In the Parkinson’s community, swagger is more than just a walk. It’s the art of moving with purpose and embracing the possibility of living confidently and unapologetically about the way you move in the world. One step towards finding your own swagger is accessing resources and wellness programs that can benefit you physically, cognitively and emotionally. Such programs help create a safe and supportive community where members are encouraged to see beyond their Parkinson’s diagnosis while improving their overall health. 

Come join us for our 3rd annual Health & Wellness Expo webinar, taking place on Wednesday, September 25 from 2:00 to 3:15 PM Eastern Time. During the webinar, attendees will have the opportunity to sample their choice of two LIVE wellness program demonstrations or discussion sessions.  

Choose from: 

1. Dancing – led by Dancing with Parkinson’s 
2. Singing – led by Singing with Parkinson’s 
3. Nordic Pole Walking – led by One Step Ahead Mobility 
4. Improv – led by Improv for Work & Wellness 
5. Empower-U – led by U-Turn Parkinson’s 
6. Tai Chi – led by U-Turn Parkinson’s 

This is your opportunity to learn more about – and perhaps try – a variety of Parkinson’s programs, and find ones that feel right for you based on your own interests, physical ability and confidence level. 

Presenters and Breakout Room Leaders

• 

  Peter Jarvis

  Peter has been learning, teaching and performing improv since 2019, having taken it up to help him deal with the cognitive impacts of Parkinson’s Disease. It’s working so far, and Peter can be found supporting Improv programs focused on serving the PD community, with an emphasis on linking the foundational elements of improv practice with mitigating the impacts of particular symptoms. Prior life experience includes an Economics degree from the Royal Military College, a law degree from University of Victoria and 30 years in the saddle as a commercial lawyer. Peter lives in Vancouver and enjoys a broad range of outdoor activities and leadership volunteer roles. 

• 

  Rene Geist

  Rene is a 78 year old mother of four and grandmother of twelve who has had a myriad of work experiences over these many years - from teaching to working in an advertising agency, from being a potter to a writer. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago, she sought and became involved with programs and groups to enable her to better understand and combat the disease and its symptoms. She participates in Dancing with Parkinson’s and Singing with Parkinson’s, and is eager to share her experiences with the Parkinson’s community. 

   

• 

  Sarah Robichaud

  Dancing with Parkinson’s 

  Dancing with Parkinson's offers free in-person and online dance and movement classes for people living with Parkinson's disease across Canada and around the world. Join them at 11:00 a.m. ET, 365 days a year from wherever you are to connect to community and experience the joy and benefits of dance! 

  Sarah Robichaud, Founder and CEO of Dancing with Parkinson’s, is a classically trained dancer and choreographer who graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Sarah was the first certified Canadian in the Dance for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Method®, and is a founding member of the Dance for PD Network Canada. In 2021, Sarah was awarded a community hero award by the Toronto Raptors and MLSE Foundation to recognize her work to keep seniors connected during COVID-19. 

• 

  Paula Wolfson

  Singing with Parkinson’s 

  Singing with Parkinson’s was to address vocal issues associated with Parkinson’s. We use exercises and warm-ups gleaned from Paula's musical theatre career, and swallowing muscle exercises borrowed from professional vocal therapists. Voices, both speaking and singing, grow stronger; breath is better controlled through specific exercise; there is a deep sense of belonging and communal support for people who might otherwise isolate; there is pride in feeling a sense of accomplishment as the brain is engaged with learning new songs and vocal techniques. Some participants even report sleeping better after a class.  

  Paula is a Dora Mavor Moore Award winner with a 40+ years career as a professional theatre artist. She has spent the last 12 years working with vulnerable populations using music and singing as a way to express and relieve the stresses and joys of day-to-day living. Paula is a certified Artist-Educator with the Royal Conservatory of Music. 

• 

  Sunhan Anderson

  One Step Ahead Mobility  

  For people with Parkinson's, Nordic pole walking helps improve posture and coordination, keeps the walker more upright with longer, quicker strides and promotes a steady walking pace. Additionally, using poles engages both the arms and legs, help reduce stress on the knees and joints, and stretches the walker’s limbs. You’re invited to come learn how Nordic walking can help people with Parkinson's achieve their exercise and mobility goals. 

  Sunhan Anderson completed her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2006 at the University of Minnesota. She is certified in LSVT BIG program for treatment of people with Parkinson's, PWR! Moves, Rock Steady Boxing; is a Master Trainer for Urban Poling; and has the Advanced Orthopaedic certification from the Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute. Sunhan is a member of the One Step Ahead Mobility team, and her main focus is on the rehabilitation of patients with neurological diagnoses, such as Parkinson's Disease.   

• 

  Stephen Sheffer

  Improv for Wellness  

  Improv for Parkinson's equips participants with foundational improv skills and applies them to life with Parkinson’s. In this taster session, you'll learn more about improvisational theatre (improv), the program's core themes such as presence, celebrating mistakes and teamwork, and why improv has been an impactful creative outlet for people living with Parkinson’s.  

  Stephen Sheffer began facilitating Improv for Parkison's workshop at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is passionate about the myriad ways improv can spark community building and communication, and has facilitated workshops for companies all over North America, applying the principles of drama to team-building and creating inclusive cultures. Stephen is a graduate of Queen’s University in Canada (BAH with distinction, where he studied as a chancellor’s scholar) and Circle in The Square Theatre School in NYC, and has performed on stages & screens all over North America. Stephen had a major ‘aha’ moment when he started to notice how his improv experience was parlaying and benefiting other parts of his life. Thanks to improv, his listening and collaboration skills have expanded exponentially. For Stephen, it’s a no-brainer that the transformative skills and concepts that improv embodies are ripe for inspiring growth in individuals. 

• 

  Jordana Hague

  U-Turn Parkinson’s 

  Empower-U by U-Turn Parkinson’s is a fun, upbeat, Parkinson’s-specific program for anyone living with Parkinson’s. The class provides a full-body workout combining functional strength training, stretching, range of motion, coordination, balance, boxing and agility exercises. Empower-U is offered free-of-charge online on Fridays at 11:30 am CT, with additional in-person classes on Mondays and Fridays in Winnipeg, MB, and is suitable for all levels of ability.  

  Jordana Hague, Program Manager and Coach at U-Turn Parkinson's, brings eight years of dedicated experience in the Parkinson's community. With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), certification as a personal trainer and a personal connection to Parkinson's, she integrates her academic knowledge and fitness expertise to create free-of-charge programs that positively impact individuals living with Parkinson's. 

• 

  Tyler Hartwig

  U-Turn Parkinson’s 

  Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that allows participants of all levels of ability to work on balance, coordination, and flexibility. In the class, you will be guided through a series of flowing movements that are designed to improve posture, decrease rigidity, and lower your risk of falls. You’ll learn how to coordinate your breath with your movements, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Tai Chi is offered by U-Turn Parkinson’s free-of-charge in person on Thursdays from 12pm-1pm in-person at 525 Beresford Avenue in Winnipeg, and will be offered live-online very soon.  

  Tyler Hartwig, Coach at U-Turn Parkinson’s, has 4 years of undergraduate education in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at the University of Manitoba and is a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. In addition, Tyler brings over 20 years of Tai Chi and martial arts experience, having studied several styles from Karate and Taekwondo to Ninjutsu and Judo. Tyler’s compassionate and thorough teaching style provides the Parkinson’s community a welcoming opportunity to learn new skills and live their best with the disease. 

Register for this event

Register now