ABOUT PANC

Our Story

The Parkinson Association of Northern California (PANC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's (PWP), their families and care partners throughout our region. It was founded in 1996 in the garage of an individual who desperately wanted support and resources to care for their loved one with Parkinson's disease.

Today, we facilitate over 44 support groups for people with Parkinson's, care partners, young onset individuals, and others. We also provide services, resources, and education to the PD community.

PANC is an independent Parkinson’s organization dedicated to serve our local community. All funding stays in NorCal to help those that need it most. We are extremely proud of the work that we do and the number of individuals who we collectively support each year. Thank you to the many generous individuals who help to sustain the mission of PANC by making donations of both time and money. We couldn't do this without you!

PANC Board of Directors

Boad of Directors

Harry Starkey

President

Harry brings a wealth of Board and leadership experience to the PANC board. While professionally he is a water resource engineer, he has served on many nonprofit and professional Boards, including two Rotary Clubs, hospital foundations, water districts and the Tree Foundation of Kern County. Harry was diagnosed with PD in 2023 and since then he has been busy learning, exercising and volunteering in the PD community.

He would like to strengthen the support community for PD and advance awareness of exercise in the treatment of PD.

Jennifer Westoby

Vice President

Prior to retiring from the workforce, Jennifer was an Account Manager, working with several high tech companies in the Bay Area. Her second career was as a riding instructor (trained in England). She loves teaching horse riding to all ages, but especially time spent teaching children with disabilities. Jennifer was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's

in 2019. She started a support

group where she lives, and exercises
regularly with fellow Parkinsonians.

Kim Hawkins

Secretary

Kim is a retired registered nurse. Through volunteer work she started facilitating the Redding Parkinson Support Group in 2012. Since then she has had a close working relationship with PANC and volunteered on many of the committees. Her support group meets monthly, with an attendance of 45 -55, and has an annual conference every April with over 100 people attending.

Ted Norris

Treasurer

Ted is retired from newspaper
and healthcare accounting and
has had several close friends
with PD. He is honored to
serve on PANC’S board
with our dedicated

constituents, volunteers

and staff.

Myron Jantzen

Immediate Past President

Myron is a dedicated member
of the Parkinson's community
due to his late wife, Joan’s, battle
with Parkinson's disease.
He is a retired educator and
is active in the River City Chorale.
He leads the Elk Grove
Support Groups for PD and
Carepartners.

Anders Bostrom

Director

Anders is a corporate and healthcare attorney who counsels businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations across California. Inspired to make a difference in

the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease, he is

excited to bring his
legal and business experience

to PANC’s Board. Anders looks forward to expanding resources, support, and advocacy efforts

for the Parkinson’s community.

Tom Cadman

Director

Tom has been a fence contractor in Sacramento for 50 years. He is semiretired, allowing time with his wife who has PD. Tom and his wife have been on their PD journey for nearly half of their 41-year relationship. Tom hopes his experiences as a care partner will help him as a Director

and Outreach Coordinator.

Tom will be sharing information

about PANC 's services and

support groups at local

resource and health fairs.

Katelyn Epstein

Director

Katelyn works in the medical
industry for Insightec, specializing in advanced treatment options for patients with PD (focused ultrasound). Through her efforts, she aims to drive advancements in innovative care and create greater awareness about PD. By blending expertise and dedication, Katelyn strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those battling PD and ensuring they receive the support and treatment they deserve.

Vanessa Greyion, PharmD

Director

Vanessa brings significant
experience as a registered
pharmacist and businessperson
to the PANC board. Having worked with people with Parkinson's
and their families for many years,
Vanessa is well versed on available adaptive and mobility devices.
She is eager to share new
innovations in assistive devices
and promote PANC to the PD community.

Kristina Hart, D.O.

Director

Dr. Hart is a Movement Disorder specialist with University of California Davis in Sacramento. She has a special interest in PD, PSP and MSA and has training in using Deep Brain Stimulator(DBS) programming and botox injections for neurologic disorders. She hopes to further community outreach and research to improve the understanding of and care for individuals living with Parkinson's Disease and related disorders.

Chris McIlwain

Director

Chris is a mechanical engineer
turned contractor, who owns
McIlwain Mobility Soulutions in the greater Sacramento area.
His specialiity is helping people
increase their independence
and their ability to enjoy the
great outdoors. He hopes to
learn more about Parkinson's
and inspire the PD communtiy
to try new things, enjoy the outdoors and keep moving.

William "Gray" Medlin

Director

A native of North Carolina, Gray graduated from UNC at Chapel Hill and the Wharton School at the Univ of PA. He founded an investment banking firm in 1991 and managed it until selling. He moved to CA in 2019 with his wife Catherine. As a lifelong athlete, when Gray was diagnosed with PD in 2023, he focused on exercises to control the symptoms. "I'm serving on the PANC board because it is a great source of support and information. I'm inspired by others, and I hope that I can inspire them."

Edna Ochoa

Director

Edna serves as a community liaison for Advanced Hospice in Sacramento County. She is passionate about supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and leads support groups dedicated to education, encouragement, and community. She also facilitates two PD support groups for veterans.
Edna finds joy traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with her family and carries a deep appreciation for life and a heartfelt commitment to those she serves.

Staff

Our Staff

Executive Director

Jan Whitney

jan@panctoday.org

707-582-3624

Jan contributes over 30 years of non-profit management experience to the leadership of PANC. She loves the people involved with PANC and enjoys non-work time with her family and dog Zen, workouts with the Speakeasy crew, kayaking, yoga, live music, and fly-fishing adventures.

Programs Manager

Sara Willen

sara@panctoday.org

916-357-6641

Sara has over 15 years of experience in marketing and program management in the high-tech industry, most recently at Intel. She is the proud mom of two sons and engaged in her community through volunteer support at their schools, including assisting athletic teams, coordinating fundraising efforts, and contributing to local initiatives.

Business Operations Manager

Maria Ramirez

Maria@panctoday.org

916-357-6641

Maria has a background working in non-profits and disability programs, she is bilingual and has a giant heart.

From Maria, "As a mother, daughter, and granddaughter, I believe strength comes from family and community. I’m proud to be at PANC , where I can deliver both care and dedication to support those of you living with PD and your loved ones.

Medical Advisory Panel

PANC's Medical Advisory Panel is comprised of highly qualified PD medical professionals and therapists who provide invaluable guidance and expertise to the staff and volunteers of the organization. They collaborate on issues that benefit the entire PD community and meet quarterly at a "Journal Club" event to learn and discuss topics of common interest.

Kaiser Permanente

Suketu Khandhar, M.D.

Miguel Ruvalcaba, M.D.

Meghan Anderson, N.P.

Jennifer Liu, PT, DPT, NCS

Jeanine Perry, PT (retired)

Kaiser Rehabilitation Services

Christine Shade, PT, DPT, NCS

Erin Hornig, PT, DPT, NCS

UC Davis

Norika Malhado-Chang, M.D.

Jonathan Snider, M.D.

Lin Zhang, M.D.

Laura Sperry, N.P.

Sutter Medical Group

Erica Byrd, M.D.

Steven Nakano, M.D.

Nicklesh Thakur, D.O.

Fred Weiland, M.D., FACNM

Linda Ramatowski, F.N.P.

Dignity Health

Ehsan Hadi, M.D.

Veterans Administration

Mai Vuong, M. D.

Parkinson Association of Northern California

Community for the Journey

ABOUT PANC

Our Story

PANC Board of Directors

Harry Starkey

Jennifer Westoby

Kim Hawkins

Ted Norris

Myron Jantzen

Anders Bostrom

Tom Cadman

Katelyn Epstein

Vanessa Greyion, PharmD

Kristina Hart, D.O.

Chris McIlwain

William "Gray" Medlin

Edna Ochoa

Our Staff

Medical Advisory Panel

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Rehabilitation Services

UC Davis

Sutter Medical Group

Dignity Health

Veterans Administration