Who We Are
This website supports evidence-based exercise classes led by therapists. The mission of the website and this group is to be an advocacy program for people with Parkinson disease and the therapists who work with them.
The first Parkinson exercise program was started by Dr. Teresa Steffen PT, PhD (resume) in 2003 at the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, WI. The classes quickly expanded to include multiple locations in WI. Each class site has a regular therapist(s) for client support and encouragement.
Initiation of this program was inspired by a client named Patricia Giese. She came to see Dr. Steffen for physical therapy to address a shoulder problem, but kept asking for a program for people with Parkinson Disease (PD). Patricia is a great example of a motivated person who wanted to do something proactive to maintain her health and function. The exercise groups are full of people like Patricia!
*Featured in the photo is Mary Harris, Dr. Steffen and Mary Ellen Humpal, PT.
The first Parkinson exercise program was started by Dr. Teresa Steffen PT, PhD (resume) in 2003 at the Schroeder YMCA in Brown Deer, WI. The classes quickly expanded to include multiple locations in WI. Each class site has a regular therapist(s) for client support and encouragement.
Initiation of this program was inspired by a client named Patricia Giese. She came to see Dr. Steffen for physical therapy to address a shoulder problem, but kept asking for a program for people with Parkinson Disease (PD). Patricia is a great example of a motivated person who wanted to do something proactive to maintain her health and function. The exercise groups are full of people like Patricia!
*Featured in the photo is Mary Harris, Dr. Steffen and Mary Ellen Humpal, PT.
Currently, Dr. Danille Parker, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA has taken on the role of primary contact and resource for this website and the exercise classes. You can contact Danille Parker at exercisepd@gmail.com.
