Parkinson's Disease Conference: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Optimize Outcomes

Dr. Erin Gallardo is a board certified neurologic clinical specialist with a doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has worked in inpatient rehab, home health, and outpatient neuro as a business owner, director of wellness programming, marketing coordinator, chief experience officer, mentor to students, residents and fellows, and educator in DPT programs. She is the co-founder of NeuroCollaborative, an online mentorship and education company. She is on a mission to transform healthcare by empowering neuro rehabilitation professionals through collaboration, connection, and community.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Erin Gallardo is the founder of Callen Physical Therapy PC and is the co-founder of NeuroCollaborative Group, LLC. She has an employment relationship with Mount Saint Mary's. Erin Gallardo receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Erin Gallardo has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Claire McLean, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist who is passionate about working with people who have Parkinson’s Disease. She has research experience working as an intervention therapist on multiple studies investigating the effect of exercise in people with PD. Dr. McLean is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist. She graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Southern California and has specialty training through outpatient clinic primarily with clients with PD and other movement disorders. She was also on the interdisciplinary team assessing & treating patients prior to and after receiving DBS surgery. She has research experience working as an intervention therapist on multiple studies investigating the effect of exercise in people with PD.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Claire McLean is the founder of Rogue Physical Therapy & Wellness, the co-founder of NeuroCollaborative, Inc., and a consultant for PWR! Parkinson Wellness Recovery. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Claire McLean is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the California Physical Therapy Association.

 

Dr. Melissa Kimmerling is a graduate of College of Saint Mary, obtaining her BS in 2006, her Master’s in occupational Therapy in 2007, and her Doctorate in Education in 2014. She currently serves as the founding program director and associate professor for the occupational therapy programs at Nebraska Methodist College. She also serves as the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association. In this role, she supports the legislative endeavors of the state professional association, working closely with the lobbyist and chairing the policy committee. Dr. Kimmerling also serves as the Nebraska Ambassador to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, which is the organization that administers the occupational therapy licensure examination. In addition, she serves on the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education where she reviews accreditation compliance of occupational therapy programs. Dr. Kimmerling lives in Papillion with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and two cats.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Melissa Kimmerling has employment relationships with Nebraska Methodist College and Snyder Charleson Therapy Services. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Melissa Kimmerling is the Nebraska Ambassador to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Nebraska Occupational Therapy Association.

Jamie Haines is an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Central Michigan University. She received her Master of Science in physical therapy from grand Valley State University (1995) and a DScPT from Oakland University (2014). She is a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, certified in 2005 and recertified in 2015 and is a Parkinson’s Foundation Physical Therapy Faculty Scholar. Jamie has been recognized for her dynamic teaching style and received an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2020 at CMU. Dr. Haines oversees physical therapy services at Hands for Health, a student led pro bono clinic at CMU and supervises students in the program’s weekly exercise and dance classes for people with neurologic conditions. Dr. Haines’ research interests include Parkinson’s Disease, use of assistive technology to promote recovery principles, and teaching and learning principles in DPT education. She has practiced in acute, ICU, subacute, outpatient, and community wellness settings. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association including Academies of Neurologic PT, Acute Care and Education.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jamie Haines has employment relationships with Central Michigan University, NeuroSpark Online Education Collaborative, and Inspire Outcomes, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jamie Haines is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Michigan Physical Therapy Association, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals.

Stephanie Callander earned her Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders and deaf education from Utah State University and her Master of Science in communication science and disorders from Chapman University. She has varied experience evaluating and treating adults with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders. Her areas of interest include Parkinson’s Disease, motor speech, voice and swallowing disorders.

In 2016 she became certified in SPEAK OUT! And The LOUD Crowd from Parkinson Voice Project. During her years at the hospital, Stephanie worked primarily with people with Parkinson’s, teaching them how to turn their automatic, diminished voices into an intentional act. Her passion was fueled by witnessing so many people with Parkinson’s speak clearer, louder, and with intent.

Stephanie Callander, MS, CCC-SLP, has been an active member within the Parkinson’s community. On two occasions she was a guest speaker for PMD Alliance at their Renew Retreats, providing education about the benefits of speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s. She is a guest lecturer at Chapman University, teaching graduate students about Parkinson’s Disease and the SPEAK OUT! therapy program.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Stephanie Callander has employment relationships with Home Health and Rogue Physical Therapy and Wellness. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Stephanie Callander has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Mike Studer, PT, DPT, MHS, NCS, CEEAA, CWT, CSST, CBFP, CSRP, FAPTA has been a PT since 1991, board certified in neurologic PT in 1995, and a private practice owner since 2005. Dr. Studer has been an invited speaker covering all 50 states, 13 countries, and 5 continents speaking on topics ranging from cognition and psychology in rehabilitation, aging, stroke, motor learning, motivation in rehabilitation, balance, dizziness, neuropathy and Parkinson Disease. Dr. Studer was the founder and operator of Northwest Rehabilitation Associates in Oregon for 18 years and is now a co-founder and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness in Bend, OR. He is an adjunct professor at Touro University and additional appointment at UNLV. Dr. Studer assists the USC-led national network of neurologic PT residencies (Neuroconsortium) as well.  

In 2011, Mike was recognized as Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and (in 2014) the Geriatric Academies of the APTA. He received the highest honor available in PT in 2020, being distinguished as a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA in 2020, joining a group of under 300 persons at the time for the history of the profession. Mike’s honors additionally reflect his service for Vice Presidency of the Academy of Neurologic PT, the Mercedes Weiss award for service to the Oregon chapter of APTA. He holds a trademark in dual task rehabilitation and has a patent pending on the same. Over his career, Mike has authored over 40 articles, 7 book chapters, and routinely has clinical research projects in affiliation with one of many universities. He is a consultant to professional athletes including Major League Baseball players, competitive divers, and some of the most prolific climbers in world history. As a very fun and lighthearted note, Mike is the four time and current WR holder for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon, a mark that was set most recently in January 2022. Most recently, Mike authored The Brain That Chooses Itself, a practical and applications-based guide to increasing both healthspan and lifespan for laypersons and medical professionals alike.  

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Mike Studer is the co-founding member and co-owner of Spark Rehabilitation and Wellness and has employment relationships with Touro University, the University of Nevada, and Post Acute Medical. He previously received a speaking honorarium from SMARTFit. Mike Studer receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Mike Studer is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the Oregon Physical Therapy Association. He serves on the advisory board of Rehab Management and ADVANCE.

Shelly Denes, PT, C/NDT, CFPS, CGCP, is an expert in fall prevention and neuro-rehab with more than 30 years of experience treating patients with hemiplegia, neurological diseases, neuromuscular disorders, TBI, and SCI. She has a special interest in Long COVID, autoimmunity and the impact of chronic inflammation and sleep deprivation in rehab. She has been involved extensively with neuroprosthetic devices, lower extremity orthotics, and exoskeleton devices at the Rehab Institute of Michigan. Mrs. Denes travels nationally to present seminars on fall prevention, Long COVID and geriatric rehabilitation. Additionally, her expertise has been presented through expert witness work and consulting both nationally and locally. She also sits on the State of Michigan Fall Prevention Coalition committee. Shelly Denes is a graduate of University of Michigan’s PT program, and she earned her certification in Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Adult Hemiplegia (NDT) at the Rehab Institute of Chicago. She helped create the certifications for ‘Fall Prevention Specialist’ and ‘Geriatric Care Professional’ with Evergreen Certifications, holds these two certifications and sits on their advisory board.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michel Janet (Shelly) Denes is the owner of Denes Physical Therapy Consulting LLC. She is a consultant with Experts in Therapy LLC and previously with NewGait™. She receives a speaking honorarium from Motivations, Inc. Michel Janet (Shelly) Denes receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michel Janet (Shelly) Denes is an advisory board member for Evergreen Certifications. She serves on the Fall Prevention Coalition Committee at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietician, nutritionist, and writer. In her virtual private practice, Esther specializes in palliative nutrition, helping people living with serious illness, including neurodegenerative disorders, plus families and caregivers. She helps her clients improve their quality of life and manage their symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle choices.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Esther Ellis maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with Duke University Health System and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Esther Ellis has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Kara Welke, OTD, OTR/L, CLT, CAPS, SHSS, has had a wide variety of experiences and has worked with pediatrics through geriatrics in various settings. She even ventured away from traditional occupational therapy for a few years and had the privilege of starting an Early Head Start program from the ground up and was the director of the EHS program. Kara taught in an OTA program as well as served as the academic fieldwork coordinator for approximately 8 years. In order to provide client-centered, occupation-based, and evidence-based practice, Kara started her own Mobile Hybrid Practice to help older adults age in place in 2018. This business has grown significantly over the years, and she now has over 15 employees and contractors providing a wide array of services. Her business not only has its own client population, but they also provide services to other agencies and businesses. Due to the lack of resources for helping therapy professionals start their own business, Kara created the Next Level Occupational Therapy Facebook group. It was through this group that it became apparent that all therapy professionals needed assistance in starting their own business and that is when the Therapy Business Builder program was started. Kara has helped hundreds of therapists get to the next level in their career through her programs.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kara Welke is the owner of Home Therapy Solutions, LLC and Next Level Occupational Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. Kara Welke has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kara Welke has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS, SHSS has decades of experience across a broad area of occupational therapy practice and includes more than 11 years in academia teaching both adult and pediatric treatment courses, neuroscience, and research. Sue has written several chapters in occupational therapy textbooks, presented at multiple conferences including as part of AOTA’s Stroke Specialty Conference team, and has multiple international peer reviewed publications including a Cochrane systematic review. Her research areas have included evidence-based practice, therapists’ decision making and clinical reasoning, and sensory impairments after stroke. Sue has worked on developing her private practice serving adults in their homes and her clinic, which she started in 2016. Her practice includes working with stroke survivors, aging in place and home safety, and contracts with the Developmental Disability Administration and Area Agency on Aging.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Susan Doyle is the owner and occupational therapist for OT Lifestyle Solutions PLLC, Next Level Occupational Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Susan Doyle is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She serves on the review panel for Occupational Therapy in Health Care.

John Dean, MA, CCC-SLP, has been specializing in the treatment of Parkinson’s and related disorders since 2007. In addition to clinical work, he has been involved in an array of Parkinson’s-related projects ranging from the development of interdisciplinary Parkinson’s rehab networks for a large healthcare company, founding startups that build technologies for people living with Parkinson’s and even a stint as a member of the senior leadership at the Davis Phinney Foundation.

John currently divides his time between Lisbon and Colorado, collaborating with physiotherapist Josefa Domingos to develop exercise activities that combine movement, voice, and cognition, as well as running a startup that creates technologies to help scale up dual-task training for patients around the world.

 

Speaker Disclosures
Financial: John Dean has employment relationships with International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, Triad Dual Task Education, and Dual Task for Parkinson’s. He advisor and stock holder of Mimo.fit, receives a speaking and consulting fee from Abbvie (sife), and a speaking honorarium from Bial. John Dean receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: John Dean serves on the scientific advisory board for the Davis Phinney Foundation and is committee chair for the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. He is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.