Programs & Events
Programs
Wellness
Wellness Classes: Wellness classes are sponsored by the foundation to provide people with guided exercises, activities and techniques that facilitate movement, mindfulness and memory. Classes are offered every day of the week at the Parkinson’s Wellness Center and open to the community. Popular courses include healing through Qigong and Tai Chi, drumming and sound healing, and posture, flexibility and balance courses.
Support Groups: Support groups are open to the community and meet monthly at the Parkinson’s Wellness Center. The first group offers people with Parkinson’s Disease the opportunity to meet, share their experience, and hear those of others in a supportive environment led by one of our wellness experts. The second group is intended for caregivers, such as those who are caring for family and friends, led by our social worker Elyse Rallo.
Education
Educational Symposiums: These symposiums are hosted by Dr. Stuart Isaacson and serve to educate the community on the latest research, therapies and treatments in Parkinson’s Disease. Leading researchers in the movement disorders field from UCLA, Georgetown, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA are often guest speakers. Symposiums are held on a monthly basis. To register and find out more information, refer to our events page.
Online Education: The new 8 course virtual series “Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Virtual Series For Those Living with Parkinson’s Disease” features renowned experts in the movement disorders field: Dr. Stuart Isaacson of PAREF with Drs. Rajesh Pahwa and Kelly Lyons of the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Topics include management of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms, use of Deep Brain Stimulation and Focused Ultrasound as well as tips to improve quality of life for those with Parkinson’s. The lectures are free on Zoom and open to the community.
Speech Therapy Education and Practice: Classes are taught by Lori Sampson-Baum MA CCC-SLP, a Florida licensed speech language pathologist who specializes in adult neurological communication and swallow disorders. She began her career working in the New York City Health & Hospital Corporation and has spent the past 27 years helping patients improve their quality of lives after a diagnosis of progressive illnesses such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Presently, Lori provides in-home services to patients and is an educator on the effects of speaking and swallowing following neurological diagnosis.