Meet The Team
Michelle Hespeler
Chairperson & Founder
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Vicki Kulas
Vice Chairperson, Financial Manager, and Trainer
Barbara Huttinger
Office Manager
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
Jennifer Ligi
Fitness Instructor
Sarah Maben
Fitness Instructor
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.
George Raymond
Fitness Instructor
Donna DiPalma
Fitness Instructor
Laura Bellizzi
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!
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
