This interactive workshop introduces a practical resource designed to support those caring for someone with Parkinson’s. Built around five essential wellness keys, the Care Partner Guide offers strategies, stories, and tools to help care partners strengthen support networks, balance self-care with caregiving, and plan for the future. To create space for meaningful connection, the workshop will include group breakout discussions. 

Order your guide before the webinar:
Visit Parkinson.org/CarePartnerGuide to read and download the digital guide, or visit Parkinson.org/Store to order a copy at no cost.

Audience:
This program is designed for care partners of people living with Parkinson’s. While individuals with Parkinson’s are welcome to attend, please note that the content is specifically focused on supporting those in caregiving roles.

Speaker

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

Moderators

Jessica Bartsch
Senior Community Education & Outreach Manager
Midwest, Field Advancement, Parkinson's Foundation

Kortnie Hays
PD Information Specialist
Helpline, Parkinson's Foundation

Elena Godfrey
PD Information Specialist
Helpline, Parkinson's Foundation

Jordan Staenberg
Development Manager
Southwest, Field Advancement, Parkinson's Foundation 

Katherine Fagan, MSW, LCSW, CDP
Senior Program Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker
Northwestern University Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

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

This session will focus on each of the areas of exercise, recommended by the Parkinson’s Foundation, including cardio, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance, and strength, while participating in an engaging, fun, and powerful exercise session. Exercises included can be incorporate into your daily exercise regimen, with the goal of maximizing safe, functional mobility and delaying the progression of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. 

Equipment needed: sturdy chair, water, towel, light dumbbells if available (may also use bottled water or soup cans, if you do not have access to dumbbells)

Instructor

Allison Boshart, Physical Therapist, DPT
PWR! (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery), Delay the Disease, LSVT Big
Instructor of the Premier Parkinson’s Wellness Program at Miami Valley Hospital North

Alec Heffner, AT, CSCS, TSAC-F, TPI F2
Total Health Works Parkinson's
Instructor of the Premier Health Parkinson’s Wellness Program at Miami Valley Hospital North

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.

NeuroBalance™ is Movement Revolution’s comprehensive wellness program designed for individuals at every stage of Parkinson’s Disease. Each session integrates mobility, flexibility, strength, cardiovascular conditioning, and balance training into a single, well-rounded workout.

This whole-body approach supports improved movement quality, better posture, reduced stiffness, and enhanced cardiovascular health — all while promoting neuroplasticity and functional independence. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing more advanced symptoms, NeuroBalance™ provides the structure, variety, and expert coaching to keep you moving strong, living well, and staying ahead of Parkinson’s.

Instructor

Eric Johnson,CSCS, CIFT, NES 
Founder and CEO, Movement Revolution

Movement Revolution Team

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.

Understanding the role of genetics in Parkinson’s is helping researchers develop new treatments and move closer to a cure. This webinar will review the basics of genetics and Parkinson’s disease (PD) and explore how genetic changes may influence PD risk and how symptoms progress. Learn more about the Parkinson’s Foundation initiative, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, and why participation is helping to improve our understanding of PD and contribute to better care for individuals.

Speakers

Maggie Caulfield, PhD
Director of Research Programs, Parkinson’s Foundation 

Allison Dilliott, PhD
Genomics Lead, Clinical Research, 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.

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

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 can be some of the hardest parts of living with Parkinson’s. Thankfully, there are many helpful tools and services beyond medication that can make a big difference.

In this Wellness Wednesday webinar, we’ll explore ways to support safety and quality of life through medical, emotional, and social support. You’ll learn how to build a strong care team—including professionals like psychiatrists, speech therapists, and social workers—and discover community resources like memory cafés and support groups. Walk away with practical tips to better understand and manage dementia-related changes.

Speakers

Erin Cecchi, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker
East Ann Arbor Geriatrics Center
University of Michigan Movement Disorders Program

Mikaela Lowe, MSOT, OTRL, Occupational Therapist
Michigan Medicine
Neuro Rehabilitation Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Center
Brighton Center for Specialty Care

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.