Acerca de PACN

Nuestra historia
La Asociación de Parkinson del Norte de California (PANC) es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c)(3) dedicada a mejorar la vida de las personas con Parkinson (PWP), sus familias y cuidadores en toda nuestra región. En 1996, PANC se fundó en el garaje de una persona que necesitaba desesperadamente apoyo y recursos. Hoy facilitamos 40 grupos de apoyo para pacientes con Parkinson y sus cuidadores en todo el norte de California. ¡PANC también brinda subvenciones de relevo a familias necesitadas, desarrolla y presenta programas educativos sobre la EP, organiza una gran conferencia anual de educación, colabora con otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro, aboga en nombre de PWP y más! PANC es una organización independiente de Parkinson creada para servir a nuestra comunidad local. Todos los fondos se quedan en NorCal para ayudar a quienes más lo necesitan. Estamos extremadamente orgullosos del trabajo que hacemos y de la cantidad de personas a las que apoyamos colectivamente cada año.
Nuestro equipo
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Harry is a water resource engineer in California's Central Valley and has served on many nonprofit and professional Boards, including Rotary International, hospital foundations, water districts, and the Tree Foundation of Kern County. Harry was diagnosed with PD in 2023 and since then has been exercising rigorously, advocating for PD legislatively on both state and federal issues, and volunteering in the PD community. His goal is to strengthen the PD support community and advance awareness of exercise for the treatment of PD.

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Jen is a retired account manager, having worked with several high-tech companies in the Bay Area. Her second career was as a British-trained riding instructor. She loves teaching horse riding to all ages, but especially children with disabilities. Jen was diagnosed with Parkinson's
in 2019, runs two support groups, is the PANC support group chairperson, and exercises regularly with fellow PD friends
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Kim is a retired registered nurse. She founded and is the director of the Dignity Redding Parkinson's Support Group. The group started in 2012 and now hosts multiple exercise, speech/swallow, and support groups monthly plus hosts a successful annual conference in April of each year. Kim serves on a number of PANC committees and is a long-time and dedicated servant to the PD community.

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George is retired from a 30-year career in Corporate Finance, during which he served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of private and public multinational companies. George was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2022 and immediately thereafter enrolled in the clinical study “Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative,” (PPMI) through the Weill Institute for Neurosciences at UCSF. As Treasurer, George serves on the PANC
Executive/Finance Committee and on the Executive Committee of our partner organization, Sailiing4Parkinsons.

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Myron is our longest-serving member
of the PANC Board of Directors. He was a care partner to his late wife, Joan, who battled PD. He is a retired educator, active in the River City Chorale and leads the Elk Grove Support Groups for both PD and care partners. Myron has served on numerous PANC committees and has made significant contributions to the growth and success of PANC.

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Anders is a corporate and healthcare attorney who counsels California businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations. With a close relative experiencing PD, he is inspired to make a difference in the lives of those living with it. Anders brings his legal and business experience to the PANC Board will a goal to expand resources, support, and advocacy efforts for those affected by PD.

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Tom is a semi-retired fence contractor living in Sacramento and a care partner to his wife with PD. They have been on the PD journey for nearly half of their 41-year relationship. Tom has been a member of a PANC support group for many years, serves on several PANC committees and as our lead community liaison by participating at community events providing education and resources to those affected by PD.

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Katelyn works in the medical
industry for Insightec, specializing in advanced treatment options for patients with PD (focused ultrasound). Her goals in the Parkinson's arena are to drive advancements in innovative care, create greater awareness about all things PD, make a meaningful impact on the lives of those battling PD, and ensure they receive the support and treatment they deserve.

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Gillian is an executive neuroscience sales representative at Acadia Pharmaceuticals. She is a liaison to the medical community and is active with many PD advocacy organizations including PANC, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J Fox Foundation. She is a board member of the West Coast Reining Horse Association and past president and board member of the Appaloosa Reining Horse Association.

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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.

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Chris is a mechanical engineer
turned contractor and owns
McIlwain Mobility Solutions in the greater Sacramento area.
His specialty is helping people
increase their independence in-home and out plus the ability to enjoy the
great outdoors. He serves on many PANC committees and provides both mechanical and equipment guidance to the staff and Board. His goal is to inspire the PD community with outdoor mobility equipment to keep moving!

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

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Allen is retired pharmacist recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. He has served on the California State Board of Pharmacy, Sacramento Hospital Pharmacists Association, the California Health Systems Pharmacists Association, and the Medi-Cal Prescription Review Board. Allen's goal is to guide others with PD to support, education, and services.

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Buck has been the owner of Home Instead Senior Care for 27 years. It was founded after he cared for his father for over a decade which gave him a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards that caregivers face. He has served on the boards of the Sacramento Mental Health and Aging Association, Del Oro Caregivers Resource Center, was the co-chair for The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk, and created The Sacramento "Be a Santa to a Senior" program.
Our Staff

Executive Director
Jan Whitney
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
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
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.





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