Mindful Movement Programs
Movement matters at every stage of Parkinson’s.
The Wisconsin Parkinson Association’s Mindful Movement Programs are designed to help people with Parkinson’s stay active, supported, and connected through purposeful exercise opportunities offered in communities throughout Wisconsin. These programs are led by WPA-contracted movement instructors who understand the unique needs of people living with Parkinson’s and create welcoming environments that encourage participation, confidence, and well-being.
Our Mindful Movement instructors host a variety of exercise-based programs across the state, helping individuals explore movement in ways that support strength, balance, flexibility, mobility, posture, coordination, and overall quality of life. Just as importantly, these programs create opportunities for encouragement, routine, and community connection.
Whether someone is newly diagnosed, living with Parkinson’s for many years, or looking for ways to stay engaged in a supportive setting, WPA’s Mindful Movement offerings help make movement more accessible and meaningful.
Why mindful movement Matters
Exercise is one of the most important tools for living well with Parkinson’s. Consistent movement can help support:
- Balance and mobility
- Strength and flexibility
- Posture and walking
- Confidence in daily activities
- Emotional well-being
- Social connection and motivation
At WPA, we believe movement programs should feel encouraging, inclusive, and realistic for everyday life. Our instructors help participants move in ways that are intentional, adaptable, and supportive of individual needs.
Our Mindful Movement Leaders
Think of this space as your caregiver toolkit—designed to meet you where you are today, and grow with you over time.
Instructor: Joe Patnode
Cudahy – Mindful Movement for PD
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: Free (contact instructor to register)
Email: jpat@revampremodels.com
Where:
Kelly Senior Center
6100 S Lake Dr Cudahy, WI 53110
About Joe
Joe leads exercise classes in Cudahy for people with PD. He comes from a military background, serving 17 years in the United States Army Reserves where he is a Master Fitness Trainer. He is also studying Kinesiology with the goal of becoming a Clinical Exercise Physiologist focusing on exercise programs for special populations. In his free time, Joe is an avid runner with a current goal of completing his first 50K ultra-marathon. His other hobbies are centered around being active and outdoors with his wife and two dogs.
Instructor: Courtney Schaefer, DPT
Stevens Point – Mindful Movement for PD
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 1:30Pm – 2:30pm
Currently all classes are in-person. Please contact Courtney if you would like to know more information about her class. aspirus.wpa.sp@gmail.com
Cost: Free
Phone: 715-343-3152
Email: aspirus.wpa.sp@gmail.com
Where:
Stevens Point YMCA
1000 Division St. Stevens Point, WI 54481
About Courtney
Courtney Mallett, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease care. She provides individualized, evidence-based treatment focused on improving mobility, balance, strength, and overall function. Using techniques such as amplitude-based training, gait and balance retraining, and functional strengthening, Dr. Mallett helps patients maintain independence and confidence. She is passionate about empowering individuals through education and exercise, supporting them at every stage of their Parkinson’s journey to enhance quality of life and promote long-term wellness.
Instructor: Ellen Dovre
Chippewa Falls – Mindful Movement for PD
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: Free (contact instructor to register)
Email: ellendovre@gmail.com
Where:
Trinity United Methodist Church
201 W Central St | Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Currently in-person and virtual
About Ellen
Ellen teaches “Yoga and More” and Movement and Music classes for people with Parkinson’s in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. She has been a physical therapist for 30 years, a yoga teacher (E-RYT 200) for 14. She is certified in LSVT BIG, BIG for Life and PWR!. She also teaches classes for bone health. She enjoys spending time with family and friends hiking, biking, paddling, and dancing.
Instructor: Jen Norris PT, DPT
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 3:30Pm – 4:30pm
Cost: Free (contact instructor to register)
Phone: 262-498-7125
Email: jennorris.dpt@gmail.com
Where:
Aurora Wellness Center
300 McCanna Pkwy | Burlington, WI 53105
About Jen
Jen is an outpatient physical therapist in Burlington, WI. She graduated from Carroll University in 2022, where she spent her student years caregiving for adults with neurological conditions. Jen loves group exercise and believes in healing through movement. She has 3 years of experience volunteering for Rock Steady Boxing classes in various locations, and she is a PWR!Moves™ Trained Therapist. Her other hobbies include playing French horn, reading, and going to the gym.
Instructor: Dr. Joy Cochran
Watertown – Mindful Movement for PD
3rd Thursday of Each Month | 11:45AM – 12:45PM
Cost: Free (contact instructor to register)
Phone: 262-498-7125
Email: joyexplorations@gmail.com
Where:
Schultz Family YMCA
672 Johnson St | Watertown, WI 53094
About Joy
Joy is the owner of JOY Explorations, an adventure and wellness company, empowering adults with neurologic conditions and 55+. She also works as an Outpatient Physical Therapist at Aurora Healthcare in Menomonee Falls. Joy graduated with her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University in 2016. She is a Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult (CEEAA) through the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a Master Trainer for Urban Poling, and also holds certifications specific to treating Parkinson’s Disease – LSVT BIG and Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!) Moves. In her free time, Joy enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and spending time with friends, family, and her two dogs, Mia and Otto
Instructor: Susanne Carter
Mindful Movement Parkinson's Dance
Weekly on Thursdays | 1:00PM – 2:15PM
Cost: Free (contact instructor to register)
Phone: 414-312-6990
Email: mail@wiparkinson.org
Virtual Class
About Suzanne
Suzanne has an extensive career of teaching, choreographing and directing dance in the Milwaukee Metro Area. She is ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of Carter Productions DANCE/FITNESS since 2002. She is a Certified Personal Trainer since 2007. Creator of SWEAT n DANCE – a group fitness class since 2006. Creator of YOGA MIX at Alverno College since 2008…and a founding instructor of THE PARKINSON DANCE CLASS since 2009. This year, Susanne is one of our contracted exercise instructors providing exciting in person and web-based dance programs. Suzanne is Hooked on teaching dance to those with PD!
What You Can Expect
WPA Mindful Movement programs may include a variety of exercise and movement styles based on instructor expertise, community setting, and participant needs. Programs may focus on areas such as:
- Stretching and flexibility
- Balance and fall prevention
- Strength and conditioning
- Functional movement
- Walking and gait support
- Posture and mobility
- Mind-body movement
- Group exercise for Parkinson’s wellness
* Program availability may vary by region.
Movement Across Wisconsin
WPA is committed to expanding access to Parkinson’s resources throughout Wisconsin, including movement opportunities that bring people together in local communities. Our Mindful Movement instructors help extend WPA’s mission by creating supportive exercise experiences in different regions of the state and helping individuals connect with trusted programs close to home.
Join a Mindful Movement Program
If you are interested in learning more about current WPA Mindful Movement offerings, upcoming classes, or movement opportunities in your area, we encourage you to explore our event listings or contact WPA for more information.
Movement can be a powerful part of living well with Parkinson’s — and you do not have to do it alone.
Get Connected!
Looking for a WPA Mindful Movement program near you?
View upcoming events, explore statewide programs, or contact WPA to learn more about movement opportunities in your community.