AGENDA
YOPD-CON 2025 will be a two-day immersive experience offering a dynamic mix of education, empowerment, and connection. With presentations tailored to the YOPD experience, you will have access to:
- Educational and interactive sessions focused on medical, psychological, and lifestyle topics
- Opportunities to connect with peers and build community
- Access to leading voices in Parkinson’s care and research
- Resources to support living well with YOPD
From expert-led discussions to social engagement activities, YOPD-CON provides a welcoming space where you can gain insights, share life experiences, and feel truly seen.
Saturday Agenda – 10/25
8:30am Registration & Welcome Coffee ☕
9:30am Program Begins
General Session 1 – Living Well with PD
Dr. Ray Dorsey, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Atria Health & Research
Larry Gifford, Person living with YOPD, founder PD Avengers
Sara Whittingham, MD, Person living with YOPD, Physician, Veteran, Mother, Athlete, Advocate.
You, Me and YOPD: Let’s Move Into Connection
Dr. Nate Coomer, Physical Therapist, The Parkinson Fitness Project
Breakout Session Block 1 (choose 1)
- Creative Journaling for YOPD Care Partners
Rebecca Gifford, care partner - DBS Session #1
Dr. Jason Aldred, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Selkirk Neurology
Maria Marsans, Physician Assistant, Virginia Mason Medical Center
Dr. Ryder Gwinn, Neurosurgeon, EvergreenHealth
Panel of DBS Graduates - Continuing the Conversation with Ray Dorsey & Sara Whittingham
Dr. Ray Dorsey, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Atria Health & Research
Sara Whittingham, MD, Person living with YOPD, Physician, Veteran, Mother, Athlete, Advocate. - Harnessing Technology in Managing PD
Dr. Liz Fergula, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Synapticure
Dr. Jennie Davis, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Maple Valley Movement Neurology
Moderated by a Jeremy Likness, Person living with YOPD
12:15pm Lunch
General Session 2 – Mental Health, Cognition & Resilience in YOPD
Dr. Liz Fergula, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Synapticure
Dr. Karen Torres, Neuropsychologist, University of Washington
Dr. Sam Evans, Naturopathic Physician, Seattle Integrative Medicine
Kat Hill, Person with YOPD
Ken Hill, care partner
Larry Gifford, Person with YOPD
Rebecca Gifford, care partner
Breakout Session Block 2 (choose 1)
- Brains in Motion: Cognitive Fitness Session
France Marien, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor
Dr. Nate Coomer, Physical Therapist, The Parkinson Fitness Project - Mindful Caregiving: Supporting Your Wellness with Meditation and Self-Care
Katie Freeman, Social Worker, APDA - The Role of Medication & Managing Side Effects (Expert Ask Me Anything)
Dr. Kimmy Su, Movement Disorder Neurologist, University of Washington - Women in PD
Kat Hill, Person with YOPD
Dr. Sam Evans, Naturopathic Physician, Seattle Integrative Medicine - Ask Me Anything Panel – YOPD
Various people Living with YOPD
General Session 3 – Tried True Novel New
Dr. Jason Aldred, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Selkirk Neurology
Dr. Ray Dorsey, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Atria Health & Research
Community Wrap-Up
Post-Conference Reset – Restorative Yoga
Sunday Agenda – 10/26
8:00am Doors Open, Coffee and Light Refreshments
8:30–9:30am Movement & Interaction Offerings (for the early birds)
- A.M.P – fun high energy workout with France from the Parkinson Fitness Project
- Morning Yoga with Leah Mann
- Group Walk – Seattle Waterfront
- Guided Meditations with Katie Freeman
9:45am General Session 4 – Financial & Legal Considerations in YOPD
Denelle Reilly, Attorney, Macey-Cushman & Reilly, PLLC
Roy Hsu, Financial Advisor, Evoke Financial Services
Brian Harris, Person with YOPD
Breakout Session Block 3
- Tatakizome: Pounded Japanese Flower Prints
Leah Okamoto Mann - Ask the Experts: Caregiving Over the Long Haul
Suzanne Cameron, Care Partner
Leanne King-Devitt, Care Partner
Moderator – Katie Freeman, MSW, APDA - DBS Session #2
Dr. Kimmy Su, Movement Disorder Neurologist, University of Washington
Dr. Ben Grannan, Neurosurgeon, University of Washington
Dr. Jennie Davis, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Maple Valley Movement Neurology
Panel of DBS Graduates - THE POWER OF WE: Building Your Community
Brian Harris, Person living with YOPD, Seattle Young Onset Group
Amy Lavallee, Person living with YOPD, PDXYOPD Group
Larry Gifford, Person living with YOPD, PD Avengers - The Role of Medications & Managing Side Effects (Ask the Expert)
Dr. Liz Fergula, Movement Disorder Neurologist, Synapticure
General Session 5 – Impact of Nutrition on PD: A Practical Approach
Dr. Laurie Mischley, Naturopathic Physician and Researcher, Seattle Integrative Medicine
Panel of People with YOPD
Amy Lavallee, Person living with YOPD, PDXYOPD
Lunch & Closing Remarks
1:30pm Event Concludes
Learn more about the APDA Northwest Chapter
