Barbara Herman – Volunteer Spotlight

Say hello to Barbara Herman! Barbara has a personal connection to InMotion as both her mother and her brother had Parkinson’s. She has been volunteering her time here for the past two years.

Barbara adores the clients and staff and is touched by the kindness shown to everyone who stops in. “The people that attend are so nice and they seem to really enjoy being here,” she stated. Barbara enjoys the sunshine down south during the long Cleveland winters, but you can look for her on Friday afternoons at the front desk once spring arrives! ...

Harriet Kitay – Volunteer Spotlight

Step into InMotion on a Monday morning and you’ll likely be greeted by Harriet Kitay’s welcoming smile. Harriet, who resides in Lyndhurst, welcomes clients and caregivers every Monday morning as a front desk volunteer.

A former owner of furniture stores, and current competitive bridge player, Harriet heard about InMotion from a friend. She said her time at InMotion has taught her “patience and positivity,” and she truly enjoys “the spirit of the clients and the warmth of the staff.” ...

Tonya Waggoner – Volunteer Spotlight

Say hello to Tonya Waggoner, one of our dedicated volunteers who helps out at our front desk on Friday mornings. Tonya was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005 shortly after moving to the Cleveland area and made a commitment to focus on her health and family. She first heard about InMotion through emails she received from “Shaking with Laughter” and Dr. Karen Jaffe and responded to a request for volunteers in one of the first InMotion newsletters. ...

Linda Schlein – Volunteer Spotlight

You can find Linda Schlein Thursday mornings behind the desk greeting clients and checking them in for class. Linda, a retired elementary school teacher, has been volunteering since InMotion opened its doors back in 2015. A longtime friend of Amy and Lee Handel, InMotion is a constant reminder to Linda of the wonderful legacy left behind by Lee that is being carried out by Amy.

Linda enjoys watching clients interact, smile and be happy. ...

Sheila Levine – Volunteer Spotlight

Sheila Levine photo

Sheila Levine, of Pepper Pike, has been volunteering at InMotion for the past two years. Sheila can be found behind the front desk Thursday mornings welcoming clients as they arrive for class. She is also a volunteer coach in the Mindful Movement class on Wednesday mornings.

Sheila was introduced to InMotion by Amy and the late Lee Handel. She is inspired by the connections clients form with one another and watching their enjoyment when participating in classes and conversing in the living room between classes. ...

Nonmotor Manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease

The idea that Parkinson’s disease involves more than its classic motor symptoms (tremor, slowness, shuffling, etc.) is not new. Even James Parkinson recognized this in his seminal publication describing this disease in 1817. However, it is only in the last 25 years or so that neurologists have taken a serious, in-depth look at the nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson’s disease. What they have found has evolved into a rich field of study that has both permitted a greater understanding, and revealed greater levels of complexity, of Parkinson’s disease than previously known. ...

An Optimistic Approach

My role as the Director of Physical Wellness for InMotion has been inspired by a combination of 20 years working in the fitness industry ( the last seven of which were spent in the trenches working with the Parkinson’s community), and by my time as an Ambassador for the Michael J. Fox Foundation with the Partners in Parkinson’s movement.

The focus of my blog will be to offer you an optimistic approach to living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD.)  ...

The Other Side of the Fence

Parkinson’s disease … diagnosis, symptoms, medicines … standard fare and easy to talk about. But for me and I suspect many others, there is much more to the story. Each of us has our own burdens when it comes to this disease … secrets, worry, loneliness. I now admit that this is a disease that I have had to get my head wrapped around … perhaps you have had as well. ...

New Center Brings Hope

Delighted to share this terrific story (Today’s Family Magazine, April 29, 2015) on InMotion’s evolution and the hope we afford people with Parkinsons.

“A 67-year-old retired registered nurse with an extensive background in research, Maria suddenly found herself in the role of patient, with the haunting three words “incurable, progressive, and debilitating” looming over a future she had envisioned with her husband, Gene, their family, and grandchildren. 

“Those are big words,” Maria said. ...