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Beat Parkinson's Today
Meet The Team
Michelle Hespeler
Chairperson & Founder
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!
Courtney Fink
Program Development Manager
Fun fact: I eat chocolate everyday! Favorite quote: “Use your smile to change the world, but don’t let this world change your smile.” Role at Beat PD: I teach classes online and in N.C. Best part of job: To be able to use my knowledge and skills to make an impact on others!
Krista Slot
Communications Director
Fun fact: I have an 8 month old son named Carter! 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, expand Beat PD to other sites in CT, and hear from participants about their experiences with our classes. Best part of job: Getting to learn and understand more about our members stories.
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Administrative Assistant
Fun fact: I can touch my tongue to my nose! Favorite quote: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless….." Role at Beat PD: Administrative Assistant Best part of job: I am not sure what my favorite part of my job is going to be, but I have a feeling it's going to be speaking with all of the clients that have joined Beat PD and helping them with anything that they may need.
Vicki Kulas
Bookkeeper & Trainer
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.
Tricia Helton
Fitness Instructor
Fun Fact: I was a schoolteacher for 24 years in Indiana and one year in Naples, Florida. 20 of my years was spent as a middle school math teacher. I’ve also been a group Fitness Instructor and trainer for the past 25 years and that helped keep my sanity during my school teaching career. 😉 Favorite Quote: “Your mind is your strongest muscle.” Role at Beat PD: I teach classes and train from Florida. Best part of job: For the past 25 years, I’ve met the most amazing participants who’ve become my lifelong friends. It’s the most rewarding feeling being able to be a part of their journey!
Mary Grande
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I am an avid pickleball player and play 5-7 times a week, sometimes in Cape Cod. Favorite quote: Actions speak louder than words. Role at Beat PD: Fitness Instructor Best part of job: Meeting and helping our clients!
George Raymond
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: 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. 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: I teach classes mostly in Brookfield, CT.
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.
Linda Derick
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I was the Director of the CT Center for Massage Therapy for 20 year. Role at Beat PD: I teach yoga classes for Beat PD. Best part of job: Yoga can be a potent life skill for people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders, including benefits like increased confidence.
Laura Bellizzi, OT
Fitness Instructor
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!
Rita Donovan
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I have known Michelle since she was a junior in high school. Favorite quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world. Role at Beat PD: I teach in person classes at Hartford Healthcare in Vernon, CT. Best part of job: The best part of the job are the participants! They inspire me every week by their strength, courage, and determination!
Chris Mersheimer
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I have been practicing the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 15 years. Favorite quote: Be grateful for what you have. Role at Beat PD: I substitute teach wherever I'm needed! Best part of job: Interacting with the clients and feeling their positive energy. They energize me.
Kim Colburn
Fitness Instructor
Patricia Rechner
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I enjoy walking barefoot in the rain. Favorite quote, "you can't stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf." John Kabat-Zinn Role at Beat PD - Teach in person classes in East Hartford. Favorite part about my job: I am empowered by the participants to be a better trainer everyday
Fun Fact: I was an unhealthy over weight child and tlhat is why I am now an avid ambassador of fitness both mentally and physically. Favorite quote: Our deepest fear it's not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most brightens us.We are all meant to shine! Role at Beat PD: To bring movement and joy into your lives through online classes. Best part of job: Meeting new clients and affording the best possible hour of their day. Clients allowing me to be a part of their lives.
Krissy Blizzard
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I love helping others and have been in the exercise field for 38 years. Favorite quote: Success is not an act; it's a habit. Role at Beat PD: I want to be instrumental guide to others' health journeys. Best part of job: Motivating others to nourish self worth.
Ashima Fillbach
Fitness Instructor
Fun fact: I completed a professional dance training program in Chicago back in 2018-2019. Favorite quote: Balance is the place between off-balance and off-balance. Role at Beat PD: Fitness Instructor virtually and in East Hartford Best part of job: I love being a small part of the reason why people start to realize how strong and capable they are.
Beat Parkinson's Today
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Michelle Hespeler
Vice Chairperson
Victoria Kulas
Secretary
Jim Gonzalez
Interim Treasurer
Kyle Hespeler
Member At Large
Bob Parker
Medical Advisor
Dr. Sule Tinaz
Member At Large
Scott Beecher
Member At Large
Donna DiPalma
The Board of Directors Executive Board meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month. The entire Board joins them quarterly. Financial statements and meeting minutes are available upon request.
Linda Samoncik
Member At Large
Member At Large
Marc Bauer