Faculty and Staff
Rajesh Pahwa, M.D.
Laverne and Joyce Rider Professor of Neurology
Movement Disorders Division Chief
Director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center
Director, Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Kelly E. Lyons, Ph.D.
Research Professor
Director of Research and Education, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder
Co-Director, Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Kelvin Au, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Jennifer Cheng, M.D., M.S.
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Richard Dubinsky, M.D., MPH
Professor of Neurology
Michael Kinsman, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Andrea Lee, M.D..
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Christopher Miller, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Muhammad Mahdi Nashatizadeh, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Inpatient Movement Disorders
Associate Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship
Sees only hospitalized patients with no clinic.
Tyler Okelberry, M.D.
Movement Disorder Fellow
Clinical Staff
Crystal Cramer, RN, BSN
Nurse Clinician, Deep Brain Stimulation Programmer
Crystal obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014. During her time there, she worked as a Research Assistant in the Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior's Developmental Brain Laboratory, and was also a Research Assistant in the Trauma, Violence and Abuse Laboratory. Crystal went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2017. She then worked at Bryan Medical Center in the Neurology/Neurosurgery Progressive Care Unit for three years, before joining the University of Kansas Health System Department of Neurology in April 2020 as the Neurology Clinical Nurse Coordinator. Crystal joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in November 2020 as a Deep Brain Stimulation Nurse Programmer.
Alyvia Elliott, RN, BSN
Nurse Clinician, Deep Brain Stimulation Programmer
Alyvia graduated from Rockhurst University, Research College of Nursing with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2003. She spent the majority of her career as renal/pancreas transplant nurse within the HCA Midwest Health System. She has been a diabetes educator, worked with nursing students at Research College of Nursing, and also has been a school nurse and agency nurse through several different specialties in her career. Most recently she was the Nurse Case Manager for foster youth in Jackson and Cass County. She joined KU Neurology as a Deep Brain Stimulation Nurse in June 2022.
Stevie Huggins
Medical Assistant
Stevie graduated from Concorde as a Medical Assistant in 2011. Stevie joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in May 2017.
Sarah Kanaga, RN, BSN
Clinic Nurse
Sarah graduated from Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017. She first worked at Research Psychiatric Center on the Senior Adult unit, then worked at Research Medical Center on the Stroke Unit. She also worked at Saint Luke’s Neurology Clinic specifically with the epilepsy, headache and concussion, and neuromuscular providers. She joined the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center as an Ambulatory Clinic RN Care Coordinator in December 2022.
Janet Kirk, RN, BSN
Nurse Clinician, Deep Brain Stimulation Programmer
Janet attended Graceland College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. She has worked at KUMC since 1987 with the majority of her experience in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. In November of 2003 she took a position working in the Movement Disorder Center as a Nurse Clinician, programming deep brain stimulators for movement disorder surgery patients.
Molly Ray, RN
Clinic Nurse
Molly graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College with an Associate's degree in nursing in 2021. Molly is the clinic nurse for Dr. Lee and joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in July 2021.
Morgan Reab
Medical Assistant
Morgan graduated as a medical assistant in 2022 from Mid-America College of Health Sciences. Before going back to school, she worked as a caregiver for hospice and Parkinson’s patients. After graduating, she joined KU to continue to care for those with movement disorders, like Parkinson’s Disease.
Mackenzie Rosenberg, RN
Clinic Nurse
Kenzie joined the Movement Disorder Center in 2023.
Viktoria Siegert, RN
Clinic Nurse
Viktoria earned her associate's degree in nursing from Central Ohio Technical College. For the past 7 years she worked in a skilled rehab facility as a nurse and clinical manager. She joined the KU Movement Disorder team in May 2022.
Research Staff
Alicia Alejandre, CNA
Research Assistant
Alicia joined the Movement Disorder Center in 2023.
Sarina Fay, BS
Clinical Research Coordinator
Sarina graduated from Kansas State University in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences. During college, she worked at Meadowlark Hills becoming familiar with Parkinson's Disease. Sarina joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in July 2021.
Kyle Kramer, BS
Research Assistant
Kyle joined the Movement Disorder Center in October 2023.
April Langhammer, BA, CCRP
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
April joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in July 2003. She started as a medical secretary for the Movement Disorder program and since 2005, she has been working as a clinical research coordinator. She graduated in 2003 from Truman State University with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and in 2008 became a Certified Clinical Research Professional.
Kim Lee, LPN, MSM
Clinical Research Nurse
Parkinson's Foundation Center Coordinator
Kim has worked at the University of Kansas Medical Center since 2012 in outpatient Internal Medicine. She joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in 2015 as the clinic nurse for Dr. Pahwa and in 2022 transitioned to being a research nurse and is the center coordinator for the KUMC Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. In 2019 Kim graduated with her Master's degree in Science Management.
Amber Morgan, LPN
Clinical Research Nurse
Amber graduated from MCCKC’s LPN program in December of 2010 and began practicing as a LPN in early 2011. In 2015 she obtained her Associates in Arts from MCCKC. She joined the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center as a clinical research nurse in February 2022. She is currently attending University of Arkansas in pursuit of her BSN.
Lauren O'Brien, BA
Research Assistant
Lauren graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor's degree in Cellular Neuroscience and a Minor in Biology in May 2020. She joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in March 2021.
Interdisciplinary Team Members
Bailey Borgmier, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Mary Crouch Young, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Crouch Young joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder team in 2022. She graduated from the University of Kansas with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Dr. Crouch Young is a clinical instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training. She provides physical therapy services in several clinics at KU Medical Center, including the Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association adult and pediatric multidisciplinary clinics as well as being a preceptor for integrated clinical education students.
Maria Davenport, PT, MS
Physical Therapist
LSVT-BIG certified
Maria joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in 2012. Maria graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1994 with a B.S. in Biology, and pursued her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas in 1996. Maria currently practices in the Marc A. Asher Comprehensive Spine Center with clinical emphasis in neurological diseases, orthopedics, geriatrics and overall conditioning for the adult client.
Hannes Devos, Ph.D.
Director, Laboratory for Advanced Rehabilitation Research in Simulation
Dr. Devos is currently as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science with a joint appointment in the Department of Occupational Therapy Education. He is Director of the Laboratory for Advanced Rehabiltation Research in Stimulation (LARRS). His research is focused on the use of innovative virtual reality technologies to improve the quality of life in people with people with Parkinson's disease. As a Driving Rehabilitation Specialist, he renders clinical services to patients with medical conditions who seek to restore their driving privileges.
Eric Ecklund-Johnson, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Ecklund-Johnson is a clinical neuropsychologist in the neuropsychology department at the University of Kansas Hospital and clinical assistant professor in the KUMC departments of neurology and psychiatry. He is board-certified in clinical neuropsychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology, and his clinical and research work has focused on cognitive assessment of patients with known or suspected neurological problems, including Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
Shauna Gibbons, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Palliative Medicine
Dr. Shauna Gibbons is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Palliative Medicine Division. She received her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She went on to complete her Internal Medicine residency and Palliative Medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her interests include racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, medical history, and cross-cultural communication in the setting of palliative medicine.
Lindsey Heidrick, SLPD-CCC
Speech Language Pathologist
LSVT certified, FEES certified
Lindsey joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in 2010. Lindsey graduated from Kansas State University with bachelor's degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Gerontology and graduated from the University of Kansas with Master's and Doctorate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology.
Katie Henn, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Katie graduated from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and completed her pharmacy residency at the Medical University of South Carolina Health. She joined the Movement Disorder Center in October 2023.
Jamie Johnson, MA L/CCC-SLP BCS-S
Speech Language Pathologist
LSVT certified
Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
Jamie joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in 2015. Jamie graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in Speech, Language and Hearing. She received her Master's degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Northern Colorado in 1994. She joined the staff at KU Hospital in 2008. She currently practices in the Marc A. Asher Comprehensive Spine Center. Her areas of interest include adult Neurology/Neuro Surgery and various Swallowing Disorders.
Claude Lamoureux, PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapist
LSVT-BIG certified
Claude joined the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in 2012. Claude graduated from McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 1998. She received her doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Kansas in 2011. Claude received her Board Certification in Neurology through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2012. She currently practices in the Marc A. Asher Comprehensive Spine Center. Claude’s area of expertise consists of adult neurological conditions.
Kristin Nichols, MSW, OTR/L
Social Worker
Kristin earned her master's in social work from the KU School of Social Welfare. She joined the KU Health System in June 2023 as a clinical social worker for the Movement Disorder Clinic. She also has a history of working in rehabilitation as
an Occupational Therapist for the past 25 years, making her a multidisciplinary practitioner.
Swarna Mandali, Ph.D.
Clinical Dietitian
Dr. Mandali is the director for the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition Program in the School of Health Professions at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is a registered dietitian in both Kansas and Missouri. As a Clinical Dietitian, Dr. Mandali counsels patients on nutrition and healthy eating for maintaining health and managing Parkinson's Disease and related conditions. Dr. Mandali graduated with a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Oklahoma State University.
Adam Parks, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Parks is a clinical neuropsychologist in the University of Kansas Health System Department of Neuropsychology and clinical assistant professor in the University of Kansas Medical Center Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. He works with patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders to better understand the neuropsychological impact of these conditions on everyday functioning. He completed his doctoral training at Saint Louis University, and then an internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and a two-year fellowship at Mayo Clinic. His research has focused on investigating cognitive functioning in Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-plus syndromes.
Kelsey Sewell, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sewell is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in Health Psychology. She completed her doctoral work at the University of Utah, where she received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Specialization. She completed a one-year internship at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, with a focus in Behavioral Medicine. She then completed a one-year fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Onco-Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Sewell joined the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 2017. She works with patients in the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center on a variety of issues, such as coping with Parkinson's Disease, managing depression and anxiety, and improving sleep difficulties.
Carrie Spresser, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dr. Spresser is a clinical neuropsychologist in the University of Kansas Hospital department of neuropsychology and clinical assistant professor of neurology and psychiatry. Her work focuses on the evaluation of patients with suspected cognitive disorders, including patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. She also has participated in pre-surgical evaluations to aid in identifying risk factors that may impact surgical outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Care Partners
Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital - Inpatient Care
1504 SW Eighth Ave., Topeka, KS 66606
785-232-8533
website
Christian Benedict, DPT, LSVT-BIG
Physical Therapist, Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
LSVT-BIG certified
Christian graduated from the University of Kansas with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in May of 2007. Christian works at Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital in Topeka, KS, in the inpatient rehabilitation department. Christian has worked with a wide variety of patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions, with an emphasis on Parkinson's Disease, joint replacement rehabilitation and the geriatric population. Christian is certified in LSVT-BIG, trained in T.I.P.'s and is part of the Parkinson's Team at Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital.
Daniel Schmitt MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist, Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
LSVT-LOUD, VitalStim, FEES certified
Dan graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2004 with a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Dan has worked at the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital in Topeka, KS, in the inpatient rehabilitation department, since 2006. He holds certification in LSVT-LOUD, FEES, VitalStim, and is a certified brain injury specialist. Dan has worked extensively with patients with Parkinson's Disease, brain injury and stroke, as well as other neurological conditions, and is part of the Parkinson's Team at KRH.
Parkinson's Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills
2121 Meadowlark Rd., Manhattan, KS 66502
785-323-3874
www.meadowlark.org
Michelle R. Haub, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist and Director, Parkinson's Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills
LSVT-Loud Certified
Michelle earned her Bachelors & Masters degrees from Fort Hays State University. Her professional certifications include LSVT-LOUD © and Speak Out!© and training in Vital Stimulation. Michelle has worked with individuals with speech, language, hearing, swallowing, voice and memory deficits for more than 20 years. Michelle is the co-creator and Director of the Parkinson's Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan, KS. In 2014, the Parkinson's Program of Manhattan received the Excellence in Social Accountability Award from LeadingAge Kansas.
Stormont Vail Outpatient Therapy at Kansas Rehab Hospital
1504 SW 8th St., Topeka, KS 66606
785-354-6761 or 785-354-6762
Karen Farron, OTR/L, MHS, MIMC, CBIS
Senior Occupational Therapist, Stormont Vail Outpatient Therapy at KRH
LSVT-BIG certified
Karen has worked as an Occupational Therapist for more than 28 years. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a BHS in Occupational Therapy in 1984, and then earned her Master's Degree from Washington University in 1990. She is certified as a Master Interactive Metronome (IM) provider. Karen is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and is certified to use the DRIVEAble Cognitive Assessment Test (part of an "In Clinic" assessment of visual, perceptual, cognitive, and motor skills necessary for driving). Karen is dedicated to identifying creative ways (including the use of music and other rhythmic cues) to empower individuals dealing with the symptoms of a newly diagnosed or chronic neurological condition.
Becky Foster, CPTA
Physical Therapist Assistant, Stormont Vail Outpatient Therapy at KRH
LSVT-BIG certified
Becky graduated from Washburn University with her Associate of Science from the school of Allied Health with emphasis in Physical Therapy Assistant. Becky has over 6 years of experience working with neurological and orthopedic conditions. Becky has been a part of the Outpatient team at the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital for her entire career and is part of the Parkinson's Team at Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital. She became LSVT-BIG certified in February of 2012.
Jacque Henne, PT
Physical Therapist, Stormont Vail Outpatient Therapy at KRH
LSVT-BIG certified
Jacque graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center with her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1977. Jacque has worked in a variety of settings around the country with experience in acute rehabilitation, sub-acute rehab, orthopedics and neurological disorders. Jacque has worked at the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital since 1989 and is certified in LSVT-BIG and is a part of the Parkinson's Team at Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital. Jacque also specializes in Neurological Development Techniques for ADL's.
Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease
3702 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO
816-676-8050
www.freudenthalhh.com/fcpd
Stephanie Stewart, MSN, RN-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing, Missouri Western State Nursing
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease
Scholar, Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Program at the Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Stephanie has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years after graduating from Missouri Western State University with her BSN in 1997. Stephanie became an Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Scholar in 2018. In December 2018, Stephanie and two other women co-founded the Freudenthal Center for Parkinson's Disease in St. Joseph, MO where seven classes per week are offered to individuals with Parkinson's disease for no cost. Additionally, the Center sponsors a minimum of one education and support group per month. Stephanie was recently named the named the Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Scholar Annual Alumni Awardee for 2019 by the Parkinson's Foundation.