His motivation stems from having a movement disorder called Essential Tremors (ET) since he was 8 years old. Also, his mother has had Essential Tremors/Dystonia and father Parkinson's both for 30+ years. Movement disorders have played a crucial role in shaping his life. ET caused him to be in special education classes in elementary, high school and eventually throughout college.
He chose to study to become a Social Worker and graduated in 2016. Now he works for Strong Memorial Hospital/University of Rochester Medical Center as a Social Worker in the Emergency Room. Also, this is where he is currently beginning his graduate studies to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Jacob also works with Mission PD as the Book Club and Support Group Leader. He hopes to do his field placement and his thesis based on working with people who have Parkinson's on Mission PD. His goal is to become a LCSW specializing in counseling, coaching and case management for people with movement disorders.
It is so important to surround yourself with people that are going to motivate and encourage you to fight and overcome whatever challenge may come your way. This is the ultimate goal of the Mission PD Book Club and Support Group.
Originally from Cherry Hill, NJ, Robin stepped out of South Jersey and attended Thomas Jefferson University/Phila U and New York University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Today she has an impressive 25+ years of experience in the dental field. From day one, her favorite part of the job has always been the same: patient interactions – both in building trust and creating positive experiences.
For the past 5 years, Robin has been working with People with Parkinson’s (PwP). She volunteered as a Cornerman for the program Rock Steady Boxing (RSB). She was so inspired by the Parkinson’s (PD) community that she got certified to teach RSB. That led her to get certified to teach Parte’ (Parkinson’s Art of Expression). Wanting to help the PD community fight back more, Robin has decided to set her sights on becoming an Occupational Therapy Practitioner (OTP). This fall she started attending Thomas Jefferson University. Robin looks forward to providing more classes geared towards OT exercises for the PD community.
She is currently an Occupational Therapy Assistant Student, to graduate in 2024. She is also a Rock Steady Boxing coach, Parte Teacher and will be PWR certified by late November.
Stacey has been working with the Parkinson’s community for over 10 years. She led the Parkinson’s Connection at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, NJ, from 2017-2022. She started and developed the program to be one of the largest programs on the east coast for people with Parkinson’s. As coordinator and coach, Stacey received many awards for her work. She was recognized as SJ Magazine Women of Excellence in 2020 and named “Game Changer” in South Jersey for bringing wellness programming to the local area for the Parkinson’s community. In 2020 Stacey was a nominee for the Rock Steady Boxing Coach of the Year award. She was also awarded the Katz JCC People’s Choice Award in 2021, honoring her contribution and work with the Parkinson’s community.
She accepted a position as a Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassador, providing support and resources to the Parkinson’s community throughout the Tri-state area and beyond. Stacey is also a life coach and fitness specialist for people all over the world.
She teaches Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, PWR Moves! and Dance for PD. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Michael of 30 years, where they raised three children Adrienne, Michael, and Abigail.