About Our Chapter | APDA Massachusetts

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.

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