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
TBD, Person living with YOPD
You, Me and YOPD: Let’s Move Into Connection
Dr. Nate Coomer, Physical Therapist, The Parkinson Fitness Project
Breakout Session Block 1 (choose 1)
- Movement/Creative Activity
TBD - Care Partner Conversations
- DBS Session #1
Dr. Jason Aldred, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Selkirk Neurology
Maria Marsans, Physician Assistant, Virginia Mason Medical Center
Panel of DBS Graduates - Listening Session with Dr. Dorsey
Dr. Ray Dorsey, Movement Disorder Neurologist and Researcher, Atria Health & Research - 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)
- Movement: Cognition linked with movement session
Dr. Nate Coomer, Physical Therapist, The Parkinson Fitness Project - Care Partner Conversations
- 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
Community Wrap-Up
Post-Conference Reset – Restorative Yoga
Peter Lynch, Yoga for PD
Sunday Agenda – 10/26
8:00am Doors Open, Coffee and Light Refreshments
8:15–9:30am Movement & Interaction Offerings (for the early birds)
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
- Movement/Creative Activity
TBD - Care Partner Conversations
- 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 - Building 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
Lunch & Closing Remarks
1:30pm Event Concludes
Learn more about the APDA Northwest Chapter
