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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

Office Manager

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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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Jennifer Ligi

Fitness Instructor

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Sarah Maben

Fitness Instructor

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Terry O'Hara

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 and I'm the lead trainer at Beat PD! 

 

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 rode a bicycle cross country, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, worked for Outward Bound, and ran multiple marathons. 

Role at Beat PD Today: Teaching classes in CT. 

Best part of job: The concept of digging deep and becoming stronger and better has always been exciting for me, both as an individual and as a coach. 

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. 

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George Raymond

Fitness Instructor

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Donna DiPalma

Fitness Instructor

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Laura Bellizzi

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!

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 a 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.

 

Certifications 

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