Parkinson's Disease and Exercise

Lori Quinn, PT, EdD, FAPTA
Lori is the Director of the Graduate Program in Motor Learning and Control at Teachers College and Adjunct Associate Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Physical Therapy) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Quinn is the Director of the Neurorehabilitation Research Lab (NRL) at Teachers College. Dr. Quinn's scholarly interests include developing evidence and guidelines for targeted physical interventions in neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular for people with Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD); task-specific training as an intervention for people with neurologic diseases or disorders; and motor learning and control processes in individuals with neurologic diseases or disorders.

Jennifer Reid, PT, DPT
With over a decade of experience, Jennifer Reid is a highly skilled physical therapist specializing in the neurological population, especially those with movement disorders. She operates her own practice, Ebb and Flow Physical Therapy, serving clients throughout the NY, NJ, and CT regions. Additionally, Jennifer acts as a physical therapy consultant for Parkinson's Body and Mind.

Her credentials include being a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and a vestibular-certified therapist. She has also completed several advanced courses focused on the care of people with Parkinson's Disease.

Beyond her clinical work, she has served as a guest lecturer and lab assistant in Columbia University's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and has collaborated on numerous research projects with the Neurorehabilitation Lab at Teachers College – Columbia University.

Danielle Kipnis, MA
Danielle is a New York native, founder of Simply Vinyasa Yoga, and Nazmo Dance Collective. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology at Teachers College, Columbia University with a research focus on movement for neurological disorders. She received an MA in Applied Exercise Physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her BS in Dance and English from Northwestern University. She teaches group and private classes, as well as performs throughout New York City. She specializes in yoga for individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder, general movement disorders, and chronic pain.

Julie Fineman, PT, EdD

Julie received her BS in Physical Therapy from University of Delaware and her MA, EdM and EdD degrees in Motor Learning & Control from Teachers College, Columbia University. Julie is the Director of Clinical Education and a Clinical Associate Professor for the Marist University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Prior to joining Marist, Julie worked in the field of adult neurologic rehabilitation with specialty in the area of traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries as well as treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. She has served on faculty at Stony Brook University, New York Medical College and Dominican College Physical Therapy programs. She is a certified and licensed Physical Therapist in the states of NY and MT. Her current research projects are in the area of executive function and motor performance in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Ashlee Grieb
Ashlee majored in Theater Arts at UC Santa Cruz, where she first discovered her love of dance through performance and movement. Ashlee currently works as a fitness instructor at the Westport, CT YMCA where she is the creator and instructor of Cardio Dance Jam, a high-energy adult dance fitness class that blends choreography, fitness, and fun. In 2022, Ashlee collaborated with Parkinson's Body and Mind to launch Parkinson's Dance Jam, a joyful, movement-based class. This program is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson's through rhythm, connection, and community.

With a background in both the performing arts and group fitness, Ashlee is passionate about helping people feel confident, joyful, and strong through dance. Whether it’s your first class or your fiftieth, she’s all about making movement feel empowering and accessible. Ashlee is honored to be part of a vibrant dance community and loves creating space for everyone to let loose and shine.

Geraldine (Geri) Yu, PT, DPT
Geri is the current Program Director at Parkinson's Body and Mind. Additionally, she is a physical therapist who has over 12 years of experience working with the adult outpatient population. She continues to practice part time at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Geri has a special interest working with people with Parkinson’s Disease and is LSVT BIG! Certified and has PWR! training. She has participated in multiple talks hosted by Columbia University’s Movement Disorders Center of Excellence, focusing on the topics of physical activity and physical therapy specific to people throughout the stages of PD. In conjunction with Columbia University’s Teachers College, she has participated in various research projects relating to PD, exercise, and coaching.

Geri received a BA in Biology and Psychology from the University of Rochester before going on to complete her Doctor of Physical degree (DPT) from Columbia University. Additionally, she is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Beyond her clinical practice, Geri assists in teaching at Columbia University’s DPT Program.

Brandon Mubukke

Brandon brings over 25 years of personal training expertise to his role, guiding individuals across all fitness levels. For more than a decade, he's been a dedicated group exercise instructor at the YMCA of Greenwich, adept at working with diverse abilities. Since 2018, Brandon has been leading several highly popular Parkinson's-focused boxing classes.  Brandon has participated in specialized education and training by PBM to ensure safety and effectiveness for the PD community. He excels at customizing every class to suit each participant's disease progression and motor symptoms.

"As a boxing instructor for Parkinson's disease, I've witnessed the transformative power of boxing firsthand," says Brandon. "It brings remarkable improvements in strength and balance, but more importantly, it ignites joy and fun for everyone who comes to class."