Wellness Wednesday: Social Engagement Series

Join our global program where esteemed dance professionals from Southern Danceworks lead sessions focusing on unleashing the full potential of physical and artistic movement. Modeled after an evidence-based program pioneered by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson's Group.  

Movement for Parkinson's offers tailored instruction designed to harness all the benefits of dance to transform lives and enhance well-being including fluidity of movement, stability, balance, and motor skills.  

Speakers

Teri Weksler
Teaching Artist
UAB Arts in Medicine

Mary Margaret Scalici, MA
Teaching Artist
Body Arts and Sciences Institute (BASI) Instructor
UAB Arts in Medicine

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.

Due to the nature of our social engagement programs and to protect the privacy of participants, we will not be recording or archiving these programs. By not recording, it's our hope that the program provides a comfortable environment that encourages meaningful participation.

Join us for a soothing and supportive gentle yoga class designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson's. This class focuses on gentle movements, mindful breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises to promote flexibility, improve balance, and reduce muscle stiffness commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. Through a series of accessible yoga poses and guided meditation, you'll learn to cultivate a sense of calmness, enhance body awareness, and foster a deeper connection between mind and body.

No prior yoga experience is necessary, and modifications will be provided to adapt to individual needs. Come nurture yourself in a safe environment tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of Parkinson's.

Please keep a chair and bottle of water nearby. Enjoy the session!

Instructors

Crista Ellis, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Transformational Mentor, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga, 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.

Join Crista for a guided meditation to welcome our hearts into healing and our minds into harmony. We often find ourselves trapped in our thoughts, pondering what we should do, weighing the pros and cons, wrestling with fears, and questioning our decisions. Although our minds are intelligent, accessing our heart space allows us to truly connect with our inner selves. By surrendering to our hearts, we can align our actions with our true desires, allowing both our heart and mind to work together in harmony.

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 and community connection following the practice.

Speaker

Crista Ellis, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Inspirational Mentor, Founder of Rising Rose Yoga, 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.

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.

For many of us, physical discomfort is a part of our journey with Parkinson’s. In this session, we will talk together about how mindfulness can help us manage discomfort and pain, and offer a guided meditation on working with some of the common difficulties associated with Parkinson’s.

Speaker

Nico Hase, PhD, 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.

Power up your workout. Punch Out PD will include dynamic, high-energy drills that train muscle power. Vigorous exercise can help improve motor function and brain health. This class will incorporate intervals of high intensity power movements such as squats & punches, along with functional strength exercises that support activities of daily living. The goal of this class is to help support confidence, independence and optimal brain aging. Both seated and standing exercises will be included.

Instructors

Cammy Dennis, BS, ACE, AFAA, AEA, NAFC

Susan Lassiter, BSN, MSN, MHA, AEA, NAFC

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, PhD - 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.

Many of us would like more kindness in our lives. Through meditation we can cultivate this most beneficial quality of the heart. This session will focus on the psychological and physical benefits of cultivating kindness, as well as offer a guided kindness meditation.

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.

Join us to discuss Parkinson's symptoms, treatments, and progression while we explore important factors in helping live your best life, including diet, exercise, and staying connected. This program will also feature a live Q & A with Parkinson's experts.

Expert Speakers

Ihtsham ul Haq, MD, FAAN
Professor of Neurology and Chief of Movement Disorders Divisions
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. 

Kimberly Amigo, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC
Memorial Neuroscience Institute

Annelly Bure-Reyes, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Marina Sarno, PsyD
Assistant Professor, Division of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Lead Neuropsychologist, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurology
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Melissa Grassia Chisholm, MS, CCC-SLP
CEO | Voice Rehab LLC

Valeria Garcia-Mallon, MS OTR/L
Memorial Hospital West Outpatient Rehabilitation

Rania Massad PT, DPT
Assistant Professor & Neurologic Residency Coordinator
Nova Southeastern University- Physical Therapy Program.

Sydney Hughes, CAP
Founder & CEO, Senior Proof

Moderator

Adolfo Diaz
Associate Vice President, Information & Resources
Parkinson's Foundation

Fitness Demonstration: "The Dancing Nurse", Shan'tel Davidson, Karisma Dance Fitness LLC

Event Volunteers Needed! Service hours and lunch are provided. To sign up and learn more, visit: Volunteer sign-up here

For in-person attendees: Check-in and Resource Fair start at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served.

For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 11 a.m.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required since lunch will be served. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their families, friends, and the community.

Emotional and social health is an important part of living well with Parkinson’s disease. Many symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as anxiety, apathy and mood changes, can affect emotional and social wellness. Learn how various clinical and creative therapies can support not only symptom management but the overall well-being of the person living with PD.

Speakers joining us from the University of Vermont Medical Center:

• James T. Boyd, MD
• Suzanne M. Kennedy, MD
• Lucas Kovacevich, MSW

 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.

Lunch will be provided.