Presented by American Parkinson Disease Association

APDA MA Good Start Program - Fall 2025

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About This Event

The Good Start Program is a two part series presented by a team of Parkinson’s disease specialists from Boston University and Boston University Medical Center. Participants will receive up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, as well as community resources to assist in PD management.


There is no cost for this program, which is open to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's three or fewer years ago, along with a care partner or family member.

 

Day 1 - Tuesday, October 21st, 6 - 8 PM
Welcome & Program Overview - Cathi A. Thomas, RN, MS
What is Parkinson's Disease? –  Kara Smith, MD, MSCI
The Role of Rehabilitation and Exercise - Terry Ellis, PhD, PT

Day 2 - Tuesday October 28th, 6 - 8 PM
Introduction to the Healthcare Team: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nutrition, Nursing/Social Services, and Community Resources
Medication Management – Katelyn Bird, MD, MS

Date & Time:  Tuesdays, October 21 & 28, 2025 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Boston University Sargent College, 635 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
Contact: APDA I & R Center at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org

About This Event

The Good Start Program is a two part series presented by a team of Parkinson’s disease specialists from Boston University and Boston University Medical Center. Participants will receive up-to-date information on diagnosis and treatment, as well as community resources to assist in PD management.


There is no cost for this program, which is open to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's three or fewer years ago, along with a care partner or family member.

 

Day 1 - Tuesday, October 21st, 6 - 8 PM
Welcome & Program Overview - Cathi A. Thomas, RN, MS
What is Parkinson's Disease? –  Kara Smith, MD, MSCI
The Role of Rehabilitation and Exercise - Terry Ellis, PhD, PT

Day 2 - Tuesday October 28th, 6 - 8 PM
Introduction to the Healthcare Team: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nutrition, Nursing/Social Services, and Community Resources
Medication Management – Katelyn Bird, MD, MS

Date & Time:  Tuesdays, October 21 & 28, 2025 6 PM - 8 PM
Location: Boston University Sargent College, 635 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
Contact: APDA I & R Center at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org

Schedule of Programming

Day 1
Tuesday, October 21,  6 - 8 PM

Welcome & Program Overview - Cathi A. Thomas, RN, MS

What is Parkinson's Disease? - Kara Smith, MD, MSCI

The Role of Rehabilitation and Exercise - Terry Ellis, PhD, PT

Day 2
Tuesday, October 38,  6 - 8 PM

Introduction to the Healthcare Team: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nutrition, Nursing/Social Services, and Community Resources

Medication Management – Katelyn Bird, MD, MS