APDA Rhode Island Parkinson’s Support Groups
Providence, Spaulding Rehabilitation Butler Campus, 100 Butler Drive
The Providence Young Onset Support Group will be held the first Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30pm. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for people living with Parkinson’s Disease to share personal experiences, feelings, and coping strategies, to provide educational opportunities related to the disease, and to empower participants to take steps toward living well with Parkinson’s disease.
To register for this group, contact the facilitator Geena Goyette 401-886-4650 (ask for her specifically), or email Geena at: ggoyette@kentri.org.
New Members are Welcome!
East Greenwich, Atria Harborhill, 159 Division Street
First Thursday of Each Month, Initial Meeting is on Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1:00 pm
We’re excited to welcome you to the East Greenwich/Harborhill Parkinson’s Support Group—a space created for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to connect, learn, and feel supported. This group is all about community, empowerment, and shared understanding. Whether you’ve been living with Parkinson’s for years or are newly diagnosed, this is a welcoming environment where you can:
- Share your journey and listen to others’ experiences
- Explore helpful strategies for everyday challenges
- Learn from guest experts in Parkinson’s care and movement disorders
- Gain practical tools and education to support living well with Parkinson’s
Your co-facilitators, Alexandra Giordano, DPT, and Emily Balasco, DPT, are experienced physical therapists from Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. Both are certified in LSVT therapy techniques and are passionate about creating a safe, encouraging space for meaningful conversation and support. Each month, we’ll cover topics that matter to you—guided by your interests and needs. Whether you come once or every month, you are always welcome. There’s no cost to attend, and free parking is available. Come as you are. Bring a care partner or just yourself. Let’s navigate this journey—together.
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Giordano, DPT – AGiordano@KentRI.org
Emily Balasco, DPT – EmBalasco@KentRI.org
Or Judith Hambleton, Engage Life Director – Judith.Hambleton@atriaseniorliving.com | (401) 884-2704
East Providence, Evergreen House Health Center
The East Providence Support Group’s goal is to provide an opportunity for people living with Parkinson’s Disease to share personal experiences, feelings, and coping strategies, to provide educational opportunities related to the disease and to empower participants to take steps towards living well with Parkinson’s disease. This group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 1:00pm.
Laura Seger, PTA, Charlotte Usher, COTA and Kristin Pires, OTR (all LSVT BIG certified) will be the co-facilitators for the East Providence Support Group. The co-facilitators’ roles are to assist with the sharing of information and ideas driven by the needs of group participants. In addition to providing an open forum for individuals to share information, educational topics will be presented by specialists in fields related to living with Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders. Based on the topic of each meeting, participants will be provided with education and support to empower themselves to live their best life while living with Parkinson’s disease.
Individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners are welcome to attend the support group monthly or as desired with no obligation for attendance. There is no fee associated with this group and parking is free.
For more information please contact: Kristin Pires, OTR/L, Director of Rehab Kristin_Pires@lcca.com 401-228-1120 or Laurie Ann Oliveira, MSW, LICSW APDA Information and Referral Center 401-455-6337.
Cranston, Scandinavian Communities
For information about this group, please contact Laurie Ann Oliveira, APDA I and R Director, at 401-455-6337.
Lincoln, Lincoln Senior Center
The APDA Lincoln Support Group is an excellent opportunity to connect with others and build a strong Parkinson’s community. You will learn practical tips, share experiences, and access a network of resources that can help you maintain control over your life.
Each month, we will explore ways to improve your life while living with Parkinson’s Disease. We will also feature a network of professionals who can provide strategies, interventions, and resources. Your interests and needs will guide our topics, so feel free to bring a guest, partner, or anyone else who supports you, or you can come by yourself.
Facilitator Maria Kishfy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical, Health, and Adaptive Education and has extensive specialized fitness training. She has also been certified in Rock Steady Boxing and dedicated to the Parkinson’s community for over a decade. For more information, contact Maria Kishfy at mariakishfy@gmail.com. **Website:** mariakishfy.com
Virtual Caregiver Support, HopeHealth
At this time the HopeHealth Caregiver Support Group is meeting virtually by Zoom the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at 5pm.
To register please email: SupportGroups@HopeHealthCo.org or call 401-415-4664.
New Members Welcome!
South County Support Group – Narragansett Senior Center
The Narragansett Senior Center will be hosting us on the second Tuesday of the month from 1:30-2:30pm.
The Senior Center offers a free lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm, if we let them know in advance who will be wanting to attend. That means we could have lunch together and then have our meeting afterwards. Having lunch is completely optional. People can also choose to attend the group only at 1:30 pm.
The Narragansett Senior Center address is: 53 Mumford Road Narragansett, RI 02882
Please contact Leslie Mahler for more information: 401-932-3244
The Spaulding Outpatient Center at Kent Hospital
The Spaulding Outpatient Center at Kent Hospital facilitates a social and informational group for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease every Tuesday from 12 noon to 1pm. Our meetings are currently being held in-person. For more information , please call us at 401-886-4650. New Members are Welcome!
Caregiver Support Group
At this time the Caregiver Support Group is meeting virtually by Zoom on the second Friday of each month at 11:00 AM.
To register for this group contact Laue Ann Oliveira at 401-455-6337 or LAOliveira@Butler.org
New Members are Welcome!
Aquidneck Island – Middletown Library
The Aquidneck Island Support Group’s goal is to provide an opportunity for people living with Parkinson’s Disease to Share personal experiences, feelings, and coping strategies, to provide Educational opportunities related to the disease and to empower participants to take Action towards living well with Parkinson’s disease.
Individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners are welcome to attend the support group monthly or as desired with no obligation for attendance. There is no fee associated with this group and parking is free.
To register, contact Kristin Matteson, MS, OT, CMES at 401-743-6183 or email: kmatri@hotmail.com