_edited.png)
We are always seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. Ideal candidates will have a personal or professional connection to Parkinson's disease and share our commitment to empowering individuals and families affected by Parkinson's through education, advocacy, and community support. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Leadership Team
President:
Dr. Kristina Neely Stehouwer
Dr. Kristina Neely is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Auburn University and Director of the Brain and Behavior Lab. Her research focuses on understanding how the brain controls movement and how thinking, emotions, and mental health influence the way we move. She studies dopamine, a brain chemical that plays an important role in movement, memory, attention, and decision-making. As both a neuroscientist and a care partner with personal family experience of Parkinson's Disease, she is passionate about translating scientific research into practical, compassionate guidance that supports individuals and families living with Parkinson's.
Vice President:
Lydia Allison Matthews, MCD, CCC-SLP
Lydia Allison is a speech-language pathologist and assistant clinical professor at Auburn University. Her clinical experience has primarily been working with adults and neurogenic communication disorders, including brain injury, stroke, and progressive diseases. She has experience in the hospital and inpatient rehabilitation settings. Currently, she teaches in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at AU. Lydia received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Auburn. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages to meet their communication goals. She has seen first-hand the importance and impact of compassionate, competent care through her late grandfather's experience with stroke and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Treasurer:
Jeff Neely
Jeff Neely brings a world of financial experience and corporate senior management leadership to the team with his past career roles. He was the senior corporate merchandising executive for a national chain of over 300 stores, a corporate Division's senior executive as a Division SVP/General Manager for a chain of over 350 stores and the Executive V.P. for a chain of over 400 stores. Jeff is very involved in local community activities having served as a Town Commissioner, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Town Planning Board member and a representative on numerous Boards of Directors. Jeff is personally committed to Parkinson's as a care giver partner to his wife.
Secretary:
Anders Skaar
Anders grew up in suburban Chicago. He attended the University of Illinois majoring in engineering. Fascinated early on by technology and global cultures, Anders taught English for seven years in Mexico City. Upon returning to the U.S., Anders began a successful career in executive recruiting in Silicon Valley and then Raleigh, NC. In 1995, Anders and his wife Kathleen adopted two older children and soon co-founded a Christian book and Bible ministry serving prison inmates nationwide. For 25 years, they distributed hundreds of Christian books annually. He served as the Missions Director while Kathleen led the organization. They retired in 2021 with a team of 10 staff and hundreds of volunteers and donors. Today, their ministry is called Prison Alliance which continues work globally. Anders was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2021 and now co-leads a smaller digital discipleship effort called In Jesus Steps, serving as Director of Technology. He and his wife reside in Opelika, AL, attend Church of the Highlands, play Pickleball and stay active with friends and nine grandchildren.
Member-at-Large
Jim Freind
Jim Freind is a retired electrical engineer and Auburn University graduate who spent more than 43 years with Alabama Power Company, serving in numerous leadership roles across the state. Throughout his career, he was actively involved in community service, supporting organizations such as the United Way, YMCA, local Chambers of Commerce, and educational foundations. A former member of the Anniston Morning Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Jim is committed to serving others and strengthening his community through volunteer leadership.
