Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario will host the 2025 East Region Living Well Conference on April 9th, in Brantford. This is the second of four PSSO conferences happening in Spring 2025.
We have collaborated with presenters who view Parkinson’s care through a wholistic lens. We hope you’ll join us and engage in a discussion on mental health, exercise, and how nutrition can support brain health.
Registration opens at 9:30am.
*Please note that a block of accessible rooms has been reserved for the evening of April 8th. Booking details will be shared upon registration.
April 9, 2025
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Brantford & Conference Centre
10:00am – 3:00pm
We will kick off our day with a 15-minute chair yoga taught by Yoga for Parkinson’s instructor, Elisabeth Kolenko. She will guide us through our practice to prepare our body and minds for our first presentation.
Presenter 1: Mateusz Zurowski
Presentation Title: Coping with Parkinson Disease
In his presentation, Mateusz will review some non-motor symptoms of Parkinson Disease, how they are influenced by medications, and suggest some coping strategies. He will emphasize the interplay of medications, mood and anxiety. We will also discuss the importance of dopamine in feeling good physically and emotionally and the importance of managing anxiety.
Before our lunch, we will be boxing right from our seats with Tony Ryan and Bill Williams from Bell City Boxing. They will tell us about their program and teach us some moves.
Presenter 2: Sandra Venneri
Presentation title: Feeding the Mind: Nutrition Strategies for Brain Health and Vitality
In the presentation “Feeding the Mind: Nutrition Strategies for Brain Health and Vitality,” Sandra Venneri, a Registered Dietitian, will explore the critical connection between nutrition and brain health. Drawing on the latest research, Sandra will highlight key nutrients that support cognitive function, memory, and overall mental well-being. Attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating brain-boosting foods into their diets, with an emphasis on easy-to-implement changes that can improve quality of life & support brain health. This session aims to empower individuals to take charge of their cognitive health through the power of food.
Speakers
Mateusz Zurowski
We are pleased to be joined by Mateusz Zurowski, a psychiatrist specializing in the treatment mental health issues in patients with movement disorders, specifically Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, and Functional Movement Disorders.
Over the past 15 years Mateusz has been involved in the assessment and treatment of patients undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease. He is also a Clinician Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute, and his research interests include psychosomatic illnesses and the effect of emotions on movement.
Alex Guennewig
Alex is an MSW and the current Manager of Patient Services for Wellington geography which includes community and hospital teams. Alex has a number of years of experience supporting teams within developmental services, crisis and healthcare settings.
Sandra Venneri
Sandra Venneri is a dedicated Registered Dietitian and Professional Home Economist with a strong commitment to improving food literacy and empowering individuals to make informed nutrition choices that enhance health and quality of life. She holds three different nutrition degrees including her Masters of Applied Nutrition.
Sandra volunteers time outside of work to Diabetes Canada, international organizations and Dietitians of Canada. Her dedication to the field has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Dr. Theresa Topic Award, Ontario Home Economics Association Founders Award and the 2017 Mompreneurs Award Top Finalist in the Start-Up category.
As the founder of Nutrition Bites, Sandra leads a team of Registered Dietitians and Nurse Practitioners, offering personalized care to help clients feel their best. She is passionate about the transformative power of nutrition and dedicated to helping individuals fuel their bodies and minds for optimal long-term health.
Terry Moore
After living 25 years with chronic pain, Terry Moore was inspired to study neuromuscular physiology and to gain knowledge to truly understand pain and dysfunction. He is the founder of Moore MyoWorx and has a clinic in Guelph. He recently opened another clinic in Centennial, Colorado. Terry is driven by getting results and works tirelessly doing direct patient care, teaching and training.
Register