Michelle Hespeler

Michelle Hespeler is an educator and leader to both adults and children. Her twentyeight year career as a Physical Education teacher and coach was one that taught hundreds of children the benefits of exercise. Her passion to help children learn to be confident, respectful and healthy is evident when you see her teach. She is an athlete and fitness enthusiast herself, which also makes her a great role model for her students.

Michelle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of forty. Her diagnosis was devasting, but she quickly decided to help the cause by joining clinical trials, start a support group for young people with Parkinson’s and eventually created an exercise program called Beat Parkinson’s Today. Her program is now sprinkled around CT in twelve locations and has over 300 people with PD in her classes. Michelle is the Co-Founder of Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s and the Executive Director of Beat PD Today, two non-profits working together to help PWPs live the best life that can today, as well as, support research to find the cure. Michelle is a strong leader in the Parkinson’s community. She says her strength to keep on fighting comes from her husband, Karl, her two children Krista and Kyle, and her mother who everyone knows as “Grandma Gale.” Michelle’s mantra sums up the way in which she lives each day - Think Strong, Move Strong and Be Strong, Beat PD Today.

Academic Background

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in Physical Education/Health, December 1989.

Master of Arts in Education, Major in Sport Management, May 1998.

Fitness/Health Industry

Certified in Adult, Child and Infant CPR, First Aid and AED

Aerobic Fitness Instructor at a local fitness center for five years.

Instructor for children’s fitness programs

Certified Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

Educational Experience -1980-present

Physical Education/Health Teacher for Grades K-5 at Buttonball Lane School

Physical Education/Health Teacher for Grades 7 & 8 at Smith Middle School

Physical Education/Health Teacher for 700 students in grades K-5 at Hopewell

Coaching Experience

Glastonbury High School, Glastonbury, CT

Illing Jr. High School, Manchester, CT

Tolland High School, Tolland, CT

Manchester High School

East Catholic High School, Manchester, CT

Marlborough Youth Athletic League, Marlborough, CT