2026/2027 Meeting Schedule: September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3. March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2.
Our meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month via ZOOM, September through June, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., with adjustments for holidays. We do not meet during the summer months of July and August. Zoom links are sent out the day before the meeting.
The Women With Parkinson’s support group has been meeting since 2014! By majority agreement, we will continue to use our meeting time to share and support each other as opposed to inviting guest speakers. There is so much information freely available online, we want to focus our time together to connect with each others’ experiences and offer encouragement and support so we can live the best life we can as Women with Parkinson’s (AKA Women Warriors).
Notes from our meetings since 2022 are listed by date and linked below. Feedback from one of our speakers, a movement disorder neurologist (posted with permission): “I enjoyed that presentation/talk/discussion about as much as any talk I can remember. It was such an honor to be invited to a group as well organized and established as yours is. I have heard so many wonderful things over the years about it and I’m so relieved to see that women with Parkinson’s disease have such a wonderful resource in our community.”
2025/2026 Meetings: links (in blue) to meeting notes: September 10, October 1, November 5 These Shoes Are Made For Walking, December 3 Holiday Talk and Helpful Links, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, Low Vision Issues, May 6, June 3
2024/2025 Meetings:
- October 2: Notes and Resources
- November 6: Managing Time, Energy, and Stress
- December 4: Holiday Luncheon
- January 8: Life With Parkinson’s Over the Years
- February 5: Time Management
- March 5: Driving
2023/2024 Meetings:
September 6: ZOOM Meeting. Guest speaker. Speech Pathologist Susan I. Wranik, MS, MA, CCC-SLP, Speak Skill, LLC, spoke on “Vocal Strengthening,” specifically for women with Parkinson’s disease. Meeting Notes
October 4: IN-PERSON Meeting. Just-Us Share Time. Our personal Parkinson’s journey, including the symptom that concerns us the most and our most concerning fear.
November 1: ZOOM Meeting. Guest speaker Dr. Aviva Ellenstein, M.D. Ph.D., Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Neurology at Washington Brain and Spine Institute, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by Just-Us Share Time.
January 3: ZOOM Meeting. Guest speaker Dr. Abigail Lawler, Board-Certified Neurologist and Autonomics Director and Movement Disorders Specialist at INOVA Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Center, spoke on “Non-motor Symptoms and the Impact of Low and High Blood Pressure in Parkinson’s Disease.”
February 7:IN-PERSON Meeting. Guest speaker Occupational Therapist Donna Jackson, Certified LSVT Big and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS), spoke on “How Occupational Therapy Can Help,” including some ‘hands-on” strengthening tips. Meeting Notes
March 6: ZOOM Meeting. Physical Therapist Yuliya Jackson, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and a Vestibular-Certified Specialist, spoke on “Staying on Your Feet: Preventing and Minimizing Falls.” Meeting Notes
April 3: IN-PERSON Meeting. Just-Us Share Time. Let’s talk about the self-conscious, humiliating, and embarrassing moments that come with Parkinson’s and handling them with grace and dignity.
May 1: ZOOM Meeting. Amelia Faraco-Hadlock, Deputy Legislative Director to Congressman Jennifer Wexton, spoke to us about the National Plan to End Parkinson’s, followed by Just-Us Share Time. We want your input! Our third annual review. A time to share your meeting, speaker, and other experiences and suggestions.
2022/2023 Meetings:
September 6: Just-Us Share Time about fear.
October 12: Guest Speaker. Alec Langstein, Rock Steady Boxing, on The Who, What, Where, Why, and When of Rock Steady Boxing and How it Benefits Women With PD.
November 2: Just-Us Share Time about self-commitment, self-discipline, and self-motivation.
January 4: Guest Speakers. Mary Beth Crosson and Joann McCarty, Independent You, on their home care and care management services.
February 1: Guest Speaker. Dr. Randolph Stephenson, Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist, joined us for a Q & A.
March 1: Just-Us Share Time about aging.
April 5: Just-Us Share Time about gratitude.
May 3: Just-Us Share Time — How Can This Group Best Serve You?