Parkinson's Foundation: Ambassadors in Action Call (SE Region)

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

6:00 pm ET (5:00 pm CT)

Join us for the launch of Ambassadors in Action—a special 4-part pilot series designed to connect Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors, volunteers, and staff to expand education and outreach in our communities.

Each quarterly session will feature staff and volunteer presentations and include a Quarterly Call to Action that highlights key Foundation programs and how volunteers can help amplify their impact.

Topics in this year’s series include:
• Hospital Safety Guide and education program
• Community Neurology Outreach
• Care Partner Guide
• Newly Diagnosed Guide

Whether you're a current Ambassador or looking to get involved, we’d love to have you join us for this exciting new initiative!

Speakers: 

Laura Lutrick 
Advancement Director,
TNKY Chapter

Annie Long
Senior Director
Community Education & Outreach
Southeast Region

Bobbie McLaughlin
Ambassador
Tennessee & Kentucky Chapter

Event Schedule

Pain is a common part of life with Parkinson’s disease. It is complex and can take many forms. In this webinar we will review the different types of pain, their causes and various treatment options. You will learn to recognize the difference between general discomfort and true pain and understand how to effectively communicate symptoms with healthcare professionals to improve both comfort and quality of life. 

Speaker

Dr. Meaghan Lynch, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Neurorehabilitation
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, French Campus Neurology Department

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.

Cognitive changes and dementia are among the most challenging aspects of living with Parkinson’s.  Many non-drug resources are available that can support safety and quality of life. This Wellness Wednesday webinar explores supportive medical, emotional, and social services beyond traditional care. Learn how to build a strong support network with professionals—like psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers—and community programs such as memory cafés or support groups. Gain practical tools to better understand and proactively manage dementia support.

Speaker

Coming soon!
 

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.

Care Partner Conversations is a supportive webinar series led by care partners for care partners. Whether you're a spouse, family member, friend, or someone interested in learning more about the caregiving experience in Parkinson’s disease, this space is for you. Through candid, compassionate conversations, care partners share real-life strategies, helpful resources, and lessons learned along the way. Each session fosters connection, validation, and a deeper understanding of the caregiving journey—because you’re not alone. 

Speakers

Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN
Retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse
Care Partner to her husband living with Parkinson's
Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador

Terry Thompson, LPC
Senior Editor, Stenhouse Publishers

Nancy Shea, RD, MBA
Business Coach and CASA
Loving Care Partner to husband
Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador with a focus on Care Partner Support

Tom Graffeo
Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing
Parkinson's Foundation People with Parkinson's Advisory Council (PPAC) member
Care Partner to his partner living with Parkinson's

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.

We want to thank this webinar's sponsor, Amneal, for supporting our mission. 

Understanding Medicare and disability benefits can be challenging—especially when living with Parkinson’s. This informative session will break down the essentials of Medicare, including what’s covered (and what’s not), how it supports people with Parkinson’s, and how to navigate gaps in care. We'll also explore the intersection of disability benefits and Medicare, helping you or your loved one make informed decisions about available support and resources. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, mid-journey, or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, this session is designed to empower you with knowledge and clarity

Speaker

Renee Harberts, CLTC, CRPS
Independent Insurance Broker, Associated Professionals, Ltd.

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.

This program offers an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms, available treatments and effective strategies for managing them. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.

Speaker

Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Chief Medical Officer, Parkinson’s Foundation
Neurologist, Movement Disorder Specialist, Duke Health

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.

Start the year by setting meaningful intentions and embracing self-compassion. Learn mindfulness techniques to cultivate kindness towards yourself and find purpose in the year ahead.

Speaker

Crista Ellis, E-RYT, B.Sc 
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Life Coach, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga
Senior Community Engagement Manager, 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.

Find moments of peace and joy during the holiday season. This session highlights mindfulness practices to help you stay present and savor meaningful connections.

Speaker

Danielle R. Carns, PsyD
Director, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Program
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 
 

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.

In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body. These mindfulness techniques can offer moments of respite and clarity that can be useful throughout your week. Find a comfortable seat and join your mindful Parkinson's community for a special session. Whether this is your first mindfulness Monday, or you are a returning participant, these sessions are created with the intention of including everyone. There will be time for questions following the practice.

Speaker

Taylor Rush, Ph. D.
Health Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Services and Interdisciplinary Programs, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic

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.

Most of us think of joy as a happy accident. But joy can be cultivated through simple, accessible mindfulness practices. In this session we will talk together about how to build joy into your days, and introduce a joy meditation that you can do sitting quietly or on the go.

Speaker

Devon Hase
Author, Meditation Teacher

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.