Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 10:00 a.m. and the program starts at 11:00 a.m. 

Most people with Parkinson’s disease will experience changes in speech, voice and swallowing at some point during the course of the disease. Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

Speakers

Meka S. Benson, MCD, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
ChristianaCare

Sarah Burton-Romero, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Widener University Speech-Language Pathology Clinic

Mindy Myers, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
University of Delaware Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

On-site parking is available. Lunch will be served.

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 11:00 a.m. and the program starts at 12:00 p.m. 

There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease that may not always be easy to discuss. With a focus on mood, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers and/or loved ones.

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

Speakers

Kathrin LaFaver, MD
Neurologist
Department of Neurology
Albany Med Health System

Paul Glovinsky, PhD, FAASM
Former Clinical Director
St. Peter’s Sleep Center, Albany, NY
Private Practice, New York, NY

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.

Check-in & Resource Fair* begins at 10 a.m. and the program starts at 11:00 a.m. 

After many years of good symptom management, Parkinson’s disease may become more challenging. Learn how Parkinson’s symptoms may change over time and new strategies available for managing them.

*The Resource Fair will feature local Community Partners that provide services and support for the Parkinson’s Community.

Speakers

Benjamin Dorfman, MD
Hartford Healthcare Medical Center- Chase Family Movement Disorders

Amanda Horn, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Work Lead Movement Disorders 
Parkinson’s Foundation Center Coordinator
Hartford Healthcare, Chase Family Movement Disorders Center

On-site parking is available. Lunch will be served.

Join the Parkinson's Foundation Great Lakes Chapter for Navigating Advancing Needs! 

Check-in starts at 12:00 p.m. and the program starts at 1:00 p.m.

Navigating Parkinson’s disease involves looking ahead, learning and adjusting as symptoms and needs change. This program addresses some of the challenges of advancing PD and explores strategies to prepare for the future, including how to evolve your care plans and treatments throughout progression so you can live your best life with PD now.

Speakers

Jennifer Saigal, MD
University of Michigan Neurology Clinic

Erin Cecchi, LMSW
University of Michigan Movement Disorders Program

Kristy M. Brown, LMT
University of Michigan Tai Chi Fall Prevention at the Turner Senior Resource Center

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

This program is presented in partnership with Michigan Medicine.

There are many non-motor challenges associated with Parkinson's disease that may not always by easy to discuss. With a focus on cognition and speech, this program will provide strategies for coping and talking about it with healthcare providers or loved ones.

Expert Speakers

Mitesh Lotia, MD
AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute 

Jennifer Gelb, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Director of Speech Therapy Services
Lake Centre Rehabilitation 

Sira Botes OTR/L CHT CDP
Owner/Founder Botes Memory Method

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 the Parkinson’s Foundation in-person or online for the Great Lakes Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium.

Hear about current and upcoming treatments, ongoing research, and resources available in your community to help you live your best life with Parkinson’s.

Speakers

Maggie Caulfield, PhD
Director of Research
Parkinson's Foundation

Amy Mook, MS, MPH, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
University of Michigan

Special presentation from the new Kirk Gibson Center and other local resources. 

For in-person attendees: In-person check in starts at 10 a.m. 

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

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 is in partnership with Michigan Medicine.

More than 110,000 U.S. veterans living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) receive care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers access to specialized treatment, financial benefits, and dedicated support services. In this webinar, we’ll explore the wide range of resources available to veterans with PD through the VA system, including Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs), affiliated sites, and Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs). Participants will also learn how the Parkinson’s Foundation partners with the VA to provide additional education, tools, and support for veterans and their families.

Speakers

Gretchen Glenn, LCSW
Associate Director of Education
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center​
Philadelphia Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Center​
Chair of the National VA Parkinson’s Disease Consortium Education Subcommittee

Helen R. Komninos (McHugh)
NSO Assistant Supervisor
DAV National Service Officer

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.

The Parkinson's Foundation is proud to partner with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for veterans with PD.

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

In-person check-in starts at 9 a.m.

Join the Parkinson's Foundation and Struthers Parkinson’s Center, A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, for the Progress & Possibilities Conference. Expand your Parkinson's disease knowledge and learn practical strategies and insights from members of the Struthers Parkinson Care team. Featuring a Resource Fair, lunch, and afternoon breakout sessions.

Speakers from Struthers Parkinson's Center

Annie Adix, DPT
Kayla Criger, LICSW
Sarah Donley, RN
Amanda Elliott, DPT
Stephanie Kimmes, NMT
Dr Dan Kuyper
Kristin Nierengarten, OT
Dr. Sotirios Parashos
Melissa Pellinen, SLP
Kate Wynman-Chick, PsyD

For in-person attendees: In-person check-in starts at 9 a.m. 

For virtual attendees, via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. 

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.

The Progress and Possibilities Conference is a partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter and the Struthers Parkinson's Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence.

Thank you to the Progress & Possibilities Conference sponsors.

This webinar will provide information on our training and discuss the ways our Research Advocates are making a difference in their community. 

Research Advocates partner with researchers to share lived experiences and improve studies, making Parkinson’s research better for the community.

Research Advocates are trained by:
– An online course, or
– In-person at our Learning Institute 

You may be eligible to attend our in- person 2025 Learning Institute if you are:
– Living with Parkinson’s disease or caring for someone with Parkinson’s
– Live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (eastern), Delaware, Maryland or Virginia

There is no charge to attend this webinar, but registration is required. This webinar is open to people with Parkinson's and their care partners.