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Please tell me a little about your background. 

With a post-master’s educational background in psychology and expertise in Yoga Therapy, my journey into creating YogaReach® was deeply influenced by personal experiences and a commitment to transformative care. My mission was to go beyond conventional therapies, envisioning a holistic approach that embraced socialization, education, and enjoyment for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Leveraging my educational psychology background, which consisted of 37 years counseling and evaluating students and adults, I meticulously crafted programs that catered to the diverse needs of those with PD, ensuring each individual could improve their health and well-being. This fusion of expertise and passion culminated in the birth of YogaReach, a beacon of hope and empowerment for the PD community. For a more detailed account of my background, please visit www.yoga-reach.org.

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Can you tell me more about your organization? 

YogaReach®, established in 2004, stands as a beacon of compassionate care for individuals with neurological and neuromuscular challenges. In my role as the director and founder, I lead the delivering adaptive therapeutic yoga sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client living with Parkinson’s.

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Our journey is enriched by the invaluable support and collaboration with InMotion, a non-profit wellness facility committed to serving individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their caregivers. Nestled within the nurturing embrace of InMotion, we offer our services alongside a plethora of complimentary classes and programs, fostering a holistic approach to wellness.

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As we celebrate nine and a half years of dedicated service at InMotion, the outpouring of love and appreciation from clients, care partners, and all those we have the privilege to serve is truly humbling.  At each class, which is four times a week for 75 minutes, we teach an average of 30 participants. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their journey towards improved health and well-being.

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At the heart of YogaReach® lies a passionate team of ten members, each equipped with the knowledge and expertise acquired through our specialized Professional Training Workshop. This nation-wide program serves as a gateway for individuals eager to learn the art of creating classes in their communities.   Professional participants are taught how to individualize clients’ needs and teach our adaptive therapeutic yoga with three teachers and an assistant per class, which is a unique platform in contrast to regular yoga classes offered in studios.

 

With a steadfast dedication to inclusivity and innovation, YogaReach® continues to inspire positive transformation in the lives of those we touch. Together, we embark on a journey of healing, growth, and empowerment, fueled by the profound belief in the transformative power of yoga and mindful movement.

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What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?

My passion for Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure is deeply rooted in personal experience and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the disease. The loss of my father to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s nearly two decades ago serves as a poignant catalyst for the journey.

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Witnessing firsthand the challenges my father faced and the limitations of available services at that time, fueled my determination to effect change. The historical context of the services provided during his battle with PD highlighted the need for innovation and evolution in the approach to supporting individuals living with the condition.  Recognizing the importance of establishing life skills and promoting a sense of empowerment among individuals grappling with Parkinson’s, I set out to develop a program that not only addresses their physical needs but also nurtures their cognitive/emotional and social well-being. Through adaptive therapeutic yoga and other engaging activities, offered, we provide a platform for individuals to reclaim their lives and navigate their journey with dignity and resilience.

 

My commitment to Parkinson’s awareness and advocacy for a cure is fueled by the belief that every individual affected by the disease deserves access to compassionate care, support, and hope for a brighter future. By channeling passion into action, the memory of my father is honored and inspire others to join the fight against Parkinson’s Disease.

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What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?

Individuals with Parkinson’s working with YogaReach® often have multifaceted goals aimed at enhancing their overall quality of life. These goals typically revolve around physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Here are some common objectives individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with us:

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1. Improving mobility and flexibility

2. Enhancing balance and coordination

3. Managing specific symptoms

4. Boosting mood and mental well-being

5. Improving language and voice quality

6. Fostering social connection

7. Increasing confidence and self-efficacy

8. Enhancing activities of daily living

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Overall, the goals individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with YogaReach® are diverse and personalized, reflecting their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations for living well with the condition.

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What type of training and how long are the programs?

YogaReach is a transformative therapeutic yoga program, offering an integrated system of adaptive movements rooted in real-life applications. Guided by a steadfast commitment to combine movement and mindfulness, we aim to enhance resilience, promote adaptability, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals navigating challenges. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to support those we serve and believe everyone deserves to experience a fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

Our Mindful Movement professional training provides a path forward. Adaptive therapeutic yoga is a leading complementary therapy supported by research for those affected by Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

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Our highly specialized instruction encourages awareness of movement, choice in action, and mind and body connection. We teach individualized instruction in a positive, relaxed environment that promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and emphasizes socialization.

 

Mindful Movement teaches clients with Parkinson’s how to re-enact adapted yoga movement sequences outside of class to improve daily life skills. (e.g., reaching for objects, driving a car) By uniting thought and action, our therapeutic yoga instruction encourages participants to reinforce weakened abilities and gain new skills they thought were impossible to achieve.  As a result, our clients experience a reinvigorated spirit!

 

The nation-wide professional training is titled, “Creating Mindful Movement Classes for People with Parkinson’s Disease.” The training program is between 12 -18 CEU hours, depending on the times and location warranted. The program offers a manual which consists of an educational curriculum that includes objectives, steps and explanations of how to teach adaptive therapeutic yoga to our clients.  We have hands-on practice that offer many types of ways to accomplish specific movements.

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Energize your community by launching an exciting Creating Mindful Movement for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) class. At YogaReach, we have meticulously crafted a proven organizational plan that empowers you to create and lead your own class successfully.

 

Recognizing the unique standards of each community, we are committed to guiding you through the process and ensuring your class aligns seamlessly with the needs of individuals with PD in your city. By partnering with your programs, we aim to collaborate in developing a class that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of your attendees.

 

As you take the plunge into launching your class, we extend our unwavering support to help you achieve your goals. The key to your success lies in thorough planning, collaboration with local community members and organizations, and effective communication skills. These elements will not only establish your program but also position you for triumph.

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What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?

The curriculum of adaptive therapeutic yoga offered by YogaReach has numerous positive effects on individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life in various ways. (refer to above responses)

Overall, the positive effects of adaptive therapeutic yoga on Parkinson’s include physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits, contributing to a holistic approach to managing the condition and promoting overall well-being.

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What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?

To continue classes at InMotion and to have our Professional Training educate people in an array of cities.  We previously have presented in Sarasota three times, New York, Phoenix, Ohio three times, and on Zoom.

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What events do you participate in?

Events offered by InMotion, Yoga Therapy, support groups, Ohio Foundation presentation for PD, and other teacher training workshops.

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How does this also assist the caregivers?

The Mindful Movement for Parkinson’s Disease program emphasizes an integrated approach, benefiting both individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. It focuses on education, healing, and fostering awareness through tools like breathing exercises, physical postures, meditation, guided imagery, and open discussions. This technique empowers individuals and acknowledges the crucial role of care partners, providing them with tools and knowledge to navigate unique challenges. The program’s adaptability ensures it remains a source of strength, understanding, and total care for all involved, whether exclusively for care partners or a combination of individuals with Parkinson’s and their partners.

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Care Partners benefit from:

Balance in Life

• Taking Care of Yourself as a Care partner

• Difference between caring and doing

• Stress management tools

• Eliminate burnout

• Restorative/relaxation poses

• Participate in a support group

Enhancement

• Commit to a new level of mental optimism and physical well-being

• How to live in the present time

• Make every movement purposeful and deliberate

• Focus on core strength

• Find something to be grateful for each day

• Journal your feelings

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How can someone get in touch?  What is your website?

Website: www.yoga-reach.org

Email: yogareachpd@gmail.com

 

How can others also become advocates for awareness?

By being empowered.

 

In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy? 

Professional speaking, socializing, and educating.

 

How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?

Offer a variety of events.

 

What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living e.g. exercise and alternative remedies?

Attend and help organize events.

 

Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this? 

They may have friends or relatives that have PD, or just be a person who cares about others.

 

Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?

My father.

 

If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life which song would it be?

"We are family" by Sister Sledge

 

If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?

“If you can change your mind, your body will change.”

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