Hi, I’m Mayra.

I know how scary and confusing a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be. My father was diagnosed with PD in November 2019, I was there with him to hear the news and to find out the lack of support and guidance that a person in this situation tends to face. He was simply given a prescription and was told to come back in 3 months. That was it! there was no guidance for what a diagnosis like this meant, what to expect, what to do, or where to go from here. As we left the doctor’s office, I remember saying to him “don’t worry, we will find a way for you to be okay” and I really had no idea where we would start, but I wanted to offer my dad words of hope.

During that time, I was already practicing as a physical therapist assistant and had worked with patients with Parkinson’s, and saw firsthand that it can affect individuals very differently. No two journeys are exactly alike. What will the future look like for my dad? How can I help him? Where do we start?

I knew I had to do something. It was then that I decided to embark myself on a mission: utilize my experience in neurological physical therapy and gain as much knowledge as I can about the condition, to help my father and many other people with Parkinson’s live a fulfilling life with joy and purpose.

I became certified in PWR! Moves, a therapeutic exercise program designed specifically for people with PD. Became certified as a personal trainer through ACE (the Americal Council on Exercise), so I could help my clients one on one to address their specific needs and goals. I’ve also been teaching PWR Moves! classes at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center. Additionally, I continue to take courses such as “Parkinson's Disease: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Optimize Outcomes”, read the newest and most significant research, and participate in educational events, to expand my knowledge and better serve my clients and my family. I also enjoy volunteering at non-profit organizations like the Davis Phinney Foundation and PMDA that focus on the wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s, where I’ve met amazing people, some of whom I’ve collaborated with to help motivate people to stay active.

I truly believe that knowledge is power, but most importantly that applied knowledge is POWERFUL for getting the results you want.

Even though my dad continues to face the daily struggles of having PD, he exercises regularly, is better informed, and equipped with techniques, strategies, and routines that align with the improved quality of life that he wants and deserves.