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

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. 

Navigating Parkinson's disease (PD) requires an active and informed approach to healthcare. This program will encourage individuals living with PD to take charge of their care by providing strategies for effective communication and self-advocacy before, during and after healthcare visits.

Participants will learn how to make the most of each appointment by prioritizing their needs and preparing questions and concerns in advance. Additionally, attendees will gain access to valuable tools and resources from the Parkinson's Foundation to support their journey. 

Speakers

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

Kathleen Blake, MD, MPH
Vice Chair, People with Parkinson's Advisory Council 

Muhammad Mahdi Nashatizadeh, MD
Director, Inpatient Movement Disorders
Associate Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
University of Kansas 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Harness the power of gratitude to shift perspective and find joy. This session focuses on recognizing moments of grace and practicing appreciation. 

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

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.

Tap into the healing power of nature with guided visualizations and sensory awareness exercises designed for the Parkinson's community. This session will help you cultivate a sense of grounding, calm and connection — whether you're outdoors or simply imagining the beauty of the natural world. Embrace the simple joys that bring peace to both mind and body.  

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

This class will use a block format to address all areas of exercise recommended for individuals with Parkinson’s. Each block will focus on strength, balance, aerobic, or flexibility while overlaying coordination, amplitude, multi-tasking, and functional movements. A comprehensive workout!  

Level: Standing 

Equipment: Chair

Instructor

Tricia Creel, PT, DPT, NCS
Co-Founder of MDT Education Solutions

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.

PDGENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease is transforming the landscape of Parkinson's research while empowering individuals with knowledge. This webinar will cover an overview of the PD GENEration study, including its mission and the exciting progress made so far. We will also provide a discussion of the future of PD GENEration and insights from a participant panel, featuring their personal stories and the impactful actions they have taken based on their genetic results.

Speakers

James Beck, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer, Parkinson's Foundation

Jennifer L. Verbrugge, MS, CGC
Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor
Indiana University School of Medicine
Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics
Hereditary Genomics Division

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.