About the APDA Massachusetts Chapter Join our Community About Us The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Massachusetts Chapter works tirelessly every day to support and empower those in our community who are impacted by Parkinson’s disease (PD). We promote hope and optimism through innovative services, programs, education, and support, while also funding vital research. We are here to help you and your loved ones every step of the way. Services we provide: Educational programs and resources Support groups Exercise and wellness classes Information and referrals Financial support programs and much more Our Chapter Board The Chapter Board is comprised of approximately twenty volunteers with diverse backgrounds who meet monthly to direct the operation of the APDA Massachusetts Chapter. Board members are not paid for their services and are committed to the mission of helping find a cure through funding research, and to helping people in their day-to-day activities. Board members work extremely hard in planning and organizing information sessions, the annual Optimism Walk and numerous fundraising events. Working closely with the APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University School of Medicine and Massachusetts’s two APDA Centers for Advanced Research, the APDA Massachusetts Chapter strives to provide service to the approximately 21,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the state,* as well as their family members and care partners. The Chapter fulfills this mission by giving grants to organizations providing Parkinson’s programming, supplying guidance and education to support groups across the state, and supporting educational programming in collaboration with the APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University School of Medicine, among other activities. *Based on the 2020 Census. President: Kristin Stapleton Vice President: Jay Zavala Treasurer: Alex Yen, PhD Secretary: Melissa Diggin, NP Member at Large: Gail Achin Member at Large: Alexandra Deal, JD Member at Large: Debra R. Ellis, MSPT, NCS Member at Large: Melissa Fire Member at Large: Thomas Garaventi Member at Large: Meg McAuliffe Member at Large: Laurie Jo Tullis Member at Large: Robert Tullis Member at Large: Tim Macmillan Member at Large: Cathy Wesalowski Advisor: Tami DeAngelis, PT, DPT Advisor: Terry Ellis, PhD, PT, NCS Advisor: Donna McLaughlin, MSW, LICSW Advisor: Marie Saint-Hilaire, MD, FRCPC Advisor: David Sommer, MD, MPH Advisor: Lisa Sommers, MA, CCC-SLP Advisor: Cathi Thomas, MS, RN Advisor: Linda Tickle-Degnen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA APDA Information & Referral Center The APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University School of Medicine serves as a resource for people impacted by Parkinson’s as well as healthcare providers and community members. Read More PSN of Cape Cod, APDA Branch The Parkinson Support Network of Cape Cod, a branch of the APDA Massachusetts Chapter, provides educational programming and services to individuals impacted by Parkinson’s on the Cape. Visit the PSN Page Community Grant Progam The Community Grant Program funds a variety of programs that make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about the Community Grant Program
