In this episode we sit down with speech-language pathologist Amy Chrest to explore her unique perspective as both a clinician and a person living with young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD). Diagnosed nine years ago, Amy shares how her professional knowledge shaped, and sometimes complicated, her experience as a patient navigating changes in communication, swallowing, cognition, and identity. From sitting on the other side of the evaluation table to deciding when to share her diagnosis with patients, Amy offers candid reflections on the challenges and insights that come with living in both worlds.

Amy also discusses her advocacy work as a Research Advocate and Policy Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, as well as her collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. She explains why sharing personal stories is essential to building community, influencing research and policy, and breaking stigma. This thoughtful conversation offers valuable lessons for clinicians, people living with Parkinson's, and anyone interested in the human side of healthcare.

Special Guest: Amy Chrest, MA, CCC-SLP

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Social Media Handles:

Instagram: @AmyStrongAF

Facebook: @amy.hutchins.chrest

Research Opportunities:

Parkinson’s Foundation, PD GENEration: https://www.parkinson.org/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration

Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

To learn more about LSVT LOUD speech therapy or LSVT BIG physical/occupational therapy or to locate therapists in your area, visit https://www.lsvtglobal.com.

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