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For several years, the Movement Disorders Division at the University of Utah has been directly involved in organizing educational activities in the community. Lectures and classes have been given by members of the movement disorder team or speakers invited by the division. Conferences continue to be valuable events for patients and caregivers alike. On this page, you will find a list of past and upcoming events. We hope you will join us.

2026

PD 101: Presented by Dr. Paola Testini

Join us for PD 101 with Dr. Paola Testini—an educational presentation designed for individuals newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as well as anyone interested in learning more about PD. This event is free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
When: February 26, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Register here! PD 101 Registration

Caring U Forward Caregiver Conference

We invite all caregivers to attend a conference created just for you. This event will feature presentations from Movement Disorder Fellow Conor Flavin, MD, and Department of Neurology Social Worker Melissa Mauchley, LCSW. The conference is free, and registration is required.

When: February 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT

Register here! Caregiver Conference Registration

Moving U Forward SLC PD Symposium

Please join us for our annual Salt Lake City PD Symposium. The full agenda will be shared soon via this listserv. The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch.
When: March 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM–1:30 PM
Where: Salt Lake City Marriott University Park
(480 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT)

Register here! SLC PD Symposium Registration

Multiple System Atrophy Patient Education Conference: April 11, 2026


PD Support Groups

Area Where & When Contact
Cache Valley 1st Wednesday @ 2 PM
AquaWorx, 
209 W 300 N, Logan, UT 84321
435.716.8535
Cedar City 2nd Tuesday @ 1:30 PM
Cedar City Senior Center
489 E 200 S, Cedar City, UT 84720
Steve Wise
swise50@gmail.com
702.442.4913
N. Wasatch Front/ Ogden 1st Wednesday @ 6 PM
In Person & Zoom
Northern Utah Rehab Hospital
5825 Harrison Blvd, South Ogden, UT 84403
Stephanie Jolley
stephaniejolley@ernesthealth.com
801.475.2197
Park City 1st Wednesday @ 3:30 PM
Park City Intermountain Hospital
Blair Education Center
900 Round Valley Dr., Park City, UT 84060
Nadine Nye
Nadine.nye@imail.org
Tooele 4th Monday @ 12:30 PM
Tooele Senior Center
59 E Vine St., Tooele, UT 84074
Hal & Peggy
halmey171@gmail.com
435.840.3683
St. George GROUP 1
3rd Wednesday @ 10:30 AM
St. George Senior Center
245 N 200 W, St. George, UT 84770

GROUP 2 - ESPECIALLY FOR CAREGIVERS
2nd Friday @ 10:30 AM
St. George Senior Center
245 N 200 W, St. George, UT 84770
Group 1 contact:
Martha & Dana
martha.remund@gmail.com
yaderid52@gmail.com
360.749.3512 & 435.671.1696

Group 2 contact:
Annie Isaacson
435.922.5812
Utah Valley 2nd Thursday @ 4 PM
Rocky Mountain University
1800 Novell Place, Provo, UT 84606
Doug & Emily Stallings
UtahValleyPDGroup@gmail.com
952.426.8425
Salt Lake County
Sandy 1st Monday @ 1:30 PM
Sandy Library
10100 Petunia Way, Sandy, UT 84092
Gloria Lee
mglee19@sbcglobal.net
Salt Lake City 3rd Thursday @ 6 PM
Imaging & Neurosciences
729 Arapeen Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Sidney Heil
sidney.heil@hsc.utah.edu
801.585.2354
Sugar House 3rd Wednesday @ 11 AM
Legacy Village
1212 Wilmington Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Rebecca Starks
rebecca.starks@hsc.utah.edu
801.585.2354
Brickyard Boxing SLC
Virtually 2x a month
Brickyard Boxing
3rd Saturday @ 11 AM
1227 E 3300 S Suite G & H., Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Rick Graham
rick.n.graham@gmail.com
913.645.7922
Southern Idaho
Pocatello 2nd Wednesday @ 3 PM
Pocatello Senior Citizen Center
427 N 6th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201
Spencer Stucki
stuckisk@gmail.com
208.604.3393
Idaho Falls 2nd Tuesday @ 2 PM
Club Apple
2030 Jennie Lee Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Andy Anderson
andy.golden68@yahoo.com
503.580.6326
Online Groups
Virtual Caregiver (ZOOM) 2nd Wednesday @ 12 PM
Zoom Meeting Link
https://utah.zoom.usj/91708877914
Passcode: 624266
Rebecca Starks
rebeccab.starks@hsc.utah.edu
801.585.2354
Virtual Early-Onset (ZOOM) 3rd Tuesday @ 6 PM
Zoom Meeting Link
https://utah-health.zoom.us/j/98282878455
Sidney Heil
sidney.heil@hsc.utah.edu
801.585.2354
National Online Groups

Michael J Fox–Parkinson’s Buddy Network: https://parkinsonsbuddynetwork.michaeljfox.org/v2/

Parkinson’s Foundation -- PD Conversations: https://www.pdconversations.org/s/

Mayo Clinic Connect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/parkinsons-disease/

Patients Like Me: https://www.patientslikeme.com/join/parkinson

2025

Set Up for Success Class

  • "Caregiver Support" - Friday, December 19, NOON - 1:00 pm
  • December's Set Up for Success class covers the topic "Caregiver Support." This is part of our series of classes supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. The series is led by Melissa Mauchley, LCSW, from the University of Utah Department of Neurology. Most sessions are held virtually, with in-person classes offered quarterly. December's class will be held virtually, and you must register to receive the Zoom link.
  • Set Up for Success Registration
  • If you have questions, please contact Sidney Heil at 801-585-2354 or Sidney.heil@hsc.utah.edu.

St. George Parkinson’s Disease Symposium Program: November 01, 2025

Idaho Falls Parkinson’s Disease Symposium Program: September 20, 2025

Parkinson's Disease Education Symposium: April 19, 2025

  • This is a conference for anyone dealing with Parkinson's disease (PD): people with PD; family; caregivers; and anyone interested in learning more about PD. It will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025. It starts at 9 am, and will take place at Marriott University Park, 480 Wakara Way, Salt Lake, UT 84108. Register and learn more here. The cost is $20, which includes lunch.

2024

Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Conference: March 30, 2024

  • This is a short conference specifically for caregivers of Parkinson's Disease. It takes place on March 30th, from 9 to 11 a.m., at 729 Arapeen Drive, SLC, UT. Register here. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Parkinson's Disease Education Symposium: April 27, 2024

  • This is a half-day conference for anyone dealing with Parkinson's Disease (PD): people with PD; family; caregivers; and anyone interested in learning more about PD. It will take place on April 27, 2024, from 9 to 1 p.m., at 480 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Register and learn more here. The cost is $20, which includes lunch.

Moving Day Salt Lake City: May 4, 2024

  • The first ever Moving Day in Salt Lake will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Liberty Park!
    Go here to get more information and register a team. To stay up to date on the latest for the event, follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PFRockyMountain/.

PD Caregiver Support Group (Monthly)

  • The monthly PD Caregiver Support Group meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month from noon to 1. Join their Zoom meetings at this link: https://utah.zoom.us/j/91708877914. The meeting ID is 917-0887-7914, and the passcode is 624266.

2023

St. George Parkinson's Disease Symposium: October 21, 2023

  • This conference in St. George is a day for individuals, families, and the community to learn about Parkinson's disease. Learn more about medications, caregiving, current management, treatment, and Parkinson's research. Register here.

Utah Parkinson's Disease Symposium: April 15, 2023

  • We are planning on hosting a one-day educational symposium for our PD patients and their family/caregivers on April 15, 2023, which is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Learn more.

2021

Presentation to the Teton Parkies (A Parkinson’s Support Group in Jackson Hole, WY): October 24, 2021

  • "Movement Disorders Resources at the University of Utah" by Paolo Moretti, MD; Guillaume Lamotte, MD; and Panagiotis Kassavetis, MD, PhD

Virtual Lecture Series 2021

  • 10/18/2021 | "How to Search for a PD Clinical Trial" by Guillaume Lamotte, MD
  • 9/14/2021 | "Current PD Research" by Panagiotis Kassavetis, MD, PhD
  • 8/6/2021 | "Cognitive Problems Related to PD" by Meghan Zorn, PA
  • 7/8/2021 | "Depression and Anxiety Management with PD" by Perla Thulin, MD
  • 6/8/2021 | "What to Expect from PD Surgery and How to Best Prepare" by Desiree Dunn, RN

Presentation to the Teton Parkies (A Parkinson’s Support Group in Jackson Hole, WY): January 31, 2021

  • ​​​​​​​"Q & A on Parkinson’s Disease" by Paolo Moretti, MD

2020

Virtual Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Symposium: November 11–17, 2020

  • "The Essentials of Socialization for Caregivers and Care Persons" by Indu Subramanian, MD 
  • "Anticipatory Grief" by Sherri Bickley, CSW
  • "Building Caregiver Resilience" by Kate Nelson

Virtual St. George Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: October 8–26, 2020

  • ​​​​​​"Speech Therapy & PD: How Can it Help?" by Julia Ellertson, MA, BA
  • "Motivation with PD" by Stephen Gonzalez, PhD, CMPC
  • "Vision with PD" by Amanda Redfern, MD
  • "Services Available to the PD Community in Southern Utah" by Melissa Mauchley, CSW, and Anna Hunsaker
  • "Estate Planning: Proactively Thinking" by Doug Fadel, JD

Virtual Idaho Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: September 11–18, 2020

  • "Surgical Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease" by John Rolston, MD, PhD
  • "Parkinson’s Disease 101: All the Things You Did Not Know" by John Steffens, MD

Virtual Salt Lake City Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: Educational Lecture Series

  • 9/18/2020 | "Parkinson’s Disease 101: All the Things You Did Not Know" by John Steffens, MD
  • 9/11/2020 | "Surgical Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease" by John Rolston, MD, PhD
  • 8/28/2020 | "What to Expect from Parkinson’s Disease Surgery and How to Best Prepare" by Desiree Dunn, RN
  • 8/26/2020 | "Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease" by Lee Dibble, PhD​​​​​​​

Virtual Support Group: August 11, 2020

  • ​​​​​​"Speak Your Mind Even If Your Voice Shakes" by Julia Ellertson, MA, BA

Virtual Support Group: April 2, 2020

  • ​​​​​​"Parkinsonism and COVID-19" by Paolo Moretti, MD

Heber Support Group Presentation: March 2, 2020

  • ​​​​​​"Research Advances in Parkinson’s Disease" by Paolo Moretti, MD

2019

Salt Lake City Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: October 26, 2019

  • ​​​​​​"Welcome" by Rebecca Post, MSW, LCSW
  • "Medication Management and Parkinson’s Disease" by Paolo Moretti, MD
  • "County Aging Resources" by Kathy Nelson, Caregiver Support Training Specialist, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services
  • "Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease" by John Rolston MD, PhD
  • "Adapting to Parkinson’s Disease" by Stephanie Jolley, OT

St. George Parkinson’s Disease Symposium, October 12, 2019

  • ​​​​​​"Welcome" by Rebecca Post, MSW, LCSW
  • "Parkinson’s Medications: An Update and Review" by Sarah Tisel, MD
  • "Overview of Advanced Treatment Modalities for Parkinson’s Disease" by Paolo Moretti, MD
  • "Mood and Cognitive Changes in Parkinson’s Disease" by Elisabeth Wilde, PhD

Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Conference: April 13, 2019

  • Paolo Moretti, MD
  • "Sleep Considerations in Parkinson’s Disease" by Robert J. Farney, MD, FACCP
  • "Intimacy in Parkinson’s Disease" by Eva Tukuafu, MSW, LCSW

Stress Busting For Parkinson’s Disease Family Caregivers 2019 Workshops by Rebecca Post, MSW, LCSW

  • ​​​​​​4/6/2019 | "Choosing a Path to Wellness"
  • 3/30/2019 | "Taking Care of You: Healthy Living"
  • 3/23/2019 | "Positive Thinking"
  • 3/16/2019 | "Coping with Stress"
  • 3/2/2019 | "Grief, Loss, and Depression"
  • 2/24/2019 | "Facing Challenges"
  • 2/17/2019 | "Caregiver Stress and Relaxation"
  • 2/10/2019 | "Effects on the Mind, Body & Spirit"
  • 2/3/2019 | "Getting Started in Stress Busting"

Heber Support Group Presentation

  • "Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease" by Perla Thulin, MD

2018

Utah Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: October 13, 2018

  • ​​​​​​​"Parkinson’s Disease Update" by Katherine Widnell, MD, PhD
  • "Genetics of Parkinson’s Disease" by Paolo Moretti, MD
  • "Genetic Research in Utah" by Lisa Cannon-Albright, PhD

Tooele Support Group Presentation

  • "Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease" by Perla Thulin, MD

2017

Utah Parkinson’s Disease Symposium: October 14, 2017

  • ​​​​​​"Therapies for Advanced Parkinson’s Disease" by Camila Aquino, MD
  • "Dance for Parkinson’s Disease" by Lauren Brown
  • "Herbal Supplements and Parkinson’s Disease" by Erica Marini, Pharm D
  • "Living with Parkinson’s Disease and Managing Mood" by Melissa Mauchley, LCSW