Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario will host the 2025 West Region Living Well Conference on April 14th, in Chatham. This is the third of four PSSO conferences happening in Spring 2025.
Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario is happy to welcome back Dr. Kristopher Romero to share his expertise and research on the connection between Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, and how effectively navigate both diagnosis. He will be sharing with us updates and progress from his presentation 2 years ago.
Everyone at PSSO also knows how challenging receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is, and that there are a lot of thoughts and feelings that can arise. We are excited to welcome Allison Eaton, RSW and Andrea Wathy, RSW to speak on the topic of navigating mental health and developing coping mechanisms to assist with the transition and new life challenges as they arise in the Parkinson’s Journey.We are thrilled to offer a local day of learning, enjoyment, and fellowship to those in Lambton, Kent, Essex and beyond!
April 14, 2025
John D. Bradley Convention Centre
10:00am – 3:00pm
A block of rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham for the night before the conference, using the booking code: “PSO”
To receive the special rate please call the hotel to book before March 15th, at 519-351-1100.
Speakers
Dr. Kristoffer Romero
Kristoffer Romero is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Windsor and a licensed Neuropsychologist. His research interests include 1) memory and cognition in various neurological disorders, 2) how we think about our cognitive abilities (i.e., metacognition), and 3) how culture influences cognition. He is also actively involved in teaching and provides training for clinical psychology students at the University. He grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and now calls Windsor his home.
Allison Eaton RSW
Allison Eaton (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the OCSWSSW. Ms. Eaton graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Windsor, later followed by a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor. Ms. Eaton has worked for 20 years in the field of mental health in many community settings. Ms. Eaton has been employed with CMHA, Chatham Kent Children’s Services (Linck)- front-line and manager, Family Service Kent (counsellor and manager) and various contract social work positions through Erie St. Clair LHIN (Home and Community Care), Beginnings Family Services and Changing Ways. Ms. Eaton currently works in private practice, and as a Social Worker at Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres. Within her practice, Ms. Eaton utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), narrative and solution focused therapies, brief solution focused therapy as well as trauma informed treatment. She has also facilitated numerous parenting and educational groups. She offers support to clients individually and in groups, helping them manage various concerns related to anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness, low self-esteem, stress, OCD, trauma, anger management and bullying, as well as post adoption therapy for birth parents.
Andrea Wathy RSW
Andrea Wathy (she, her) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the OCSWSSW. With 20 years of experience in mental health across school, hospital, and community settings, she has made significant contributions to well-being. Ms. Wathy holds a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services from Athabasca University in Alberta and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick. Currently, Ms. Wathy is the Coordinator of Mental Health and Wellbeing for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and works as a private practitioner through the Kaleidoscope Child and Family Care collective. She has also worked as a crisis counsellor and child protection worker at Linck and operated as a therapist for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). Ms. Wathy advocates for better mental health support for those facing cancer and other chronic conditions.
