RECENT PD TALKS

​PD TALK: Qigong & Mindfulness: A Pathway to Better Living  
DATE: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
​TIME: 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Zoom
Presenter: Winter Ryvre – Move with Love
​Register by 4/20/26
Join Winter Ryvre of Move with Love for an engaging session on Qigong and mindfulness designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. This gentle practice combines slow, intentional movement, breathwork, and focused awareness to support balance, flexibility, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Participants will learn simple techniques that can be incorporated into daily life to enhance mind-body connection and reduce stress. Whether newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this session offers practical tools to help you move and live with greater ease.
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​PD TALK: Anticipatory Grief: Understanding Grief Before Loss
DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
​TIME: 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Zoom
Presenter: Brett Marston
​Register by 3/23/26
Grief doesn’t begin only after a loss—it can start long before. For families navigating Parkinson’s disease, changes in health, roles, and future plans can bring complex emotions that are often difficult to name. In this meaningful session, Brett Marston will explore anticipatory grief—the feelings of sadness, fear, anger, and uncertainty that can arise before a loved one passes. Participants will gain insight into why these emotions are normal, how to care for themselves during this tender time, and ways to find connection and resilience while still walking the journey together.
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PD TALK: Graceful Aging: Transitioning to Assisted Living
DATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
​TIME: 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Zoom
Presenter: Michelle Serigne
​Register by 3/16/26
Making the move to assisted living can feel overwhelming—for both individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. In this informative and compassionate session, Michelle Serigne will discuss how to approach this transition with confidence, dignity, and clarity. Learn how to recognize when additional support may be beneficial, what to look for in a community, how to plan financially and emotionally, and ways to ease the adjustment process. This conversation is designed to empower families with practical tools and thoughtful guidance so that next steps feel intentional—not rushed
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FREE PD TALK: Streamlining Your Transition – Concierge Move Management and Assisted Travel Solutions to Ease Your Journey
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Zoom
Register by March 30, 2026
Life transitions like moving, downsizing, relocating, or traveling can feel overwhelming—especially for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. This informative PD Talk offers practical guidance to make these changes smoother and less stressful.
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Join Tracy Mellion of Blue Star Move Management and Kerri Johnson of GOMO Travel as they share expert insights on organizing moves, coordinating logistics, and planning accessible travel experiences. Learn how professional support can reduce stress, conserve energy, and help maintain independence.
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RECENT PD TALK RECORDINGS FOR MEMBERS

PD TALK: How and When to Seek Support
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Presenter: Ann Fisher, LCSW
Knowing when to ask for help can make all the difference. Join Ann Fisher, LCSW, for a compassionate and informative PD Talk on recognizing the signs that support is needed, exploring available resources, and taking confident next steps for yourself or a loved one living with Parkinson’s.
Enter Pass Code: ​WLHwg?H6
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Meeting Code: ​N*9Au0mJ
PD TALK: The Balanced Brain Blueprint
DATE: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Presenter: Michelle Vitelli, Geriatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Naples Speech and Cognitive Therapy

Join Michelle Vitelli for an informative session on The Balanced Brain Blueprint, where she will share practical tools to support speech, voice, cognitive function, and communication for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. With over 28 years of experience, Michelle specializes in stroke recovery, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and neurologic communication disorders. As a mobile and telehealth provider—and a certified LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT therapist—Michelle offers expert, patient-centered guidance to help you strengthen your voice, improve cognitive skills, and enhance daily communication.
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​PD TALK:  Neuroplasticity & Exercise
DATE: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
PRESENTED BY: Mildred Octelus
Join PASWFL Movement Instructor Mildred Octelus for an engaging discussion on how exercise can help the brain adapt, strengthen connections, and support better movement for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Mildred will share insights from studies showing how regular physical activity promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and form new pathways—and how specific types of movement can improve balance, coordination, and overall well-being. Discover practical ways to make movement a powerful part of your Parkinson’s management plan.
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​PD TALK:  PD-A Nutritional Perspective
DATE RECORDED: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
PRESENTED BY: Barbara Maione, MS, RDN, LD/N
Clinical Nutrition Director, HCA West Florida Bay Market Region
​Join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Barbara Maione for an informative discussion on how nutrition can support individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. Barbara will explore practical dietary strategies, nutrient considerations, and ways to optimize wellness through food choices tailored to Parkinson’s-related challenges. Her expertise offers a valuable perspective on improving daily health and quality of life.
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​PD TALK:  Fall Prevention and Assistive Devices for PD
DATE: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Dr. Megan Walsh, DPT, NCS, C/NDT, Clinical Assistant Professor at FGCU
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, December 15, 2025
Join the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL  for an informative PD Talk with Dr. Megan Walsh, DPT, NCS, C/NDT, Clinical Assistant Professor at FGCU. Dr. Walsh will discuss practical strategies to reduce fall risk, highlight common balance challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s, and demonstrate how assistive devices can support safety, mobility, and confidence. This session is designed for people with Parkinson’s, care partners, and anyone looking to better understand proactive approaches to staying active and independent.
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​PD TALK:  Behind the Wheel Driving Evaluations
DATE: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Emerson Driving School
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025
Join the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL for an informative session with Emerson Driving School. This talk will explore what goes into a behind-the-wheel driving evaluation, how Parkinson’s symptoms can affect driving safety, and what resources are available to help individuals remain confident and supported on the road. Perfect for individuals with Parkinson’s and care partners who want guidance on maintaining independence while prioritizing safety.
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PD TALK TOPIC:  Estate Planning for PD
DATE: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Zacharia Brown & Bratkovich
Estate Planning - Elder Law
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, November 10, 2025
Join us on Zoom for an informative session with the estate planning and elder law experts at Zacharia Brown. Learn how to protect your assets, plan for long-term care, and ensure your wishes are honored while living with Parkinson’s disease. This session will cover key legal documents, strategies for preserving quality of life, and resources to help you and your loved ones plan with confidence.
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PD Talk:  Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) using the Breather
DATE: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, October 13, 2025

What it is and the benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The Breather is the first drug-free, evidence-based combined inspiratory/expiratory respiratory muscle training device used by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease to improve voice quality and loudness, swallowing performance, speech clarity, and reduce shortness of breath.
The Breather strengthens both inhalation and exhalation through daily exercises of breathing through a small hand held device which provides resistance similar to weight training at a gym.
Many of our members currently use the Breather. This presentation will serve as an introduction to any members interested in beginning EMST or those users interested in a “refresher”.
For more information about the Breather, visit PNmedical.com
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PODIATRIC HEALTH FOR PD

ENTER PASS CODE: $YM%1TO!
PD Talk:  Podiatric Health in Parkinson’s Disease
DATE: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
TIME: 3:00 pm
PLACE: Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Lori Marie DeBlasi, DPM, FACFAS
​RSVP by 3:00 pm on Monday, October 6, 2025

Join Dr. Lori DeBlasi for an informative session on Podiatric Health in Parkinson’s Disease. Learn how foot care, mobility, and podiatric health impact balance, comfort, and overall well-being for those living with PD.
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ENTER PASS CODE: @5WiX?21
PD Talk: Shine Presentation
Getting Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment
Thursday, October 9, 2025; @ 3:00 pm via Zoom
Presented by: Hallie Devlin, Shine Coordinator/Counselor
Join our Zoom Medicare Open Enrollment information session with SHINE Coordinator/Counselor Hallie Devlin on Zoom to learn about 2025 updates to your healthcare plan and potential adjustments. Register by October 7 at 4 PM. Please get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment.

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Sound Healing

PD Talk: Sound Healing 
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
3:00 pm
Zoom
PRESENTED BY: Ken Straub​​
Ken Straub, a skilled sound healer and drumming instructor, shares how rhythm, vibration, and sound can support wellness for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Through guided drumming and sound experiences, Ken will demonstrate how sound healing can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. No musical experience necessary—just come ready to feel the beat and connect through sound.
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Little Talked About Symptoms of PD 
PRESENTED BY: Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD
Chief Mission Officer at American Parkinson Disease Association
Dr. Gilbert explores the lesser-known, non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, including: Depression and anxiety, Digestive issues (such as poor gastric motility), Temperature sensitivity, Vision problems, Excessive sweating, and more.
Dr. Gilbert received her MD at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and a PhD in Cell Biology and Genetics at the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences. She then completed her Neurology Residency and Movement Disorders Fellowship training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Before joining APDA, she was an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Fresco Institute for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders, NYU Langone Medical Center where she saw Movement disorders patients at both NYU and Bellevue Hospital Center, initiated and directed the NYU Movement Disorders Fellowship, participated in clinical trials and other research initiatives for Parkinson’s disease and lectured widely on Parkinson’s disease.
 
Rebecca Gilbert joined APDA in 2018, first as Chief Scientific Officer, and more recently as Chief Mission Officer. She plays a key role in developing APDA’s long-term mission strategy, oversees APDA’s research portfolio, and provides medical and clinical expertise to support APDA programming and educational content.
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 Intro to Micrographia 
PRESENTED BY: Physical Therapist Assistants, Alicia Artz co-owner with Jen Hedgepeth  of “ Fite For Your Write”
Have you noticed your handwriting getting smaller and more difficult to read?
Join Alicia and Jen as they introduce micrographia—a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease that causes a person’s handwriting to become smaller and more difficult to read over time. Through their therapist-owned company, Fite For Your Write, they have developed a supportive method that uses writing as both a creative outlet and a therapeutic tool.
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Balance and PD
PRESENTED BY: Chris R. Williams B.S., CPT, CES, SFS, YES
Chris R. Williams B.S., CPT, CES, SFS, YES presents this informative talk on how to enhance balance to help you live well with PD.
Chris Williams, Founder & President of Emeritus Health and author of Balance University, has over 22 years of experience as a fitness and wellness professional. Based in Naples, FL, Emeritus Health specializes in improving balance and movement for adults and is a Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield-approved provider. Balance University is a 10-week program to enhance balance, posture, and flexibility. He also serves as the Owner & Lead Conditioning Coach for the Azzurri Storm Soccer Program. His passion for health and fitness began as a high school athlete, leading him to earn a degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and multiple certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is a recognized educator who frequently contributes to wellness initiatives in Collier County businesses and academic institutions.
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Education Programs

Each month, we offer multiple educational presentations covering medical, health, and lifestyle topics to help you live well with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Our presenters are experts in their fields, including movement disorder specialists, neurologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, home health professionals, financial planners, and more. Please note we are now offering both in-person and Zoom PD Talks. ​ 

PD TALK RECORDINGS

We believe that education is an important part of living life with PD, that's why the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida offers a library of recordings of educational talks designed to help you live well with PD. Our videos range from information on PD 101, Mobility, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Care Partners, Planning, PD Related Issues, Medication, and Treatment, to Symptom Management, and more. We also keep you updated on the most recent studies and research on treatment and symptom management with peer-reviewed studies. Click the buttons below to learn more and for a full library of our archived PD Talk recording and recent studies.
While there is no charge to participate there are significants costs to offer our programs and services​. 
​Participants are required to complete a membership application and participation waiver before participating in online and in person programs. Click below to complete the required application online.

For your convenience the membership application is available to complete online, or if you would prefer printed forms, you can download them and return them to us by mail. Are you unsure if you completed a waiver or membership form? Call us at 239-417-3465 and we will be delighted to check for you. CLICK TO JOIN

Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida 
2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive
Suite#301, Naples, FL 34119
239-417-3465
Office@PASWFL.org
​
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 3 pm
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