Meet the passionate team behind the Davis Phinney Foundation’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. Our staff and advisors bring a wealth of expertise, compassion, and dedication to every aspect of our work.
Jordan recently joined the team after working in the type 1 diabetes space and is eager to bring her experience in chronic disease advocacy to the Parkinson’s community—a cause that holds personal significance following her great uncle’s recent diagnosis. She contributes a strong combination of organizational excellence, creative problem-solving, logistics expertise, and event planning, coupled with a proven ability to build meaningful relationships. Her compassionate, people-focused approach supports her commitment to strengthening community engagement and enhancing the impact of the Davis Phinney Foundation.
Originally from Connecticut, Jordan has lived in Florida and recently relocated to Colorado with her partner, also named Jordan, and their golden retriever, Ripley. Ripley is a certified therapy dog who looks forward to engaging with the community. Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors, volunteering with Freedom Service Dogs, and baking sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies.
Cassidy joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in November 2024. Her professional background is in digital marketing with over 6 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Cassidy is passionate about reaching supporters at the right time and the right place. She is knowledgeable in various marketing channels including email, social, digital advertising and more.
Academically, Cassidy has a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Bachelor’s in Spanish Language from Colorado State University. While there, she found her love for marketing and had the opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain.
When Cassidy isn’t working, you can find her fishing with her dog Pepper, painting her latest masterpiece or searching for the coolest places to eat in Denver.
Iona joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in March 2025, bringing a diverse background as an English teacher, university outreach and development coach, and studio photographer. These roles and her experiences living across Colorado, England, Shenzhen, and Taiwan have also fostered a passion for diverse perspectives, community building, and the belief that everyone’s story deserves to be heard.
At the Foundation, Iona aims to apply her skills in deep listening, openness, empathy, and creativity to facilitate meaningful connections, help people access necessary resources, and enhance design and accessibility.
Outside of work, you can find Iona working on one of her (too many) hobbies, which include but are not limited to: photography, looking at cool rocks, reading, hiking, snuggling with her cat, playing video games, sewing (poorly), running, cooking, hosting queer dinner parties, and traveling.
Polly Dawkins has an extensive tenure as the Executive Director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, spanning over a decade. Recognized as a tireless advocate, Polly’s deep-rooted ties to the community, forward-thinking vision, and unwavering compassion for individuals living with Parkinson’s have played a pivotal role in meeting the Foundation’s goal of providing actionable tools and resources to enhance the quality of life of all those affected by Parkinson’s. Polly holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in International Studies from Earlham College.
Jenna’s career has been shaped by the power of education and community, and a deep commitment to creating lasting, positive impact. She brings more than 12 years of nonprofit experience across marketing and community-based programming. Prior to her nonprofit work, she built a foundation in arts and community-based education, designing and implementing learning experiences for both youth and adults.
She joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2017, drawn to the organization’s holistic approach to supporting people living with Parkinson’s. As a former professional dancer, she feels a natural connection to the Foundation’s pioneering work at the intersection of exercise and Parkinson’s.
Jenna is passionate about providing programmatic leadership that advances equitable, accessible, and meaningful support for people living with Parkinson’s and their care networks. She has played a lead role in key initiatives including the Health Disparities and Parkinson’s webinar series, the expansion of the Foundation’s Hispanic community initiatives, and the acquisition and growth of Pedaling for Parkinson’s as a core program. She has also provided leadership for the evolution and international expansion of the Every Victory Counts manual and program.
Chelsea is a passionate nonprofit professional and the newest addition to the Davis Phinney Foundation’s development team. Motivated by her father’s Parkinson’s journey, she spent the past four years as a community fundraiser for the Foundation. Determined to make an even greater impact, Chelsea joins the Davis Phinney Foundation full time in 2026. She brings a strong acumen for partner relations and a deep commitment to building meaningful, mission-driven partnerships. Outside of work, Chelsea is an avid cyclist, trail, and ultra runner who enjoys sharing most of her mileage with her sidekick—her dog, Stevie.
Juan joined the Foundation as its Hispanic Marketing Manager in March 2023. His background is in marketing and communications, and he has over 13 years of professional experience in international diplomacy and the nonprofit sector. Juan has a Bachelor’s in philosophy from the University of Salamanca and a Master’s in translation (German to Spanish) from the University of Seville. He is passionate about serving others and advocating for the diverse Hispanic/Latino community in the US and abroad.
As soon as Juan joined the Foundation, he was impressed by its enthusiasm for service toward those living with Parkinson’s. He noticed that everyone spoke so kindly about the community, and it was evident they were proud to be a part of it themselves. He wanted to live up to that same spirit of service and contribute positively to such an amazing group of people. Listening to individuals’ testimonies of what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s—the challenges they face and their strength during hardships—inspires him and fills him with admiration for their positivity and love of life despite any struggles they may encounter.
When Juan is not working, you’ll find him slowly sipping and savoring his coffee, cooking with his Colombian-Mexican wife, and taking long walks with his dog, Teodoro.
As the Ambassador Leadership Program Associate at the Davis Phinney Foundation, Everett brings a passion for connecting with others and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of art. After earning degrees in anthropology and English from the University of Missouri, Everett’s journey led him to Colorado, where he spent six enriching years, met his marvelous wife, and found his calling at the Foundation. He recently returned to his roots in Kansas City, Missouri, where he resides with his wife, their loyal canine companion Fae, and two feline friends, Fern and Estie.
With four years of experience in volunteer management before joining the Foundation, Everett is known for his exceptional ability to build genuine connections and effortlessly befriend people from all walks of life. He thrives on witnessing the remarkable growth and illumination of the Ambassadors he works with and observing their enthusiasm and radiance when they extend a helping hand to others. Everett finds tremendous fulfillment in fostering an environment where Ambassadors can flourish and make a lasting impact.
Outside of his work, Everett’s artistic spirit takes center stage. You’ll often find him hunched over his art desk, indulging in the world of watercolor painting. Everett’s endearing goofiness adds a delightful touch to his personality. Quick with a smile and a playful spirit, he effortlessly brings joy and lightheartedness to those around him.
Lisa joined the Foundation as a development associate in early 2023. She brings her commitment to conservation and passion for meaningful connections to the organization. Born in Maryland, she completed her degree in natural resources conservation at Virginia Tech before moving to Colorado in 2015, captivated by its stunning beauty and incredible outdoor opportunities.
Since joining the Foundation, Lisa has found an ideal platform to merge her love of nature with her eagerness to give back. Through her work here, she wishes to create meaningful relationships, motivate generosity, and leave a permanent mark on the world.
When not working towards these goals, Lisa enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and furry friends.
Nadia currently serves as the Bilingual Program Manager for the Ambassador Leadership Program at the Davis Phinney Foundation, where she focuses on fostering community engagement, building meaningful connections, and mentoring individuals within the Hispanic Parkinson’s community across the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain. With a rich background in program management, her experience spans from research grant management, large-scale project coordination, clinical affairs, and education programs. Nadia is deeply passionate about empowering communities through education, mentorship, and creating networks of support. She has spent over 17 years working with disease-specific communities, focusing on global outreach to promote cultural awareness and provide vital education and resources for underserved populations affected by Parkinson’s and Epilepsy.
From 2006 to 2019, Nadia worked within the Parkinson’s community at the Parkinson’s Foundation, where she led efforts to support community grants programming aimed at addressing the unmet needs of specific groups. She also managed research grants and played a pivotal role in key initiatives, including the Centers of Excellence Program, the Center Leadership Conference, Care Centers and various chapter programs. Her contributions were instrumental in major research initiatives like the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project.
Nadia holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, watching sports, and cherishing time with family and friends.
When Claire joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in May 2018 as its Individual Giving Manager, she felt a strong desire to make an impact on the lives of others. She has been continuously inspired and energized by the support, drive, and tenacity of the Parkinson’s community. Because of this, she works hard to foster meaningful relationships and form lasting bridges between individuals and the organization. She knows that real change is possible when these connections are made.
Claire’s organizational skills are extraordinary; her knack for detail allows her to effectively coordinate individual giving efforts and maximize their impact.
Besides her role at the Foundation, Claire loves cooking, traveling, and exploring new places. Walking trails, exploring small towns, and even trying out unfamiliar foods bring a thrill of adventure that she greatly enjoys. And, of course, she is madly in love with her pup Teddy.
Michelle Hogan joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2025 as Accounting and Finance Manager.
She has expertise in nonprofit experience working with the Dakota Medical Foundation as the Accounting Manager for 12 years and with the University of North Dakota Foundation serving as Director of Finance. Michelle is passionate about leveraging accounting software and technology to strengthen the organizations financial foundation.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys living life on the farmstead, making memories with her grandchildren and traveling to visit family.
Samantha (aka Sam or Sammy) joined the Davis Phinney Foundation team in November 2021. Her journey to the Foundation was fueled by her desire to be part of a collaborative team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of others. The opportunity came knocking at just the right time, aligning her passion for marketing with a noble cause. In her role, she embraces the chance to contribute to something bigger than herself, working alongside a team of exceptional individuals who share her unwavering dedication.
With her marketing expertise, passion for collaboration, and dependable nature, Samantha serves as a driving force within the Davis Phinney Foundation. She uses her skills and commitment to amplify the Foundation’s mission and spread awareness about the impact it creates. Her belief in the power of teamwork and her innate ability to forge connections make her an invaluable asset to the Foundation’s endeavors.
When Sam isn’t knee-deep in writing emails and tracking our Team DPF fundraising events, you’ll likely find her spending time with her husband, son, and their pup, Oakley.
With over a decade of experience championing community engagement, Lisa is deeply committed to building authentic partnerships that create lasting connections between organizations, participants, and the larger community. Before joining the Davis Phinney Foundation, she was the Program Director for 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s Dance for Parkinson’s program, where she led a transformative growth phase, expanding the program’s reach and creating new opportunities for community involvement.
Lisa joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in March 2025 and is inspired by the Foundation’s Olympic-level approach to helping people with Parkinson’s live well today. She is excited to bring that same dedication to the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program.
Lauren, affectionately known as “Peachy,” is a dynamic fusion of artistry, Seattle rain, and Southern charm. With a degree from the University of Washington and the title of half-iron(wo)man, she embodies unwavering determination and a contagious zest for life. Drawing from a diverse background in event management, academic advising, and life coaching, Lauren brings a rich skillset to her role.
Driven by her deep understanding of goal setting and navigating obstacles, Lauren seeks to provide clarity and support to our Team DPF fundraisers, empowering them to achieve their aspirations. Her coaching expertise and ability to forge meaningful connections allow her to foster vibrant communities and cultivate a profound sense of togetherness within the Parkinson’s community. These connections serve as her constant inspiration, fueling her dedication to the Foundation and its impact on the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s.
When she’s not making a meaningful impact through her work, you’ll find Lauren making art, volunteering for her church, and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband, two boys, and other furry and non-furry loved ones
Chris joined the Davis Phinney Foundation as its Content Manager in April 2023, bringing a wealth of experience from working in higher education. With 15 years in various roles, including student life coordinator, English instructor, and Athletic Director, Chris deeply understands the power of education and personal growth. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Wichita State University and a BA from St. John’s College’s esteemed Great Books program, and today he combines his passion for knowledge and storytelling to make a positive impact.
Chris’s career journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 37. Determined to optimize his well-being, he delved into research on Parkinson’s and discovered ways to manage his symptoms by enhancing his exercise routine. This quest led him to the Davis Phinney Foundation, where he eagerly embraces the opportunity to utilize his expertise as a coach, trainer, writer, and educator to connect individuals with valuable information and resources for living well with Parkinson’s.
Driven by a profound desire to learn and amplify inspiring stories, Chris finds great joy in showcasing the remarkable ways individuals grow, thrive, and live well with Parkinson’s. Their resilience and determination serve as constant inspiration, motivating him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris loves spending time in the ocean, listening to music, and saying hi to ALL the dogs, especially his own pup, Roo.
Ariel’s career has been shaped by the power of storytelling to educate, connect, and empower communities. She brings decades of experience as an award-winning audio producer, multi-media producer, and educator. Her podcast production work has been recognized by local and national journalism organizations for its rigor, accessibility, and impact.
Ariel joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2026, driven by a deeply personal connection to the mission. In 2018, her father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, giving her firsthand insight into the Parkinson’s spectrum and the critical importance of accessible education and community support for those navigating these diagnoses. This experience has deepened her understanding of what families need, and fuels her dedication to creating content that empowers people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to live well today.
Ariel holds an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a BFA, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Colorado Boulder. She is passionate about bringing her skills in educational content creation to advance the Foundation’s mission of providing actionable tools and resources to the Parkinson’s community.
When Ariel isn’t working, you’ll find her running, hiking, or cycling on a trail, or gliding down the ski slopes. She has two kids with whom she shares her love for art, the outdoors, and science-based wonder at our universe.
Sara joined the Davis Phinney Foundation as its Ambassador Leadership Program Manager in 2019. Born and raised in Colorado, Sara’s deep connection to her community fuels her passion for creating positive change and fostering inclusivity. Her unwavering commitment to those she serves revolves around increasing access to valuable information, tools, and resources for individuals residing in the communities that shaped her own journey.
Sara believes in empowering individuals AND improving the systems that support their communities, ensuring a sustainable and impactful approach to change. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate spirit to her role, and her greatest inspiration lies in connecting individuals in need with the support of other like-minded souls, facilitating the human connections that forge a sense of belonging and community.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Sara loves spending time with loved ones, exploring the Colorado mountains, eating and judging every pizza known to man, and watching Marvel movies.
Christina joined the Foundation in March 22 as its office manager. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit administration, Christina has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting diverse communities, particularly in education, music, and faith-based initiatives.
Christina holds a Bachelor’s in music from Boston University and a Master’s in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Christina serves as the front-line source of information in her role at the Foundation. When calls and requests come in, she loves connecting individuals with Parkinson’s to a supportive network of resources. That daily connection allows her to witness the transformative power of the Foundation’s work and share these stories of hope with others, igniting a chain reaction of inspiration and support.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Christina enjoying nature, hiking with her kids, and playing music.
Patty joined the Foundation in 2016 as our database administrator. With a profound passion for work that engages both the mind and heart, Patty has focused her career on developing impactful programs for local and international NGOs. Hailing from New York City, raised in Vermont, and living for a time in Boulder, Patty is pulled to wherever her family is.
As Patty plays a behind-the-scenes role, her impact is far-reaching. Utilizing her exceptional project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills, she orchestrates all data management within the Foundation. This critical function allows the team to provide the Parkinson’s community with exceptional education, resources, and opportunities to connect quickly and easily. In Patty’s hands, the database becomes a window into the deep engagement and interactions between individuals and the Foundation. This fuels Patty’s sense of purpose and inspires her to continually seek innovative approaches to serve the Parkinson’s community.
When Patty’s not solving all the data puzzles we throw at her, you’ll find her designing jewelry, exploring the great outdoors, listening to podcasts, and amassing an obscene collection of Sharpie pens.
Claudia Martinez graduated as a general practitioner at Universidad del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She worked with underserved communities as a primary care physician for ten years and was her father’s primary care partner during his years with Parkinson’s. When she and her husband moved to the US, Claudia completed the graduate certificate in gerontology at Arizona State University. In 2007 she was hired by the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center to start their Hispanic Outreach Program. During the following 15 years, she developed a comprehensive and culturally sensitive program for Hispanics living with Parkinson’s and their families that is currently considered the largest in the country.
Claudia is passionate about building collaborations, sharing resources, and empowering the underserved Hispanic Parkinson’s community. In the last seven years, she delivered a series of successful webinars and conferences that fostered the development of an international network for the Spanish-speaking Parkinson’s community. She was invited to present at the World Parkinson Congress Leadership Forum in 2016 and 2019.
Claudia loves to travel with her husband, Hernan, to enjoy nature and culture. She has multiple other hobbies but painting and taking care of her butterfly garden are at the top of her list. Every Fall, she brings monarch caterpillars from her garden to a safe enclosed environment in her house. There, they become chrysalises and later become monarch butterflies that Claudia loves to set free in her garden.
Michael O’Keeffe joined the Davis Phinney Foundation in 2025 as Vice President of Operations. With more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors, Michael has led complex operational and strategic initiatives that improve community outcomes and organizational performance.
Before joining the Foundation, Michael served as Chief Operating Officer at Energy Outreach Colorado and Deputy Chief of Operations at Denver Public Schools. He has also held senior roles in the private sector, including CEO of Indra and leadership positions at Sun Microsystems and General Electric. Michael is passionate about aligning strategy with execution and building systems that support long-term impact and sustainability.
Michael holds degrees in law and economics from institutions in the U.S. and the U.K., and he has lived and worked in nine countries, which informs his inclusive and systems-based approach to leadership.
Before joining the Foundation in March of 2025, Ashley spent more than a decade in multiple different roles in the technology space, including in wearable technology and virtual reality for education. Most recently, she led Business Operations and served as Chief-of-Staff for an engineering team with Intel’s solid-state drive division before it spun off to become a new company called Solidigm. She enjoys connecting people to solve problems and is very excited to bring her program management and operations experience to expand the foundation’s programs and help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
Ashley grew up in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and studied Government at Dartmouth College. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, running, hiking with her dog Scout, and trying to recreate delicious food from her travels.
Edna joined the Foundation in 2022. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Edna brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to building meaningful connections.
Edna’s journey is marked by a track record of success in fostering philanthropic relationships. Before joining the Foundation, she earned a Master’s in art history from Northwestern University and served as the Chief Development Officer at the Chicago Sinfonietta, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the orchestra’s diverse and innovative mission.
Edna thrives on cultivating a vibrant community of donors and supporters, and her genuine passion for our mission shines through as she forges meaningful relationships and connects philanthropic individuals to our impactful programs, research, and content. Edna’s ability to understand and honor our supporters’ unique motivations and aspirations allows her to foster a sense of shared purpose and impact.
When Edna isn’t working, you’ll find her spending time in nature, exploring new destinations, and making art.
Sia joined the Foundation in March 2023 as its Video and Audio Production Manager. With a rich background in media production and a passion for creating impactful content, Sia brings his unique blend of creativity and expertise to all this work.
Before his career in media production, Sia spent over a decade as a bilingual public-school teacher, inspiring kids to love learning and fostering educational equity. His dedication to empowering others through storytelling and his unwavering commitment to educational diversity have left an indelible mark on his journey.
Sia’s portfolio includes many projects, from producing podcasts to crafting commercials, music videos, and documentaries. His video and audio production skills, honed through his Certificate in Radio & TV Production from Colorado Media School, bring a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts.
Academically, Sia holds a double major in English and music from Earlham College, where his passion for creative expression and his ability to connect with diverse audiences flourished. He later obtained his teaching certificate from Western State in Gunnison and a Master’s in educational equity and classroom diversity from CU Boulder, fueling his commitment to inclusivity and societal progress.
When he’s not shaping stories behind the scenes, Sia loves hiking, playing tennis, listening to music, and playing with his two cats, Stellaluna and Haku.
Dr. Kara Beasley is a neurosurgeon with Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates of Boulder Community Health. She completed a dual degree in medicine with a MA in Biomedical Ethics at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, and is one of only a few dually credentialed neurosurgeon bioethicists in the world. She also obtained an MBA at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business school. She completed a general neurosurgery residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Before joining BNA, Dr. Beasley also obtained fellowships in Stereotactic Radiosurgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, and Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Beasley decided to dedicate her career in part to the surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease after meeting Parkinson’s patients and learning about deep brain stimulation during her training. Upon moving to Boulder, Dr. Beasley began working with the Davis Phinney Foundation to support community outreach and education and has spoken at The Victory Summit® symposia.
Erica Borenstein is a mother of two teenage girls and lives in Denver, Colorado. Since 2016, she has been General Counsel of Farmland Partners Inc., a publicly traded farmland real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Denver, CO. From 2008 – 2015, Erica served as the General Counsel and Vice President of International Sales and Distribution of Newton Running Company, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of performance running shoes and apparel based in Boulder, Colorado. From 2001-2007, Erica served as Chief Counsel of the Broadband Services Division for CSG Systems, Inc., a multinational corporation headquartered in Colorado that provides business support systems software and services. Prior to joining CSG Systems, Inc., she worked as an attorney in private practice. Erica has a B.A. in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis and a J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is a mentor for a high school student at South High School as part of the Denver Kids, Inc. program.
Stephen is Managing Principal and Head of Client Capital at Blue Vista Capital Management, a Chicago-based private equity real estate firm focused on student housing and middle market real estate investments in the US and Canada. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, and resides in Connecticut with his wife and three daughters. He was introduced to the Parkinson’s world when his father was diagnosed many years ago and has seen firsthand how an active lifestyle, a devoted caregiver, a commitment to living well, and ten grandchildren can mitigate the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Stephen is a lover of all things outdoors and easily inspired by the many victories, small and large, that he sees from those with Parkinson’s.
Dr. Wissam Deeb completed his MD in Lebanon at the University of Balamand. He completed his residency in neurology at the University of Massachusetts in 2015. He then moved to the University of Florida to pursue a movement disorders fellowship, then stayed there in faculty until June 2020, when he moved back to UMass as an assistant professor of neurology. Dr. Deeb has a clinical and research interest in Parkinson’s disease, focusing on improving disparities in care and Tourette syndrome, focusing on incorporating technological advancements such as wearable devices in clinical and everyday care.
Caroline is passionate about supporting non-profit organizations whose missions are to better the lives of targeted communities. She has led development teams in creating and executing fundraising and marketing plans to support annual budget and strategic goals. She has also served on a board of directors providing oversight of the fiduciary responsibilities while continuing to actively support the fundraising goals of the organization.
Caroline was introduced to the Parkinson’s world when her father was diagnosed in his late seventies. She witnessed firsthand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle in helping to mitigate the symptoms of Parkinson’s. She also observed the invaluable assistance of a caregiving team in helping him live comfortably.
Caroline received her Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Florida and currently lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband. Their daughter is a student at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
Brandon Halcott is the co-founder and President of Tru Family Dental, a Midwest-based dental support organization with offices throughout Michigan and Illinois. Brandon graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Introduced to the Davis Phinney Foundation following his father’s diagnosis with young-onset Parkinson’s, Brandon has experienced firsthand the impact of the Foundation’s work to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. An ever-smiling, fundraising powerhouse, you’ll find Brandon climbing the mountain passes every summer at The Copper Triangle, an event he rode with his father and now shares with his children. As the father of three young children, he admits that free time is hard to come by. However, slalom water skiing in summer and Nordic ski racing in winter keep him fit for those Copper Triangle ascents.
Kevin Kwok is a recently retired biopharmaceutical operations and consulting executive who combines his 30 years of career experience with his firsthand knowledge about living and thriving with Parkinson’s. Kevin earned his Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacy from the University of Michigan, where he serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council. He previously was managing director at the leading executive recruiting firm Russell Reynolds Associates, where he led the North American Life Science practice. Diagnosed in his late 40s with YOPD, Kevin has mindfully pivoted his work and personal life to become a super advocate for people living with Parkinson’s. Kevin joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and maintains an active and fulfilled life by embodying the Foundation’s mantra, “Every Victory Counts.” He recently relocated from his home of 25+ years in San Francisco to immerse himself in the vibrant outdoor opportunities available in Colorado. In retirement, he continues to stress the importance of patient-centered care and speaks passionately on all issues Parkinson’s.
John Paul is an author and a Professor Emeritus of International Peace-building at the Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame.
David Leventhal is a founding teacher and Program Director for Dance for PD®, a program of the Mark Morris Dance Group that has now been used as a model for classes in more than 300 communities in 25 countries. He leads classes for people with Parkinson’s disease around the world and trains other teachers in the Dance for PD® approach. He has co-produced five volumes of a successful At Home DVD series for the program and has been instrumental in initiating and designing innovative projects involving live streaming and Moving Through Glass, a dance-based Google Glass App for people with Parkinson’s. He received the 2016 World Parkinson Congress Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Parkinson’s Community and was a co-recipient of the 2013 Alan Bonander Humanitarian Award from the Parkinson’s Unity Walk. He graduated from Brown University with honors in English Literature.
Dr. Soania Mathur is a family physician living outside of Toronto, Ontario who resigned her clinical practice twelve years following her diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 27. Now she is a dedicated speaker, writer, educator and Parkinson’s advocate. She speaks passionately about the challenges of adjusting physically and emotionally and the coping strategies available to patients.
Dr. Mathur is an active speaker in Canada and the US at patient-directed conferences and also serves as a resource for education projects. She works with The Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s Research and serves as Co-Chair of their Patient Council. She is a member of The Brian Grant Foundation Advisory Board, the Medical Advisory Board for Parkinson Canada and also works with Parkinson’s Movement UK on North American initiatives. Dr. Mathur has valued her involvement with World Parkinson Congress as both a speaker and committee member. Locally she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Lakeridge Health Foundation.
She has authored a number of published papers and online pieces and is a regular contributor to Huffington Post Blog. She is the founder of Designing A Cure Inc., which was initially created to raise funds directed towards research and awareness of Parkinson’s disease and now serves as a platform to educate and inspire those living with this disease to take charge of their lives and to live well with Parkinson’s. Dr. Mathur has a special interest in helping educate the youngest affected by the stress of Parkinson’s. To help facilitate dialogue between children and their loved ones, she has authored two books: “My Grandpa’s Shaky Hands”and “Shaky Hands – A Kid’s Guide To Parkinson’s Disease”. All proceeds from the sales of these books (available on Amazon) will be donated back to support Parkinson’s research and other efforts that serve the Parkinson’s community.
Connie is an entrepreneur, author, artist, life-long athlete and is extremely passionate about her work as a Board member of the Davis Phinney Foundation. Connie particularly enjoys sharing her experiences via the written word and she is an eloquent and humorous public speaker. She has two adult children, Taylor and Kelsey, with her husband Davis Phinney.
Davis Phinney’s background spans a highly successful professional cycling career (including numerous victories and an Olympic medal), and subsequent careers as a national network broadcaster and sports marketer. Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2000, he refused to give in to the disease and set his sights on living well today, rather than waiting for a cure. His tenacity coupled with his infectious positive attitude and dedication to exercise and overall wellness laid the groundwork for the Davis Phinney Foundation, which he founded to help to inspire and inform those living with Parkinson’s.
Kelsey Phinney is a public health and sports diplomacy professional with a deeply personal connection to the Davis Phinney Foundation as the daughter of Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter Phinney.
Kelsey’s personal journey as a care partner of over 25 years has shaped her unwavering commitment to the Parkinson’s community. She has previously supported the Davis Phinney Foundation as a freelance content contributor, creating and hosting the first season of The Parkinson’s Podcast. With a Master of Public Health degree from the Colorado School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from Middlebury College, Kelsey brings both scientific understanding and practical insight into how movement, purpose, and community contribute to quality of life.
Peter Schmidt, Ph.D., is the Senior Vice President, Government Partnerships of Rho’s Federal Systems Division. From 2009 through April 2018, Dr. Schmidt served as Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Clinical Officer at the Parkinson’s Foundation where he oversaw research, education, and outreach initiatives. Through his tenure at the Parkinson’s Foundation, Dr. Schmidt served as PI for the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project (POP) from launch through the 10,000th subject recruited, the largest clinical study ever in Parkinson’s conducted at 30 academic medical centers. The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project was designed to identify best practices in Parkinson’s care but served as a platform for many other studies.
Dr. Schmidt is active in research, specializing in the intersection between mathematics and medicine, with a special interest in mapping the n-dimensional spaces of clinical data. Schmidt serves as an advisor to several government, industry, and foundation initiatives. He has been involved in several national-scale quality initiatives including with the US National Quality Forum and the Fresco Network in Italy. Schmidt has recent or current advisory engagements in wearable sensors, telemedicine, remote monitoring, and clinical trial design. He has contributed to AHRQ and Commonwealth Fund publications and has been an invited speaker for NIH and diverse international patient and professional conferences. Schmidt previously worked in corporate finance-focused on healthcare innovation, created chronic disease management systems, and served as Chief Operating Officer of a joint venture of Oxford, Stanford, and Yale delivering online education. Educated at Harvard and Cornell, he had a fellowship at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.
El Dr. Cubillos, MD, trabaja en consultoría para asuntos clínicos y programas de educación, brindando asesoría científica y profesional a instituciones académicas, organizaciones de atención médica, y para la industria tecnológica y farmacéutica. Trabajó para la Universidad de Miami (UM) en el departamento de neumología y cuidados intensivos donde coordinó ensayos clínicos, dirigió la renovación del Centro de Investigación de Fibrosis Quística para pacientes adultos y pediátricos, capacitando y supervisando al personal clínico y de investigación. En el 2013 se vinculó a la Parkinson’s Foundation como Director de Programas de Investigación. Dirigió las operaciones del Proyecto de Resultados de Parkinson, el estudio clínico más grande de la historia sobre la enfermedad de Parkinson. También lanzó y dirigió la Iniciativa de Atención de Calidad trabajando con diferentes centros de Parkinson en Italia. El Dr. Cubillos fue nombrado Director Senior de Asuntos Clínicos para trabajar con otros profesionales de la salud de la red internacional de la Fundación con Centros de Excelencia (COE) en Europa, Asia y Norteamérica, desarrollando múltiples programas como la Iniciativa de Hospitalización, la Iniciativa de Rehabilitación y el Programa de Redes y Mentores. También colaboró con el Programa Educativo Hispano en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico, y desempeñó un papel importante en la Iniciativa del Consejo Asesor Hispano de Parkinson (HPAC) en la Parkinson’s Foundation.
María L. De León, MD, es una especialista en trastornos del movimiento, así como una ávida defensora de la investigación sobre el Parkinson, paciente de Parkinson y cuidadora de personas con la misma condición. Durante las últimas dos décadas, ha dedicado la mayor parte de su tiempo a defender los problemas de las mujeres y sentar las bases para la comprensión de las diferencias de género en las enfermedades neurológicas, en particular del Parkinson. Al mismo tiempo, intenta disminuir la disparidad en el tratamiento de atención médica entre mujeres y minorías a través de su trabajo con diversas organizaciones nacionales e internacionales, como el Congreso Mundial de Parkinson (WPC por sus siglas en inglés). Ha desempeñado un papel decisivo en el desarrollo de la iniciativa “Mujeres y Parkinson”, habiendo escrito el primer libro que aborda las cuestiones de género/mujeres en la enfermedad de Parkinson. María también es una apasionada colaboradora de la atención sanitaria. Durante la última década, ha colaborado en varias campañas con científicos, médicos e instituciones gubernamentales como NIH, FDA y DOD, así como con la industria farmacéutica; desde el establecimiento de prioridades, la recaudación de fondos y la concientización y el acceso a la atención, hasta el diseño de ensayos clínicos y estudios posteriores a la comercialización para fomentar la educación y una mejor vida con la enfermedad de Parkinson en todo el mundo. Además de su trabajo con mujeres con la condición de Parkinson, trabaja estrechamente con la comunidad hispana de Parkinson en los EE. UU. y en el extranjero, ayudando a crear embajadores/promotores en toda América Latina y España.
Originaria de México (Ciudad de México). La Dra. González Latapí se graduó con excelencia de la Escuela de Medicina en la Universidad Panamericana en México. Obtuvo su maestría en Epidemiologia de la Universidad de Harvard y su especialización en Neurología de la Universidad Northwestern (Chicago). Temprano en su carrera desarrolló un interés por la enfermedad de Parkinson, por lo que decidió sub-especializarse en Trastornos del Movimiento en la Universidad de Toronto (Canadá).
Actualmente, la Dra. González Latapí es Assistant Professor en la Universidad Northwestern, donde también lidera la Clínica Hispana de Trastornos del Movimiento. Tiene un especial interés en los factores de riesgo de la enfermedad de Parkinson, especialmente factores ambientales y genéticos.
Mi nombre es Maria Luisa Moro de Casillas. Nací y crecí en la Ciudad de México, México. Estudie medicina en la Universidad Anáhuac en Ciudad de México. Tuve la oportunidad de venir a los Estados Unidos, donde completé mi residencia en neurología en la University Hospitals of Cleveland (Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio), y después hice una sub-especialidad en trastornos del movimiento a través de la Brown University en Rhode Island.
Actualmente trabajo en el Hartford Healthcare Chase Family Movement Disorders Center en Connecticut, donde dirijo una de las pocas clínicas de desórdenes de movimiento completamente dedicadas a la comunidad hispana en EE. UU. Mi pasión es la atención y el cuidado de pacientes que sufren de trastornos del movimiento, en particular de la enfermedad de Parkinson.
El Dr. Juan Ramírez-Castañeda, MD, es Director Médico de la Clínica de Trastornos del Movimiento y del programa de Estimulación Cerebral Profunda del centro Methodist Physicians, Neurosurgery and Neurology Specialists. Además, es un especialista en neurología certificado en San Antonio, TX, con más de 18 años de experiencia en el campo médico. El Dr. Ramírez-Castañeda se graduó de la Facultad de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador en 2004. Sus intereses clínicos y de investigación pertenecen a los campos del Parkinson, temblor esencial, distonía, Enfermedad de Huntington y otros trastornos del movimiento. El Dr. Ramírez-Castañeda es miembro activo de los comités asesores nacionales hispanos/latinos de la Parkinson’s Foundation, PMD Alliance y Davis Phinney Foundation. Es alumno del Programa de Liderazgo en la Diversidad 2023 de la Academia Estadounidense de Neurología. Defiende la equidad en la atención médica y la accesibilidad para todos.
Gerson Suarez-Cedeno, MD, es Profesor Asociado de Neurología en la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Nuevo México, especializado en trastornos del movimiento. Ha estado involucrado en neurociencias desde la Facultad de Medicina, donde realizó investigaciones sobre los efectos neuroprotectores de los antioxidantes contra las toxinas que causan enfermedades similares al Parkinson. El Dr. Suarez trabajó para la Cruz Roja de la región amazónica, brindando apoyo en ambulancias para pacientes críticos en zonas de conflicto a través de la cordillera de los Andes. Además, completó su residencia en Neurología en el University of Texas Health Science Center en Houston, donde también trabajó como embajador de TV y radio de programas de accidente cerebrovascular. El Dr. Suarez tiene una subespecialidad en trastornos del movimiento en la Escuela de Medicina Johns Hopkins y brinda atención especializada a pacientes con trastornos del movimiento, como temblores, enfermedad de Parkinson, tics, distonía y enfermedad de Huntington. El Dr. Suarez es bilingüe en español e inglés y nativo de Florencia Caquetá (Colombia). El Dr. Suarez está interesado en la educación médica, las disparidades en la salud y el uso de nuevas tecnologías en los trastornos del movimiento.
Neuróloga especialista en Enfermedad de Parkinson y Movimientos Anormales. Estudió medicina en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle y en el año 2006 culminó la especialidad de Neurología en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía (INNN). Realizó el fellowship en Enfermedad de Parkinson y Trastornos del Movimiento en el Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona; cuenta con una Maestría en Ciencias Médicas avalada por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y un Máster en Trastornos el Movimiento por la Universidad de Murcia.
Se desempeña desde el 2007 como Neuróloga en la Clínica de Trastornos del Movimiento del INNN. Es profesora titular del Curso de Alta Especialidad en Enfermedad de Parkinson y Trastornos del Movimiento desde 2010. Fungió como miembro del Subcomité Académico de Neurología del Departamento de Posgrado de la Facultad de Medicina durante el periodo de 2016-2017.
Ingresó a la Academia Nacional de Medicina de México en 2013 y se desempeñó como Secretaría General de la misma para el bienio 2020-2022 y 2022-2024. Es miembro concejal del Consejo Mexicano de Neurología. Ha participado como tutora del Programa Nacional de Servicio Social en Investigación en Salud del 2012 a la fecha, así como tutora de otros programas de pregrado como el Programa de Apoyo y Fomento a la Investigación Estudiantil (AFINES) y Programa de Verano Científico en Investigación de la Academia Mexicana de Ciencias.
Actualmente es Secretaria de la Sección Panamericana (2024-2025), miembro del Comité de Educación de la sección y miembro del Comité Científico del Congreso Internacional de la IPMDS (Movement Disorders Society 2021- 2023).
Dr. Cloud medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, followed by internship, neurology residency, movement disorders fellowship, and master’s degree in clinical research at Emory University. She joined the faculty at The Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and has served as Parkinson’s Disease Program Director since 2013. Clinically, her focus is on the comprehensive clinical care of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. On the research side, her expertise in the gastrointestinal aspects of PD and the use of wearables to analyze and treat freezing of gait and other motor symptoms in PD. She has received funding from the Michael J Fox Foundation and the National Institutes of Health for her investigator-initiated research, and she has been the site investigator on many industry trials.
John is a speech language pathologist, specializing in the treatment of Parkinson’s and related disorders, with certifications in LSVT LOUD, SPEAK OUT and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery. He has been involved in a number of Parkinson’s-related technology projects and startup, developing tools to improve the quality-of-life for people living with Parkinson’s. Previously, he was the founder of a network of interdisciplinary Parkinson’s rehab programs modeled upon the ParkinsonNet program from the Netherlands and developed several networks of interdisciplinary Parkinson’s teams based upon this model for a large skilled nursing company in the US. Currently based in Portugal, when he’s not leading his current startup, Triad Health AI, he can be found riding his bike in the hills around Lisbon and sampling the local wines.
Dr. Roseanne Dobkin a licensed psychologist with a well-established clinical research program in Parkinson’s mental health. The overarching goal of her research program is to help people with Parkinson’s and their family members cope as effectively as possible with various challenges in order to enhance overall physical and emotional health and quality of life. Her research and clinical work over the past 15 years has focused on the development and testing of non-pharmacological management approaches for the cognitive and psychiatric complications of Parkinson’s, such as depression and anxiety. She has also systematically explored the interactions between physical and mental health in Parkinson’s, and the impact of their intricate associations on quality of life and functional disability.
Moreover, she has begun to systematically examine barriers to mental health care utilization in Parkinson’s, the use of telemedicine to leverage access to specialized mental health care in Parkinson’s and the impact of successful depression treatment on key outcomes such as cognition, physical disability, quality of life and caregiver health. To date, her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Patterson Trust Awards Program in Clinical Research, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PAIR Leadership Award) and the Health Services and Research Development Division (HSR&D) of the Veteran Affairs Administration.
Josefa Domingos is a Physiotherapist specializing in Parkinson’s with 20 years of working exclusively with people with Parkinson’s & other movement disorders. Josefa’s career has focused on creating and implementing specialized care for people living with Parkinson’s. As an educator, clinician, and researcher, she is currently finishing her Ph.D. on the Practicalities of Community-based exercise in PD at Radboud University Centre (The Netherlands) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bas Bloem. She is also currently the National Health Coordinator of the Portuguese Parkinson Patient Association, a board member of Parkinson’s Europe, and co-founder of Young Parkies Portugal.
Josefa is specialized in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG therapist certification (Berlin, 2011), Parkinson Wellness Recovery training certification (USA, 2011), Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD ® Method (Madrid, 2014), ZUMBA GOLD (Portugal, 2013) and on the Ronnie Gardner Method ® International Course (UK, 2014), Boxmaster ® training (Cologne, 2015) and BOXERCISE ® certification (UK, 2016), among others. She has been developing and researching dual-task exercise programs for PD, adapting this concept to different exercise modalities (in-person & online)
Dr. MacKinnon is an Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Movement Disorders Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. The laboratory is part of the Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research at the University of Minnesota. He received his MSc. in Kinesiology (Biomechanics) from the University of Waterloo, PhD. in Physiology (Neuroscience) from the University of Toronto and postdoctoral training in human electrophysiology at University College London, UK. His research program is focused on understanding the mechanisms contributing to impaired movement control in people with Parkinson’s disease.
The laboratory uses kinesiological (motion capture, force platform), electrophysiological (TMS, EEG, EMG) neuroimaging (MRI, EEG) and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (TMS, tDCS) to examine the cortical, subcortical and spinal mechanisms contributing to akinesia (poverty of spontaneous voluntary movement), bradykinesia (slowing of movement) and postural instability and gait disturbances. The laboratory is currently conducting a longitudinal study to examine the progression of Parkinson’s and the factors that influence the time course and expression of motor signs, particularly the development of gait and postural deficits and freezing of gait. Studies are also being conducted examining the effects and mechanisms of action of deep brain stimulation of the pallidum and subthalamic nucleus. The goal of the program is to translate this knowledge to the development, testing and implementation of novel therapies and interventions to improve movement, mobility and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
Mark Mapstone is Professor of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. He is a member of the UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders and a Fellow of the UCI Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. His research focuses on pre-clinical detection of neurological disease using cognitive tests and biomarkers obtained from blood. He has a special interest in developing strategies to maintain successful cognitive aging. In the clinic, he specializes in cognitive assessment of older adults with suspected brain disease. Dr. Mapstone earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern University and completed fellowship training in Neuropsychology and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Rochester. He received a Career Development Award from the National Institute on Aging and his research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Department of Defense.
Bradley McDaniels is an assistant professor and program coordinator for the Rehabilitation Studies program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services at the University of North Texas. Brad earned his PhD from the University of Kentucky, and after graduating, completed a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University focusing exclusively on Parkinson’s disease. Brad is currently involved in research focusing on meaning in life, loneliness, demoralization, stigma, and other non-motor issues of Parkinson’s Disease.
Karen recently stepped away from a tenured academic appointment due to the progression of her Parkinson’s disease. She has reviewed grants regularly for the NIH and has been the principal investigator on many large NIH-funded studies. She has also previously served as the chair of the Institutional Review Board at New York University and has broad-based experience in reviewing all kinds of human subjects research, from small pilot studies to multi-center clinical trials.
Dr. Redosh is a retired board-certified neurologist with an interest in Parkinson’s since his father was diagnosed when Dr. Redosh was a teenager. After med school at Temple, and neurology residency at the U of Colorado, he practiced general neurology in Colorado with Northwest Neurology and on the medical staff at Lutheran Hospital, St. Anthony’s North Hospital, and Avista Hospital. He was Stroke Program Medical Director and Intermediate Neurological Care Unit Medical Director at Lutheran. He is a past president of the Colorado Society of Clinical Neurologists. After retiring from Lutheran he practiced part-time with New West Physicians before retiring again after receiving his own diagnosis of PD. He enjoys climbing, bicycling, hiking, golf, and keyboard playing to exercise and stay healthy.
Anson Rosenfeldt is a neurological specialist in the field of physical therapy. She uses her physical therapy background to lead several clinical trials examining the role of exercise and neurological disease. She has an interest in the use of technology to improve rehabilitation outcomes and improve remote monitoring capabilities.