Conference Agenda
Conference Agenda 2026
- “Navigating Hospitalizations in Parkinson’s: What Patients and Care Partners Need to Know” by Dr. Stephanie Bisonnette, DO, VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center
- “The Role of the Healthcare Team" Panel Session with
- Dr. Tara Kimbason, MDS, Sentara Neurology Specialists & Goldrich Institute for Neurohealth at Old Dominion University,
- Dr. Shannon Clark, MD, Sentara Neurology Specialists,
- Kayla Emilie, MA, CCC-SLP Riverside Healthcare Physical Therapy Regional Medical Center, and
- Sarah Higinbotham, Physical Therapy Assistant Sentara Therapy Centers, APDA Virginia Suffolk Optimism Walk Commitee.
- Moderated by Laura Mahoney, OT, APDA Virginia Board Member
- "Fueling the Gut: Dietary Approaches to Ease Constipation in Parkinson’s" by Frances Kerley, RD, McGuire VA Medical Center
- “Exploring Surgical Options: DBS and Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Disease” by Joseph Bell, MD, PhD, VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center
- "The Science of Exercise" by Karen McPadden, PT, Riverside Physical Therapy Lightfoot
- "Maintaining Independence with Parkinson's Disease" Panel Session with
- Dr. Howard Weinberg, MD, Parkinson's Advocate
- John Bauman, Parkinson's Advocate and
- Melissa Haug
- Moderated by Laura Mahoney, OT, APDA Virginia Board Member
- "Coping with Stress and Fatigue as Partners in Parkinson's" by Courtney Petley, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Keynote Speaker 2026
2025 VPC Highlights!
Thank You Sponsors!
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AbbVie
Sentara Health