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Meet The Team

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 Michelle Hespeler

Chairperson & Founder

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Vicki Kulas

Vice Chairperson, Financial Manager, and Trainer

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Barbara Huttinger

Administrative Coordinator

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Emily Hespeler

Program Director

Fun fact:  To stay active, I like to go to Health Trax and participate in their group classes

 

Role at Beat PD: I help members and trainers daily with behind the scenes help on classes and coordinate our finances. 

 

Best part of job: I love to teach for Beat PD Today because I am inspired daily by my participants.

Fun fact: My favorite foods, that I do not advise to anyone else, are Oreo cookies and powdered donuts. 

Favorite quote:  "Winners never quit and quitters never win."

 

Role at Beat PD:  I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease almost 15 years ago. and created this program. Today, I am training trainers for the Beat PD program locally and around the country and growing my program to help as many people as possible.

 

Best part of job: Parkinson’s Disease and Beat PD has given me the opportunity to speak publicly and become more confident in myself.

Link to more info on Michelle!

Fun fact: Peanut butter is my favorite food!

 

Favorite quote: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Role at Beat PD: I plan events for members at Beat PD, work on fundraising efforts, and hear from participants about their experiences with our classes. 

Best part of job: Getting to learn and understand more about our members stories. 

Fun fact: Dancing is my favorite exercise! 

 

Role at Beat PD: Organizer in Chief

Best part of job: Using my skills in an organization that does so much good. 

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Nancy LaRussa

Fitness Instructor

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Donna DiPalma

Lead Trainer

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Lisa Johnson

Fitness Instructor

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Dr. Jory Davis, PT

Director of Outreach

Favorite quote: “A small habit—when repeated consistently—grows into something significant." - James Clear

Role at Beat PD Today: I teach classes in East Hartford, CT and online.

 

Best part of job: Best part is the people and the relationships I’ve built while seeing them get stronger and improve their quality of life. I love getting people excited about exercise. I want to make it fun and a social experience so people keep coming back. 

Fun fact: I lived in Australia 2006-2010 and worked there and all over Asia Pacific! I am also a Swing and Zydeco dancer!

Favorite quote: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

 

Role at Beat PD: I am the lead trainer! I lead in person and Live Stream classes . Soon to add spinning to my repertoire!

Best part of job: So many things. A large part of being a trainer is seeing the sense of accomplishment in the participants. They are so proud of themselves and I am proud of them. It is such a satisfying feeling helping them to fight the fight. I also love the sense of “family” in the classes.

 

Fun fact: I've lived, worked, or traveled to 80 countries! I love to travel, meet people, and learn about different cultures. 

 

Favorite quote: “Do what you love, love what you do, and the world will come to you."

Role at Beat PD: I teach online classes from North Carolina. 

 

Best part of job: Over the past 30 years as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and wellness coach, I truly enjoy helping and seeing my client's wellness vision become a reality for them!

Fun fact: I like to go " bottle hunting" for vintage bottles in the woods 

Favorite quote: "Dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one were listening, and live every day as if it were your last!"

Role at Beat PD:  I find facilities that wish to become affiliates. Our goal is to spread Beat PD classes around the world! 

 

Best part of job: I love educating people about Parkinson's Disease and enjoy being part of a community that is devoted to providing access for people with PD.

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Kathy Szabo, PT

Fitness Instructor

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George Raymond

Fitness Instructor

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Laura Bellizzi, OT

Fitness Instructor

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Anne Beauregard

Fitness Instructor

Fun Fact: I am one of the most organized people you will meet. 

Favorite quote:  I am very inspired by my clients.

Role at Beat PD: I teach classes in Marlborough, CT with a focus on posture and core strength.

Best part of job: Being inspired by the participants. 

 Fun fact: I graduated with a business degree but returned to school after my 2nd child was born to get an occupational therapy degree.

 

Favorite quote: If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you!

 

Role at Beat PD: I teach clients in their home and teach classes in Cheshire and Farmington, CT. 

Best part of job: Helping my clients move better and get stronger so they can fully participate in life!

Favorite quote: "I am still learning each individual is so unique. My clients surprise me every day. They have also taught me to not underestimate anyone no matter their age and/or condition."

 

Role at Beat PD: I teach classes mostly in Brookfield, CT. 

 

Fun fact: I lived in Colorado for 4 years while my husband was active duty in the Air Force.

Favorite quote: "You get what you work for, not what you wish for.”

 

Role at Beat PD: I teach online classes and classes in Branford, CT!

Best part of job: To be able to assist and be apart of the Parkinson’s community helping each individual to fight the disease.

 

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Image by AARN GIRI

New Trainers Welcome!

Call us today!

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Jennifer Ligi

Fitness Instructor 

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Sarah Maben

Fitness Instructor

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Anne Beauregard

Fitness Instructor

Fun Fact: I am improving my Italian skills by watching Italian T.V. and I love to garden! 

Role at Beat PD Today: I teach classes online from Florida. 

 

Best part of job: My favorite moment in Beat PD Today classes is at the end when everyone says together, ”Beat PD Today!”  

Fun fact: I can't think of any fun facts about myself. How sad is that? 

Favorite quote: “Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.” -Ben Franklin

Role at Beat PD: In-home personal trainer (and formerly taught classes in East Hartford). 

 

Best part of job: The personal connections 

Fun Fact: I am one of the most organized people you will meet. 

Favorite quote:  I am very inspired by my clients.

Role at Beat PD: I teach classes in Marlborough, CT with a focus on posture and core strength.

Best part of job: Being inspired by the participants. 

Certifications 

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