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Meetings and Events
Monthly Meetings
Sunday Afternoons
1:30 PM: Movement and Exercise
2:00 PM: Business Meeting
2:15 PM: Educational Session
Followed by Sit and Chat
First Methodist Church - Opelika
Fellowship Hall
702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801
WHAT HAPPENS AT A SUPPORT GROUP MEETING?
Whether you're a longtime member or attending for the first time, we want you to feel welcome.
We gather from 1:30 - 2:00 PM for a group exercise session designed for people with Parkinson's disease. During this time, care partners are invited to join our Care Partner Corner, an informal opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique experiences of providing support to a loved one with PD.
After a short break, our group meeting begins around 2:10 PM. Meetings generally feature a guest speaker, educational presentation, or group discussion on topics relevant to people with Parkinson's disease and their care partners. While speakers typically present for about 30 minutes, questions and discussion often continue until 3:00 PM.
Following the meeting, attendees are encouraged to stay, enjoy refreshments and connect with fellow members. Many participants find these informal conversations to be one of the most valuable parts of the afternoon.
Upcoming Meetings
November Meeting: Planning Ahead: Legal ConsiderationsSun, Nov 15First Methodist Church - Opelika
Previous Meetings
2026
Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease
Drs. Kelsey Rushing and Laura Coats
Mr. Lyle Herrod
The Benefits of Physical Therapy in Parkinson's Disease
Tessa Payne, DPT
Grief, Loss and the Parkinson's Journey
Rachel McLain, UCSW, MSW
Updates on Focused Ultrasound
Kristina Neely
REACH Ministry and Strategies for Dementia-friendly Communication
Mindfulness and Meditation for
Living Well with PD
Retia Clanton
Connecting through Art
Brooklyn White
Intro to Vyalev from AbbVie
Amanda Moore
2025
Sleep Disorders and PD
Dr. Christopher Hope
Navigating Home Health Options
Meg Bryant, Shannon Fetner, and
Dr. Mallory Willis
Self-defense for People with PD
Lt. Pam Revels
Member Led Discussion on
Living Well with PD
Physical Therapy for PD
Dr. Tessa Payne
Research Updates on Gait and Balance
Dr. Jaimie Roper
Care Partner Burnout and Self-Care
Dr. Sarah Flint
Neurologic Music Therapy
Hannah Oakes
Dysphagia
Lydia Allison, CCC-SLP
Pyschotherapy for PD
Dr. Zofia Wilamowska
2024
Treatment Updates and
Management Strategies
Laura Lieb, CRNP
Parkinson Association of
Alabama Resources
Ellen Hicks
Impact of PD on Day-to-Day Living and Interpersonal Relationships
Brooklyn White
Emergency Preparedness
Tracey Smith, CCC-SLP
Physical Therapy for PD
Tessa Payne, DPT
Occupational Therapy & Assistive Devices
Anna McDill, OT
LSVT LOUD for Speech Therapy
Dr. Laura Willis, CCC-SLP
LSVT BIG Treatment for Movement Therapy
Anna McDill, OT
Sleep Disorders and PD
Dr. Christopher Hope
VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE
While we believe that nothing compares to choosing to meet with an in-person Support Group - we still want everyone to have the support they need at a time that is convenient to them.
PD THRIVE
We recommend you attend the virtual support group offered by the UAB Movement Disorder Center, called PD Thrive. This group meets over zoom on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Each session will begin with an educational session on a specific Parkinson's related topic from a specialist, followed by open discussion for those living with Parkinson's. This group is co-facilitated by Brooklyn White, program coordinator for the Alabama Information and Referral Center sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association, and Katie Fordham, an advocate living with Parkinson's Disease.
2027 Program Description and Flyer
CARE PARTNER CONNECTIONS
A virtual care partner support group is also available over zoom and meets on the First Monday of each month beginning at 6:30 pm. Like PD Thrive, each session begins with an educational topic and guest speaker followed by plenty of time for open discussion amongst group members.
2027 Program Description and Flyer
To learn more or sign-up, contact facilitator, Brooklyn White at bawhite@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.706.7320.