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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Resources &amp; Support](/resources-support)
- [Events](/resources-support/events)
 
  

 

   Educational Events 

#  Parkinson's Disease and the African American Community: Part 2 

 Harris Conference Center  
 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Dr.  
 Charlotte, NC 28208 

 Virtual ( Zoom ) 

 

 September 24, 202211:00 am to 2:00 pm EST

 

 Free 

 

 

 [REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Calendar?id=108493&view=RSVP) [REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL](https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Calendar?id=108494&view=RSVP) 

 

    ![Multigenerational African American family sits together on a couch](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/african-american-community-event.jpg?itok=WgvjsgMW)  Join us for Part 2 of this two-part series. Together, we will learn more about Parkinson’s disease and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Participants will hear from community members and experts on how Parkinson’s can impact mental wellness and explore resources and support on how to navigate changes. We will also explore how faith and spirituality play a role in the way communities and individuals approach their health and healing.

*\*Participants will have an opportunity to participate in genetic testing for Parkinson’s disease and contribute to research.*

**COVID SAFETY:** We’re closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and following all local and state regulations for your health and safety. For the safety of the Parkinson’s community, we’re asking our participants to follow city and state guidelines regarding mask usage and social distancing safety protocols. Changes to the event date and location may be made, if necessary. Thank you for doing your part to help protect our community!

### **Featured Speakers**

**Pastor Samantha Dowdy,** *Higher Dimensions Ministries*

**Ivorie Walker, PsyD,** *Atrium Health*

**Reversa R Joseph MD, MS,** *Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Administration*

### **Expert Panelists**

**Sarah Westmoreland, PT,** *Atrium Health*

**Kara Simon-Kuhn, SLP,** *Atrium Health*

**Jamie Schmidt, OTR,** *Atrium Health*

### **People with Parkinson's and Care Partner Panelists**

**Phil Gee**, Person with Parkinson’s

**Julia Gee**, Care Partner

**Barbara Monroe**, Care Partner

**Greg Monroe**, Person with Parkinson’s

**Alharvey Parker**, Person with Parkinson’s

### **Moderator**

**Juanita Pharr,** Parkinson’s Foundation

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.

 - ###   Agenda   
    
    10 a.m. – **Check-in / Visit Exhibitor Tables**
    
    10:30 a.m. – Choir Performs
    
    ***Main Program Begins***
    
    11 a.m. – **Welcome**  
    Kim Gamble, Parkinson’s Foundation Program Planning Committee Chair Crista Ellis, Parkinson’s Foundation
    
    11:10 a.m. – Presenting Sponsor **Atrium Health Introduction**  
    Danielle Englert, MD, Atrium Health
    
    11:15 a.m. – **Opening Prayer &amp; The Role of Faith in Our Health and Wellbeing**  
    Pastor Samantha Dowdy
    
    11:35 a.m. – **Mental Wellness: The Navigation of Changes**  
    Ivorie Walker, Neuropsychologist, Atrium Health
    
    12:05 p.m. – **Mental Wellness Panel Discussion**  
    Ivorie Walker, Pastor Dowdy, Alharvey Parker (Person with Parkinson’s), Barbara Monroe (Care Partner) and Greg Monroe (Person with Parkinson’s)
    
    Moderator: Juanita Pharr, Parkinson’s Foundation
    
    12:30 p.m. – *Fitness and Lunch Break*  
    Carol Milne, PTA, Atrium Health
    
    1 p.m. – **Comprehensive Expert Panel Discussion**  
    Reversa R Joseph MD, MS, Chalmers P Wylie Veterans Administration  
    Sarah Westmoreland, PT, Atrium Health  
    Kara Simon-Kuhn, SLP, Atrium Health  
    Jamie Schmidt, OTR, Atrium Health  
    Phil Gee, Person with Parkinson’s  
    Julia Gee, Care Partner
    
    Moderated by Juanita Pharr, Parkinson’s Foundation
    
    1:30 p.m. – **Question and Answer** sessions with audience (in-person and online); Moderated by Juanita Pharr, Parkinson’s Foundation
    
    1:50 p.m. – **Closing and Thanks**  
    Kim Gamble, Parkinson’s Foundation Program Planning Committee Chair Diana Parrish, Development Director, Parkinson’s Foundation
 
  ##   Contact Us  

 Crista Ellis

 

  [ ![Envelope icon](/themes/custom/parkinson/assets/images/envelope.svg) 

 Carolinas@parkinson.org

 

 

 ](mailto:Carolinas@parkinson.org) 

 [ ![Phone icon](/themes/custom/parkinson/assets/images//phone.svg) 

 305-537-9960

 

 

 ](tel:305-537-9960) 

 

 

 

 **To watch Part 1 of this program series, please click on the video below:**

 *The Parkinson's Foundation is grateful for the unwavering support of our Program Sponsors. We invite you to view our full list of sponsors and learn more about them by visiting our [Chapter page](/carolinas "Carolinas Chapter").*

 

  ##  Upcoming Events 

   Educational Events 

###  [ Mind, Mood and Motion ](/events/2026/ellicott) 

 This program focuses on how exercise supports brain health and can lead to improved emotional and cognitive well-being.

 September 24, 2026Ellicott City, MD

 

 [REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON](https://secure.parkinson.org/site/Calendar?id=119389&view=RSVP) 

   Fundraising Events 

###  [ Flamin’ Ohs - The Parkinson’s Foundation MN Fundraiser ](/events/2026/FlaminOhs) 

 Flamin’ Oh's and Annie and the Bang Bang return to The Hook &amp; Ladder for a night supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation.

 September 25, 2026Minneapolis, MN

 

 [REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON](https://thehookmpls.com/shows/the-parkinson-s-foundation-mn-fundraiser-september-25-2026-711808/) 

   Fundraising Events 

###  [ Moving Day Dayton ](/events/2026/md-dayton) 

 Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.

 September 26, 2026Dayton, OH

 

 [REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON](https://secure.parkinson.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=7807) 

  

 [View All](/events) 

  

 

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