New Parkinson’s Support Groups
The Fixel Institute is happy to announce two new support groups for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners starting this May. In-Person Women With Parkinson’s Meet-Up…
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Heather Simpson, OTR/L
Heather Simpson graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Early Education from the University of Florida in 2007. Following her Bachelor’s degree, Heather received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, in 2009, from the University of Florida. Since completion of graduate school, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient neurology, inpatient physical rehabilitation and pediatric rehab. Currently, Heather splits her time between Shands Rehab at UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration and Shands Rehab for Kids at Magnolia Parke.
Heather provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment for patients seen in the Ataxia clinic and Muscular Dystrophy clinics. She also evaluates and treats a variety of other movement disorders diagnoses including Parkinson’s, Parkinsonisms, Dystonia, Essential Tremor and Tics/Tourette’s Syndrome.
Heather has received specialized training for LSVT BIG ® and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
Tourette Support Group Events – Spring/Summer 2024
Please join the Clay/Alachua County Tourette syndrome support group this fall for a number of events. All are welcome, both children and their parents. RSVP is appreciated, please reach out to Michealle Loyd (weticalotclay@gmail.com). For more information on this support group, access the flyer.
2024 Black PD Summit
Virtual; February & March 2024 Black PD Summit Join the SIG-Black Diaspora for this free summit series for people with Parkinson's disease, care partners and health care providers. To celebrate…
22nd Annual Parkinson’s Symposium
In-person and Virtual – April 6, 2024 22nd Annual Parkinson's Symposium Join us this year for our 21st Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This year,…
Occupational Therapy’s Role in Treating Tics
Written by Thaila Schug, OTS Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals that aid patients across the lifespan, from birth through adulthood, with daily activities they want and need to do. These could include toileting, bathing and dressing. It can also include driving, returning to work and participating in school or play.
Enjoying the Holiday With Parkinson’s
November and December is a time for family, friends and loved ones to gather and celebrate the holiday season. This involves many unique and exciting activities such as traveling, parties, attending events and more. However, when you are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), some of those activities can often become…
Care Partner Month 2023
This year, and every year, the Fixel Institute joins the Parkinson’s Foundation in recognizing our care partners for the National Family Caregivers Month. We want to show our thanks and appreciation for those who give their all to ensure…
Tourette Syndrome in Schools Continuing Education and Professional Development Course
Free Continuing Education Tourette Syndrome in Schools Tourette Syndrome in Schools: Understanding tics, the impact on learning and how to manage in the school environment. Presented by:The University…
Tourette Awareness Month
Join the Tourette Association, our local support group and the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health in supporting the mission to raise awareness for Tourette syndrome and Tic Disorders. May 15 – June 15 is recognized as the Tourette Association Awareness Month. During this…
Parkinson’s Healthcare Professional Lab
Free Parkinson's Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals…