NoCo Thrive Together PARkinson's Summit!
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April 25, 2026
The NoCo Thrive Together! PARkinson’s Summit is a dedicated gathering for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The summit centers on whole-person wellness, emphasizing the emotional, social, and relational dimensions of life with Parkinson’s. Participants will engage with expert-led sessions and practical discussions designed to strengthen coping skills, deepen connection, and empower both people with Parkinson’s and those who support them.
This Year’s Topic:
Live Well with Parkinson's: Mind, Communication, and Care
Please join us for this in-person, free summit as we learn from a variety of professionals about how to better thrive with Parkinson’s.
Saturday, April 25th - 9:00 am - 1:15 pm
Fort Collins Senior Center
1200 Raintree Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Speakers:
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Joy DeJong, PhD – UCHealth
Speech-Language Pathologist
Dr. Zoe Kriegel, PhD, CCC-SLP – University of Wyoming
Care Partner Advocate
Kay Adams, LCSW – Founder, Compassion Works
Schedule
9:00 - 10:00 Check in & Visit Sponsor Tables
10:00 - 10:05 Welcome
10:05 - 10:35 Dr. Zoe Kriegel
Communication and Connection in Parkinson’s: Tools for Satisfying Conversations
10:35 - 11:05 Kay Adams
Both Sides Now: The Role of Communication and Connection in Parkinson’s Disease
11:05 - 11:15 Podium speakers
11:15 - 11:45 Lunch & Visit Sponsors
11:45 - 12:30 Keynote: Dr. Joy DeJong
Understanding Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior Across the Disease Journey
12:30 - 1:10 Panel
This multidisciplinary panel brings together a group of professionals to address frequently underrecognized aspects of the disease. We are hosting this panel to increase understanding, normalize lived experiences, and share evidence-informed strategies for managing non-motor symptoms. Our goal is to support informed decision-making, strengthen communication, and enhance quality of life throughout the Parkinson’s journey.
1:10 - 1:15 Closing
Panelists Include:
Movement Disorder Specialist Neurologist
Dr. Bridget Ollesch, MD, Movement Disorder Specialist – UCHealth
Neuropsychologist
Dr. Joy DeJong, PhD – UCHealth
Speech-Language Pathologist
Dr. Zoe Kriegel, PhD, CCC-SLP – University of Wyoming
Clinical Therapist & Counselor
Mariah Milne, MSW, LCSW – Foundations Counseling
Care Partner Advocate
Kay Adams, LCSW – Founder, Compassion Works
For more information contact Kristi Martin at (303) 632-8063 or kmartin@parkinsonrockies.org








