pdLIFE Executive Team and Exercise Professionals
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
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Founder/ Executive Director
Meredith has nearly 10 years at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurologic Diseases at the University of Florida, she learned from leading Parkinson’s experts, including Dr. Michael Okun.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy and PWR! Certified, Meredith combines her clinical experience with her passion for building a stronger, more connected Parkinson’s community.
Emily Larrison
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
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Chief Administrator
Emily is the woman behind the scenes making all things pdLIFE happen.
With a background as a physical therapist assistant, she brings a unique understanding of movement, people, and the practical needs of the Parkinson’s community.
Cynthia Marshall, OT
Meredith DeFranco, PT, DPT
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
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Lead Outreach Coordinator
Cynthia is an Occupational Therapist at Potentia Therapeutics working alongside Meredith to provide collaborative care to our PD community.
She is lead pdLIFE outreach coordinator, spreading the pdLIFE mission in the community.
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
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Joann is a board certified neurologic physical therapist who teaches the neuromuscular curriculum at Nova Southeastern University.
Brittany Wines
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Brittany Wines
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USA Boxing Certified Exercise Coach
Brittany is a personal trainer with advanced boxing and fitness certifications. She leads pdLIFE’s high-intensity training groups.
Known as “Boom Boom!” by our High Octane group, she brings energy, motivation, and a whole lot of fun to every workout.
Pedro Gomez
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Brittany Wines
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Exercise Coach
Pedro is a certified group fitness instructor with experience working with diverse populations and movement abilities.
As part of the pdLIFE MoveRx team, he helps develop and deliver Parkinson’s-specific exercise training for fitness professionals.
He brings a passion for creating engaging, accessible, and purposeful movement experiences that help people with Parkinson’s build strength, improve mobility, and stay active at every stage.
Selena Todd
El Quincy Gordon
El Quincy Gordon
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Exercise Coach
Selena is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and group fitness coach with a background in psychology and a passion for helping people build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection to their bodies.
At pdLIFE, Selena brings energy, encouragement, and purposeful strength training to help people with Parkinson’s stay active, capable, and empowered in their movement.
El Quincy Gordon
El Quincy Gordon
El Quincy Gordon
Exercise Coach
El' Quincy Gordon is a LMT, NASM-certified professional, & Corrective Exercise Specialist with a passion for helping people move better, feel stronger, & maintain an active lifestyle.
At pdLIFE, El' Quincy takes an individualized approach to movement, focusing on building strength, improving mobility, increasing body awareness, and helping make exercise accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
pdLIFE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Valerie Herrero
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
President and Treasurer
Valerie has a background as an Accountant and Controller in the Tampa Bay area, Valerie brings financial expertise and strategic guidance to the foundation.
Her commitment is personal, shaped by 13 years as a Care Partner to her late husband. Today, she is dedicated to creating connection, celebrating progress, and supporting the Tampa Bay Parkinson’s community.
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Vice President
Valerie has a background as an Accountant and Controller in the Tampa Bay area, Valerie brings financial expertise and strategic guidance to the foundation.
Her commitment is personal, shaped by 13 years as a Care Partner to her late husband. Today, she is dedicated to creating connection, celebrating progress, and supporting the Tampa Bay Parkinson’s community.
Dottie Iwerks
Joann Gallichio, PT, DSc, NCS
Heather Herrema, DO
Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator
Dottie is the heart and soul of pdLIFE. She is has been a caregiver for >20 years and is advocating our mission with fierce passion.
Heather Herrema, DO
Heather Herrema, DO
Heather Herrema, DO
Board Member
Physician practicing at Orlando Health Bayfront in St. Pete with fellowship training in Movement Disorders.
Heather is a compassionate and caring practitioner serving the Bay Area's movement disorder community with style and grace. She is a fierce advocate for her patients and bettering the community for services for her patients and our pdLIFE family.
She and Scott Payne assisted Kieran Gabel of the St. Pete YMCA to found the Parkinson's programming in St. Pete.
Scott Payne
Heather Herrema, DO
Brian Breseman
Board Member
Scott is St Pete local that has been pushing the community to DO MORE NOW for people with PD and their loved ones! Delay the Disease Instructor and promoter.
Brian Breseman
Heather Herrema, DO
Brian Breseman
Board Member
Ryan Smith
Scott Vankataraman
Scott Vankataraman
Board Member
Scott Vankataraman
Scott Vankataraman
Scott Vankataraman
Founding Board Member
Scott is a trained Physical Therapist and software engineer. Has been behind the scenes of pdLIFE since conception, ensuring smooth processes and success.
Mallory Webster
Scott Vankataraman
Mallory Webster
Board Member
Mallory brings more than 10 years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant across multiple medical specialties, along with five years as a dedicated personal caregiver.
Passionate about the Parkinson’s community, she advocates for the voices of people with Parkinson’s and caregivers, helping create inclusive programs that build connection, support, and encouragement.
Jay Rudy
Jay Rudy
Mallory Webster
Board Member
Jay has had Parkinson’s as part of his life for 19 years. He brings a fresh perspective to the board and is passionate about making life easier, more enjoyable, and more empowering for people living with Parkinson’s—helping them truly live their best lives.
pdLIFE Team: Creative and Support Team
Melissa Wolfe
Creative and Support Team
Coach for life! She is our connector!
Community Partners
Cara Bryan, MA-CCC, SLP
Cara Bryan, MA-CCC, SLP
Cara Bryan, MA-CCC, SLP
Cara is founder of South Tampa Voice Therapy, speech pathologist, voice, and singing specialist. She provides Parkinson's speech therapy in South Tampa.
Jen Prugh, PT, DPT
Cara Bryan, MA-CCC, SLP
Cara Bryan, MA-CCC, SLP
Jen is a Physical Therapist at Potentia Therapeutics. She specializes in dry needling and management of the orthopedic issues of our PD patients.
Advocacy Partners
PD Avengers
Me Over PD
