STRUTHERS PARKINSON'S CENTER

Classes and Events
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Classes for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers

We understand that patients and families need quality information and support after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. When you attend one of our classes, you’ll find education, compassion and empowering information to help you or your loved one live well with Parkinson’s.

Caregiver skill-building classes

These classes are designed to teach you skills that will help you care for your loved one.

The class is available at no cost and meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required. Please email spc@parknicollet.com to register.
A doctor handing a patient educational documents before a Parkinson’s disease informational class.

FOCUS classes

The FOCUS class program is designed for individuals – their family members and friends – in the first year of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The program includes options to request written material and monthly virtual classes held on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, a quarterly “Parkinson’s 101” class covers facts about early symptoms, treatment and coping strategies. Each class covers the same content. To register, contact Lacey Severson at lacey.severson@parknicollet.com.

“Parkinson’s 101” 2024 dates:

  • May 16, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 6, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Oct. 17, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Deep brain stimulation informational classes

These classes provide an overview of the deep brain stimulation surgical process, which is offered as treatment for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Family members are also welcome to attend. Classes are free and offered virtually on Thursday mornings 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. throughout the year. To register, contact spc@parknicollet.com.

2024 dates:

  • April 11
  • July 11
  • Oct. 10
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Parkinson’s-specialized exercise classes

We offer exercise classes taught by certified instructors and tailored to people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Classes vary by intensity level and are held throughout the month at our St. Paul and Golden Valley locations. Registration is required. Email jessica.buss@parknicollet.com to register.

Classes:

  • Seated yoga (light intensity) – Mondays, 11:05 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
  • Movement boosters (moderate intensity) – Wednesdays, 11:05 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
  • Movement boosters (moderate intensity) – Fridays, 10:05 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.
  • Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, aka PWR! (high intensity) – Thursdays, 3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.
  • Tai Ji Quan series – Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (For info and to register for this series, contact laura.deshotels@parknicollet.com.)

CREATE connection

Our CREATE connection program offers both in-person and virtual options to meet the needs of all our patients.

The virtual CREATE connection program offers online sessions with activities like brain boosters, seated exercises, music therapy, supportive discussions, art and nature lessons, and more. Classes meet every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These free online sessions allow for greater participation from those who live far from our Struthers locations or who may have difficulty with mobility and transportation. For more information, contact Johannah Drago, LICSW, at 952-993-2246.

In-person sessions of CREATE connection are offered at Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Golden Valley  on Wednesday afternoons each week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. These sessions offer good options for care partner respite, and include active exercise, music therapy, discussion, nature, and other arts and wellness programming. Staff will be present to provide verbal assistance and medication reminders but are unable to provide hands-on physical assistance. The fee for each session is $50. Interested participants must pre-register. For more information and to register, contact Johannah Drago, LICSW, at 952-993-2246.
Members of a support group sitting around a table chatting happily.

Struthers Parkinson’s Center support groups

Struthers support groups are offered in person or virtually (online format requires registration). Each group meets once a month. Contact Lacey Severson, Johannah Drago or Joan Hlas for more information.

Groups:

Virtual voice classes

Struthers virtual voice classes meet Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. There are two options to choose from:

SPC virtual choir – Meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Led by a Struthers music therapist, the SPC virtual choir is for those who would like to make music while exercising their voice, respiratory strength and mind! To register, email Stephanie Kimmes at stephanie.kimmes@parknicollet.com.

Speech boosters – Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Taught by a speech-language pathologist certified in both “SPEAK OUT!” and “LSVT LOUD,” speech boosters is open to all individuals with Parkinson’s disease who want to focus on maintaining speech and voice skills. These classes incorporate strategies and philosophies from both “The Loud Crowd” and “Loud for Life,” along with other techniques for dynamic speech and voice exercises. To register, email Melissa Pellinen at melissa.pellinen@parknicollet.com.
An empty classroom with "Advance Care Planning: We care about your choices" projected on the wall awaits class members.

Advance care planning class

Our advance care planning class explains why health care directives matter, what should be included in a well-written document, and how to go about creating or updating your own health care directive.

This class is currently offered online only. To register, email spc@parknicollet.com.

2024 Dates (all classes meet 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.):

  • June 4
  • Sept. 10
  • Dec. 3

Other SPC educational programs

Additional educational conferences and programs are offered by Struthers Parkinson’s Center throughout the year. To stay updated on planned events and activities, join the SPC email list by contacting spc@parknicollet.com.