys of Summer in 2004. There are two follow up films in the series with the fourth film coming in 2023. His first book, Acceptance: A Hero’s Journey through Parkinson’s and a PhD is now available on Amazon.

He moved his family back to Walnut Creek, CA, and is a proud care partner for his amazing parents. He lives there with his beautiful wife, two teenagers, and a rambunctious puppy named Stella – though it’s usually pronounced “STELLAAAAA!”

“Moving the Chi”

Julie Worden is a teacher with Dance for PD and the Muhammad Ali Foundation. She is a Global Ambassador with the PMD Alliance, where you can find her classes, Moving the CHI with PD and Tranquilidad de Espíritu in the archived library. This class is a combination of Tai Chi, Laughter Yoga and Dance in both English and Spanish. She is an advocate for Parkinson’s Disease, leading events internationally for PD Awareness. She was a dancer with the Mark Morris Dance Group for 18 years and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

“Good Sleep is the Foundation for Wellness”

Dr. Okeanis Vaou, is an esteemed professional in the field of neurology, specializing in Movement Disorders, Sleep Medicine and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Currently, she serves as the Chief of Movement Disorders and DBS Division at UT Health in San Antonio and also holds the position of Vice Chair of Faculty Development.

Before her current role, Dr. Vaou was in leadership roles as the Director of the Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, MA. She is proficient in treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Atypical Parkinson’s, Essential tremor, and other movement disorders.

Dr. Vaou’s medical journey began at Semmelweis University of Medicine in Budapest, Hungary, where she received her medical degree. She completed her neurology residency at New York Medical College and served as a chief resident. She further specialized in Movement Disorders and Sleep Medicine through fellowships at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). Her passion for teaching and research led her back to BUSM as a member of the Movement and Sleep Disorders team and the assistant DBS program director.

Dr. Vaou is committed to medical education and has held positions as Neurology Clerkship director and neuroscience course director at BUSM and Tufts School of Medicine and currently at UT Health San Antonio.

She has received numerous national and regional awards for education and was selected to participate in the prestigious “Women Leading in Neurology” program by the Academy of Neurology.

In addition to her clinical and educational pursuits, Dr. Vaou is actively involved in clinical research, evaluating novel pharmacological agents and patient education in Parkinson’s Disease. She is dedicated to raising awareness of early Parkinson’s Disease, DBS and advanced Therapies, Parkinson’s Disease in Women, and genetic testing in people with Parkinson’s Disease, particularly in the Hispanic population.

“Good Sleep is the Foundation for Wellness”, “Reframing Care Partner Programming”, and “Improv for Work and Wellness”

Larry Gifford is a co-founder of PD Avengers, a global coalition working towards ending Parkinson’s Disease. He is the host of the “When Life Gives You Parkinson’s” podcast and the Parkinson’s podcast for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Larry is an ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress 2023 and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. He is dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for research, and sharing his personal journey with Parkinson’s Disease.

“Inclusive Groups and Supporting Atypical Parkinsonisms”

Kathleen Carter was Arizona’s first female Certified Sommelier in 1996. She managed local chains of fine wine shops, was a wine educator, and worked at a variety of upscale restaurants, including Anthony’s in the Catalinas – a Wine Spectator “Grand Award” winner, and has managed national wine competitions. After a 30-year career in wine, she started researching her family history. She became a professional forensic genealogist, specializing in oil & gas mineral rights, finding heirs, and locating birth parents for adoptees. She also gives national presentations about genealogy topics, most frequently about DNA.

Kathleen was diagnosed with Atypical Parkinsonism (Corticobasal Degeneration) just after she retired, in 2021. She belongs to three book clubs, edits her local genealogy club newsletter, continues to travel and make jewelry, and maintains a fun and busy speaking schedule. While at home she enjoys the company of her Scottish Terrier, Victor.

“Inclusive Groups and Supporting Atypical Parkinsonisms”

Kelsey joined CurePSP in May of 2019 as the Events and Outreach Coordinator and in June of 2021 was appointed the Community and Resource Manager and serves as the Chair of the Community Advisory and Advocacy Committee. Kelsey provides those diagnosed and their families’ resources on all aspects of the journey through direct phone connections, educational materials, and support groups. She also oversees the national/international volunteer network of support group leaders and peer supporters. Kelsey obtained a BFA in Musical Theatre from Montclair State University and lives in Monterey, CA.

“The Ripple Effect of Parkinson’s”

“The Ripple Effect of Parkinson’s”

Lori and Mike DePorter are from York, PA. They have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and a granddaughter. They became Lori and Mr. Lori at a PMD Alliance Event last year. The team continued in Barcelona, and they never looked back. Since then, the DePorters have published blog posts, advocated for families facing Parkinson’s Diagnosis, and collaborated with Kyowa Kirin as a family on a project for National Family Carepartner’s Month.

Their video project, “The Ripple Effect of Parkinson’s,” was a learning experience for those who saw it and the DePorter Family themselves. They spoke about communication and Lori’s diagnosis and how it affected them. Zachary, the youngest of the three, described it as a time when “Dinner was on the table, but the person who cooked it wasn’t there.”

As a community, our stories are important, and sharing them can make a difference.

“Ending Parkinson’s Toolkit for Support Group Leaders”

Jane Rice Williams, Esq, served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims from July of 2012 until July of 2020. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kentucky and Juris Doctorate from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Jane was admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in October of 1995 and is a member of the Kentucky and Laurel County Bar Associations. She was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in March of 2017. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary and was inducted in the NAWCJ Hall of Fame in August of 2022.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2016, Jane organized in 2018 what is now Parkinson’s in Motion (PIM). She works determinately to reach and motivate PwPs, particularly focusing on the isolated and underserved areas in eastern and southern Kentucky where Parkinson’s often goes undiagnosed, and patients are rarely directed toward self-help. Believing happiness and optimism are choices in life -not situational- Jane strives to provide the tools for physical, social, and mental well-being.

“Ending Parkinson’s Toolkit for Support Group Leaders”

As Director of Patient Engagement at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), Eda focuses on advancing the Foundation’s patient-centric mission through patient engagement in research to accelerate progress toward a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. She leads a patient engagement team that forges partnerships with patients, research volunteers, industry and academic scientists, and the online smart-match tool Fox Trial Finder to increase the flow of participants into Parkinson’s disease clinical trials.

Eda started her career as a physicist but driven by her interest in creating an impact through science to advance community health, patient advocacy, and education, she switched careers to work in nonprofits and healthcare. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics and an MS in Biotechnology and Physics Education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts, reading, and traveling with her husband and daughter.

“Rebranding Parkinson’s”

Laurie Mischley, ND PhD MPH studied naturopathic medicine (ND) at Bastyr University and epidemiology (MPH) and nutritional sciences (PhD) at the University of Washington and she maintains appointments at both Universities. Her work is focused on identifying the nutritional requirements unique to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and has published on coenzyme Q10, lithium, NAD+, and glutathione deficiency (www.lauriemischley.com). She is Principal Investigator of the Modifiable Variables in Parkinsonism (MVP) Study (MVP-study.com), which is attempting to describe why some people with PD progress slower than others. She is working on ways to study, package and deliver evidence-based lifestyle modification as a therapeutic strategy. She founded the Parkinson Center for Pragmatic Research (www.parkinson-cpr.com) and the canine scent-based PD screening tool, ParK-9 (www.Park-9.com), developed a patient-reported outcome measure to assess PD severity (www.PD-symptoms.com), built the Parkinson Symptom Tracking (PRO-PD) App, and is instructor of the online series, Parkinson School (www.Parkinson-School.com). Dr. Mischley maintains a small clinical practice at Seattle Integrative Medicine focused on nutrition and neurological health of patients with Parkinsonism.

“Rebranding Parkinson’s”

Maria De León is a world renowned speaker and author of “Parkinson’s Diva: A Woman’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease.” “Parkinson’s Diva: Hello possibilities” & “Viviendo más allá del Parkinson.” Due to her extensive and unique experience as a person living with Parkinson’s and a physician trained as a movement disorder specialist, she brings years of experience into living well as a woman with PD in all aspects of life. It is this knowledge which she has put into this workbook to empower women living with Parkinson’s to find the best version of themselves even in midst of a chronic illness. Maria’s passion for women’s issues extends far beyond the realm of neurology and Parkinson’s. She volunteers and is a board member of a WCJC (Women’s Christian Job Corps) and is a mentor for young women and more than 10 years’ experience as a Girls Scout medical aid. She has been a recipient of AAUW (Association of American University Women) Award for her work in the field of medicine. Besides these activities, Miss Maria (as she is frequently called) enjoys teaching, blogging, and mentoring when not involved in her daughter’s activities in East Texas where she currently resides. You may follow her on Instagram @drmariade or her blogs www.parkinsonsdiva.org and www.defeatparkinsons.com.

“Functional and Fun Movement-Based Activities”

Kristi Richards received her personal trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She also holds certifications from Rock Steady Boxing, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, Barefoot Strong, Silver Sneakers, Trigger Point Therapy and the Brian Grant Foundation. She recently became a Functional Aging Specialist from the Functional Aging Institute.

She opened 413 Fitness in Austin, TX in the fall of 2015. 413 (four thirteen) was originally opened for people with Parkinson’s but expanded to all movement disorders from the encouragement of movement disorder specialists in central Texas. 413 Fitness offers classes at three locations in Georgetown and Austin.

“Date Night in the Afternoon for Couples”

Judith Sachs is the Founder and Director of ANYONE CAN MOVE, an adaptive movement program in Philadelphia, PA. Although she started her professional life on the stage, and then moved to the healthcare arena, she now combines these two passions. Her goal is to get everyone moving, whether in a chair or across the floor. 

Judith is a certified Dance for PD® teacher in Philadelphia and a 30-year practitioner of taijiquan push-hands, a practice that maximizes balance and breath.  

In 2019, she piloted an innovative therapy program, CLOSE CONTACT for COUPLES® with PD, under a grant from Penn Medicine. In 2020, she was awarded a Parkinson’s Foundation COE grant to improve partner communication with couples online and, in 2021, was awarded a second year in cooperation with both the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center, Penn Medicine and the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic, Las Vegas, NV.

“The Only Day We Have Screening and Panel Discussion” and “Workout With Jimmy Choi”

Jimmy Choi is an endurance athlete, 2-time World Record holder, and Parkinson’s advocate.

At the age of 27, Jimmy Choi was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Upon receiving the diagnosis, Jimmy went into denial and “did nothing” for the next 7-8 years to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms. By 2010, he only walked with a cane, and he hit rock-bottom when he fell down a full flight of stairs while carrying his young son, Mason. Thankfully, both were physically unharmed, but fear of the future and fear for his family made Jimmy vow to do whatever it takes to take back control of what Parkinson’s had robbed from him physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Since then, Jimmy has participated in multiple clinical trials to further research on better treatments and hopefully find a cure for Parkinson’s. Physical therapy led him to running and other activities that help both his physical and mental PD symptoms. He joined Team Fox in 2012 and ran his first marathon that year…and he has not stopped since! His passion to push beyond his limits led him to the national stage as he took on a new challenge and competed as an American Ninja Warrior the last 5 years! He showed the world that Parkinson’s will not stop him and inspired many more to not let a diagnosis define you.

Today, Jimmy continues to maintain a very active lifestyle and lives with his wife Cherryl and two kids, Karina and Mason, in the Chicagoland area. In 2020, he smashed the Guinness world record for the most chest to ground burpees in a minute and tied the record for most side jump pushups in one minute. He now coaches fitness for kids and adults and can often be found online chronicling his day-to-day challenges and how he strives to overcome them with functional movements.  He also continues to advocate exercise as one of his ‘drugs’ to manage Parkinson’s symptoms and looks forward to providing his input into the Parkinson’s community.

“BIG BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL ART” and “Improv for Work and Wellness”

Clara Kluge’s journey is truly inspiring, showcasing how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for healing and connection. Through dance, improv, and visual art, she navigates the challenges of Parkinson’s while fostering resilience and community. Her work, like the Soaring with Hope installation and the I Am Dance project, not only highlights the importance of self-expression but also unites individuals around a shared experience of hope and creativity.

Clara’s background as an educator enriches her artistic endeavors, allowing her to mentor others and create inclusive spaces for expression. Each discipline she explores enhances different aspects of her being—physical, mental, and spiritual—demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of art. Clara’s initiatives not only empower her but also encourage others in the Parkinson’s community to embrace their own creativity and resilience.

“The Only Day We Have Screening and Panel Discussion”

Allan Cole, PhD serves as Dean of the Steve Hicks School. He is also the Bert Kruger Smith Centennial Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and, by courtesy, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Dell Medical School. Previously, he served as senior associate dean for academic affairs in the Steve Hicks School.

Cole’s research and teaching interests include chronic illness, health humanities, and mental health. He is the author or editor of 13 books His next book, Riding the Wave: Poems, will be published in 2022. Cole is also the author of dozens of chapters, articles, and reviews in volumes and journals.

Professor Cole serves on the Board of Directors at Power for Parkinson’s (powerforparkinsons.org). He moderates PD Wise (pdwise.com), a hub he created for sharing personal stories, experiences, and wisdom gained from living with Parkinson’s that aims to encourage personal connections and opportunities for learning. He serves as a Community Advocate for ParkinsonsDisease.net, and as a regular guest contributor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Team Fox Blog.

“Sip Coffee and Paint”

“Power for Parkinson’s”

“Journey of the Joints”

“Support After Diagnosis: A Panel Discussion” and “Loneliness, Stigma, and the Role of Support Groups”

Indu Subramanian, MD is a Movement Disorder Specialist practicing at UCLA Neurological Services and is Director of the Southwest VA Medical Center Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (PADRECC) in Los Angeles, California. She also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA. Dr. Subramanian graduated from University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine. She completed her neurology residency and movement disorders fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Subramanian has an interest in integrative medicine and yoga and mindfulness in the PD population. She has been practicing for over twenty years. 

“Support After Diagnosis: A Panel Discussion”

Lauren Simmons was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, at age 54. She currently spends her time exercising or advocating for people with Parkinson’s. She is an ambassador for PMD Alliance, a support group leader, and the Board President for Parkinson’s Orange County, a local organization for people with Parkinson’s in her hometown of Orange County, California. 

“Support After Diagnosis: A Panel Discussion”

AMPARO GARCIA-CROW, founder and host of the Living Room, Story-time for Grownups is a director, producer, playwright, filmmaker, songwriter and former professor. She designs and presents experiential, spiritual and cultural events in a variety of performances, workshops and special events. Her children (and her first grandchild born on St. Patrick’s Day this year) are her greatest accomplishment. Her memoir PROPHECY OF MY UNDOING was released this March.

“Leading So Others Will Follow” and “Improv for Work and Wellness”

Benjamin ‘BJ’ Bement was diagnosed in 2013 at the age of 44. He had a pity party for about 4 months and then stumbled across an online support group. The leader invited BJ to the Parkinson’s Action Network Capitol Hill Day and Conference. He became an advocate and haven’t stopped yet.

BJ attended the first All In! in Washington DC and presented on bringing the community together.

He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Mission for Movement, a local initiative in the Baton Rouge area. It recently achieved our 501(c(3)) designation.

BJ is the current President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation and served as the Chairman of the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Baton Rouge for 5 years.

BJ was member of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council for 3 years (PPAC). He is also sits on the advisory board of Yes, And Exercises (YAX) and the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPN).

“Leading So Others Will Follow”

Husband, Father, Grandfather

Teacher, Mentor, Author

Man of Faith, Survivor, and PD Ambassador

Business Man, Consultant, “Intrapreneur”

These are all descriptors of Greg and the “On-Purpose” life he lives. Raised as an “Air Force Brat”, he has lived in many parts of the US and even abroad. This nomadic life style has led to a love of travel and meeting new people along the way. As a cancer survivor and having lived with Parkinson’s disease since 2011, Greg sees part of his mission here on Earth as being a positive Ambassador for the disease.

“Redefining Aging Services: A Visionary Blueprint for the Decades Ahead”

Bob Roth is Managing Partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions. Bob assisted in creating Cypress HomeCare Solutions with his family in 1994. With nearly 40 years of consumer products, health care and technology experience, Bob has successfully brought the depth and breadth of his experience to the home care trade and in doing so, Cypress HomeCare Solutions has been honored to receive a number of awards over the years, including Bob being chosen as the January 2014 CEO of the Month and was a finalist for the 2015, 2022 and 2023 Phoenix Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes award. Cypress won the Better Business Bureau’s Business Ethics award in 2013, and in 2018. Since 2014, Bob hosts a radio show/podcast called “Health Futures, Taking Stock in You.” This program airs every Friday from Noon to 1:00 pm on Money Radio 1510 AM, 105.3 FM. In addition, he writes a monthly column called “Aging Today” for the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix, and Lovin Life after 50 newspapers.

“Reframing Care Partner Programming”

Rebecca Gifford is a writer, communications executive and former host of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, a podcast she produced with her husband PwP Larry Gifford. She is a Parkinson’s and care partner advocate, and a proud PD Avenger. She facilitates creative writing and other workshops and webinars for Parkinson’s organizations and beyond. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her Husband Larry and their teenage son.

“Using Storytelling to Build Community, Connection and Confidence in Support Groups”

Denise Coley is the Founder of Enable Your Vision, a firm that provides supplier diversity consulting to drive economic vitality for diverse businesses, corporations, and the communities in which they reside. Denise is also a Parkinson’s advocate focused on increasing Parkinson’s awareness and resources to under-engaged and remote global communities. She has served on multiple PD committees, including the Parkinson’s Foundation’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and as the Mission and Outreach Chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation, CA Region Council. Denise also serves on the World Parkinson Coalition’s Engaging People with Parkinson’s in Clinical Research committee and is a member of the PD Avengers’ Wellness Committee. Together with her husband, they co-chair a special interest group focused on bringing Black perspectives to PD research.

“Using Storytelling to Build Community, Connection and Confidence in Support Groups”

Bernard Coley is an executive with 50+ years of experience in the high technology industry. He received an AB in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University, an MBA from Stanford Business School, and a Doctor of Law (JD) from Stanford University Law School. Mr. Coley has a long and distinguished career of volunteer work including community development projects, supporting the arts, youth development, business leadership development and facilitating/mentoring entrepreneurial development in underserved and indigenous communities. He is also an experienced facilitator and mediator. Currently, he is a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Research Advocates group and an Advisory Board member of the CA Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation. Together with his wife, they co-chair a special interest group focused on bringing Black perspectives to PD research.

“Improv for Work and Wellness”

Dan Dumsha’s passion is to bring learners into the moment together, where co-creation can happen. A graduate of Queen’s University Drama (B.A.H) and Artist in Community Education (B.Ed), Dan has been performing and teaching theatre and improv for over twenty years.

Using his background as a high school teacher and corporate trainer, Dan loves to apply the concepts of improv to the way teams work together. In 2015, Dan accompanied his husband to NYC where Jon completed a fellowship in Movement Disorders and Dan began to bring improv programs to those with Parkinson’s Disease. Upon returning to Vancouver, Dan continued to lead and grow Improv for Parkinson’s programs with Vancouver TheatreSports and Tightrope Theatre – partnering with the Parkinson’s Foundation, PSBC, and Parkinson’s Canada. After returning from the World Parkinson’s Conference directing the PD performance troupe, Dan started Improv for Work and Wellness in 2024, where the Improv for PD programs and troupe continue to grow.

“Improv for Work and Wellness”

Rosemary Morrison is the Improv for Wellness Manager with Improv for Work and Wellness.

Rosemary is a performer, creator, teacher, and arts administrator working and living in Vancouver on Unceded Coast Salish Territories. Rosemary is a student at Simon Fraser University, completing a BFA in Theatre Performance, and a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. She is grateful to be a part of the Improv for Work and Wellness team. She loves connecting with people through improv and sharing its many benefits!

“Loneliness, Stigma, and the Role of Support Groups”