Supporting people with Parkinson’s through functional exercise, trusted education, and meaningful community.

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making movement fun

making movement fun 

Our Story

PD-Connect was founded in 2015 on a simple belief: people living with Parkinson’s deserve more than just medical care—they deserve connection, hope, and a community that helps them thrive.

Our journey began when founder Dr. Lisa Oei discovered the transformative power of movement while working on a Parkinson’s research project at her alma mater, UCSF. Recognizing a gap in post-clinical care, she envisioned a  space where individuals could exercise together, build confidence, and support one another. As the program grew over the following years, co-founder Stef Farina came alongside Lisa to help guide the organization’s expansion.

What started as a class with just two participants has grown into a thriving nonprofit community serving thousands of individuals and their care partners. Through specialized exercise, education, and peer support, PD-Connect empowers people to move better, live better, and face Parkinson’s together.

Today, many participants describe PD-Connect as "the best hour of the day", a reflection of the welcoming, supportive community that has been at the heart of our mission from the very beginning.

PD-Connect is an award-winning, evidence-based exercise and education program designed specifically for people living with PD.

We are highly recommended by multiple Parkinson’s Centers of Excellence because our classes are led by experts who really understand PD. Grounded in science and co-developed by licensed neuro-physical therapists and specialized personal trainers, our curriculum is uniquely adaptable to all stages of the condition.

We offer high-quality, professionally guided care at no cost (donation-based), so you can feel confident you’re getting the support you need without the barrier of price.

All of our classes are donation-based and are both live-streamed on Zoom and in person across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Why PD-Connect?
A badge with a purple shield that has a stylized person raising their arms and a radiant starburst above their head. A blue ribbon across the badge reads 'PWR!' and white text below states 'Certified Therapist'. 
See our current schedule here

Our class locations

Exterior view of a modern building with staircases, glass entrance doors, and a large, blank, reddish-brown wall.

Harvey Milk Center

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Exterior of the Mt. Tam Racquet Club building with shrubs and a parked car in front, against a clear blue sky.

Mount Tam Raquet Club

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Entrance of a building with American flags on each side, glass double doors, small steps, and a covered porch.

Petaluma Senior Center

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Front view of a modern building with a water fountain in the foreground, surrounded by trees and benches.

Finley Community Center

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A large, modern building with gray siding and numerous windows, surrounded by greenery and trees, with people walking near the entrance on a sunny day.

Healdsburg Community Center 

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The exterior of the Abel De Luna Community Center, featuring beige walls, a sign with the center's name, and a blue sky with some clouds. There is a bench, trash can, bike rack with bicycles, and a book drop box outside. Green trees and some shadows are also visible.

Mill Valley Community Center

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COMING SOON

Our Positive Impact

  • “As an introvert, group activities must be really good to win my loyalty. PD-Connect is really good. It’s friendly but not pushy, low-key yet challenging. It has become an indispensable part of my own ‘wellness despite Parkinson’s’ program. I highly recommend it.”

    —Bill

  • PD-Connect has been invaluable to me. The exercises we are given are very challenging, but the most amazing thing to me is: even I can do them! I believe my confidence and belief in myself have grown, and that Parkinson’s disease is being delayed because of this class. I encourage anyone with PD to come and experience the transformation.

    —Marilyn S.

  • I never thought I would be happy going to group exercise classes. That changed when I started going to PD-Connect’s Delay the Disease classes. Now I am grateful for the benefits of increased well-being that comes after every class. I wish we had classes every day. That’s how happy they make me.

    —Rita D.

  • I am going on 9 years since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s and I am dedicated to my exercise programs. I enjoy the group of people who attend the class. A Parkinson’s diagnosis often makes one become reclusive, cutting ties with family and friends. But I feel genuine camaraderie in this class. And if that isn’t enough, I’ve been able to reduce my need for meds.

    —Mia M.

  • “The best hour of the day”

    -Bob

Ready to get moving? Join us!

Classes