NEW YORK, NY – TC Academy at Teachers College, Columbia University has launched an innovative professional development program designed to equip movement specialists with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, effective exercise interventions for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The comprehensive microcourse, developed in partnership with the nonprofit organization Parkinson's Body and Mind, addresses the growing need for qualified professionals who can help individuals with PD harness the power of exercise to fight disease progression.
Bridging the Critical Gap in Parkinson's Care
With approximately 1 million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and someone newly diagnosed every nine seconds, the demand for specialized exercise programming has never been greater. Research consistently demonstrates that exercise is as important as medication for managing PD symptoms, yet many fitness professionals lack the specialized knowledge needed to work safely and effectively with this population.
"We recognized a significant unmet need for this program," explains Lynn Hagerbrant, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Parkinson's Body and Mind. "As someone living with Parkinson's since 2010, I've witnessed firsthand how transformative proper exercise can be. When we started Parkinson's Body and Mind, we discovered that many movement specialists wanted to help but didn't have the specialized training. This course addresses that need by providing evidence-based education that professionals can immediately apply to their practice."
The program targets a diverse audience of movement specialists including physical and occupational therapists, personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, exercise physiologists, dance teachers, boxing instructors, and yoga and Pilates instructors. This broad scope reflects the multidisciplinary nature of effective Parkinson's care and recognizes that exercise benefits can be achieved through various movement modalities.
Evidence-Based Curriculum Led by World-Class Experts
The course is anchored by Dr. Lori Quinn, Director of the Graduate Program in Motor Learning and Control at Teachers College and Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Quinn's extensive research in neurodegenerative diseases and her leadership of the Neurorehabilitation Research Lab bring cutting-edge scientific knowledge to the program.
"Our goal is to empower movement specialists to create customized, evidence-based exercise programs that safely challenge people with Parkinson's," says Dr. Lori Quinn. "By understanding the neurophysiological basis of PD and applying contemporary movement science research, professionals can make a profound difference in their clients' quality of life and functional capacity."
The program features a distinguished faculty team including neurologic specialists, physical therapists, dance instructors, and boxing coaches who bring both academic rigor and practical experience. This combination ensures that participants receive not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on strategies they can implement immediately.
Flexible, Comprehensive Learning Experience
The program consists of pre-recorded presentations that allow professionals to learn at their own pace, making it accessible to busy practitioners across different time zones and work schedules. Additionally, participants can receive individual consultation sessions with faculty instructors to discuss specific interests and questions, providing personalized guidance for applying course concepts to their unique practice settings.
Elaine Grant, Executive Director of Parkinson's Body and Mind, emphasizes the program's practical focus: "We've designed this course to be immediately actionable. Participants don't just learn about Parkinson's disease – they learn how to adapt their existing skills and expertise to serve this community effectively. Whether you're a yoga instructor wanting to modify poses, a trainer looking to understand medication timing, or a therapist seeking the latest exercise protocols, this program provides the tools you need."
Upon completion, participants earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and digital portfolios, providing tangible credentials that demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and specialized expertise. The program is also approved by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACMS).
Meeting the Moment
The timing of this program launch reflects both the rising number of people living with Parkinson's and the growing recognition of exercise as medicine. Recent research has shown that specific types of exercise can not only manage symptoms but may slow disease progression, making qualified exercise professionals crucial members of the Parkinson's care team.
The partnership between TC Academy and Parkinson's Body and Mind brings together academic excellence with lived experience and community-based programming. Parkinson's Body and Mind has been at the forefront of exercise-based Parkinson's care since 2018, operating programs at multiple YMCA locations and recently receiving a 2025 Community Grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.
Transforming Professional Practice and Patient Lives
The program addresses several critical needs in the movement specialist community. Many professionals encounter clients with Parkinson's but lack confidence in modifying exercises appropriately, understanding medication effects on movement, or recognizing the unique challenges that PD presents. This course provides evidence-based solutions to these common concerns.
The curriculum covers essential topics including the neurophysiology of Parkinson's disease, exercise prescription principles, safety considerations, and adaptation strategies across various movement modalities. Participants learn to assess individual needs, design progressive programs, and understand how different types of exercise – from boxing to dance to tai chi – can target specific symptoms.
"The beautiful thing about this program is how it empowers professionals to bring their existing expertise to the Parkinson's community," notes Dr. Quinn. "A dance teacher doesn't need to become a physical therapist – they need to understand how to adapt their dance instruction for someone with tremor, rigidity, or balance challenges. This course provides that bridge."
A Program Born from Passion and Purpose
The collaboration between Teachers College and Parkinson's Body and Mind represents more than an academic partnership – it embodies a shared commitment to improving lives through education and evidence-based practice. Lynn Hagerbrant's journey from Parkinson's diagnosis to advocacy leader exemplifies the program's core philosophy that knowledge and action can transform challenges into opportunities.
"When my neurologist mentioned that he had over 200 patients with nowhere to go for specialized exercise, we knew we had to act," recalls Hagerbrant. "This program extends that mission by preparing professionals everywhere to welcome people with Parkinson's into safe, effective exercise programs. It's about creating a network of qualified professionals who understand that exercise isn't just beneficial for PD – it's essential."
The course represents a significant step forward in democratizing access to specialized Parkinson's exercise programming. By training professionals across multiple disciplines and geographic locations, the program has the potential to dramatically expand the availability of evidence-based exercise options for people with PD nationwide.
Looking Forward
As the program launches, both Teachers College and Parkinson's Body and Mind anticipate it will serve as a model for collaborative professional development in chronic disease management. The course not only addresses immediate workforce development needs but also contributes to the broader recognition of exercise as a cornerstone of Parkinson's care.
For movement specialists ready to expand their expertise and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with Parkinson's disease, this program offers both the knowledge and credentials needed to provide exceptional, evidence-based care. As the Parkinson's community continues to grow, the need for qualified, confident professionals has never been greater.
The Parkinson's Disease and Exercise course is now available through TC Academy. For more information about registration, program details, or continuing education credits, visit https://www.tc.columbia.edu/tcacademy/programs/all-offerings/parkinsons-disease-and-exercise.
About TC Academy: TC Academy is the professional development arm of Teachers College, Columbia University, offering non-credit programming that bridges academic research with practical application for working professionals.
About Parkinson's Body and Mind: Founded in 2018, Parkinson's Body and Mind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with Parkinson's disease fight disease progression through exercise and wellness programming. The organization operates programs at multiple locations and received a 2025 Community Grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.