We are
Better
Together
By working together as a network of independent Parkinson’s organizations, we can leverage our collective resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve greater impact.
Share the Load
We Are in this Together
Sounding Board
Learn from Other Members
Membership
Learn about Benefits & Apply
Our Current Members
About Us
Supporting those that Support Others
The Independent Parkinson’s Network is a membership organization of organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Through our shared vision and collective efforts, this network of organizations is making a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by this debilitating condition.
You Don't have to be Alone
Benefits of Membership
Proven Experience
Many of our members are long time leaders in their communities.
Member Network
You will have a network of people to rely on for support and advice.
Tools
Learn what tools our members use to manage their organizations.
Perspectives
Learn about new approaches to serving the Parkinson's community.
Crisis Management
Handling Covid and other unexpected emergencies.
News Network
We share news among our members, be in the know!
MEssage
from the Co-Chairs
Bruce McIntyre, CEO
Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance
Kristin Rossi, CEO
Michigan Parkinson Foundation
Welcome to the Independent Parkinson’s Network (IPN)!
Each member of the Independent Parkinson’s Network (IPN) provides local services to their regions. Our unique model of independent regional members collaborates to share ideas, resources, and experiences to make each of us stronger and more productive in our regions.
The current 15 IPN organizations represent about 40% of the people in the US diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. IPN’s commitment to mentoring smaller organizations reflects a strong sense of community and our dedication to expanding support networks for Parkinson’s patients nationwide. IPN wants to help strengthen and empower new members who meet our membership criteria.
Unlike other national organizations serving the Parkinson’s community, IPN is the only organization of its kind in the US. We are not a national organization, but rather a consortium of independent parties providing “boots on the ground” and locally funded services to the Parkinson’s community focusing on education, support, and exercise.
Please feel free to reach out to me or any of our CEOs to learn more about services in your region. Together, we will work to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease in our communities until such a time that a cure is found.
Bibby Bailey, CEO, Parkinson Association of Alabama
Leisha Phipps, CEO, Dallas Area Parkinson Society
Kathleen Crist, CEO, Houston Area Parkinson Society
Kristin Rossi, CEO, Michigan Parkinson Foundation
Virgil Sweeney, CEO, Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation
Joanna Chantamerle, CEO, Parkinson Association of the Carolinas
Jodi Brown, CEO, Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Stephanie Murphy, CEO, Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
Bruce McIntyre, CEO and IPN Vice Chair, Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance
Melissa Greer, CEO of Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
Jo Bidwell, CEO, Southwest Parkinson Society
Christine Haythorn, CEO, Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania
Jennifer Bitner, CEO, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
Jan Whitney, CEO, Parkinson Association of Northern California
Kelly Cieslak, CEO, Wisconsin Parkinson Association
Testimonial
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IPN BLOG
Latest News
2025 IPN Summit
IPN Leadership SummitSponsorship Opportunities IPN members began meeting annually in 2009 with the intent to build more collaborative relationships with these influential grassroots organizations. Today,