Meet The Team
Michelle Hespeler
Chairperson & Founder
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Vicki Kulas
Vice Chairperson, Financial Manager, and Trainer
Barbara Huttinger
Administrative Coordinator
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.
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.
Nancy LaRussa
Fitness Instructor
Donna DiPalma
Lead Trainer
Lisa Johnson
Fitness Instructor
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.
Kathy Szabo, PT
Fitness Instructor
George Raymond
Fitness Instructor
Laura Bellizzi, OT
Fitness Instructor
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.
New Trainers Welcome!
Call us today!
Jennifer Ligi
Fitness Instructor
Sarah Maben
Fitness Instructor
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
