Episode 168: Celebrating Our Parkinson’s Foundation Volunteers

Member, People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, Parkinson’s Foundation

Tonia Smith serves as care partner for her mother, Joanne, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. She is a member of the People with Parkinson's Advisory Council (PPAC), which is comprised of people with Parkinson’s disease and care partners who serve as advisors to the Parkinson’s Foundation. A 26+ year public servant with the City of Cincinnati, Tonia currently serves as Chief Advocacy Officer for Aging and Accessibility in the Office of the City Manager. Previously, her work has focused on health promotion and education, health equity, coalition building, policy and system change, and environmental health and safety. Tonia is a Registered Dietitian, Master Certified Health Education Specialist, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She enjoys teaching yoga and dance fitness classes throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

President, Gulf Coast Chapter Board of Advisors, Parkinson’s Foundation

Steve Sain was born & raised in Tennessee, marrying his college sweetheart, and now lovely wife for 46 years. He’s blessed with two wonderful daughters & two 100-lb canine best friends. Steve has lived most of his adult life in Alabama, retiring to a peaceful landscape on Lake Martin. He enjoys SCUBA diving, virtually all sports & adventurous travel.

In 2018, Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his life changed. He retired, sold his company, and immersed himself in Parkinson’s related activities by volunteering in multiple ways. Steve co-facilitates a nearby support group and has found this to be profoundly educational; so much so that he founded another support group serving his immediate area of Lake Martin. Steve has served on multiple PD expert panels and has also participated in clinical trials.

The primary focus of Steve’s volunteerism has been through the Parkinson’s Foundation. He currently serves as President of the Parkinson’s Foundation Gulf Coast Region, has reviewed grant applications throughout the Southeastern U.S. for the Community Grant Program, assisted with educational events, fundraisers, and provided general counsel to regional staff as part of the Gulf Coast Board of Advisors.