ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
The Parkinson’s Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of people in our community who are affected by neurological and movement disorders.
PASD’S MISSION
The mission of PASD is to enable those in San Diego County impacted by Parkinson’s disease to live their best lives through support, resources, and education.”
PASD’S HISTORY
In the early 1980’s, a doctor in San Diego by the name of Robert Mowry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Recognizing that there were no organized services or organizations assisting Parkinson’s families at that time, he and his wife, Mary, formed a small support and discussion group for Parkinson’s patients and their care partners.
For the next 20 years, Mary led the development of what became known as the San Diego Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral (I&R) Center. The center, housed in a small facility within a San Diego hospital, maintained a referral network and database and provided valuable educational material to health care providers, patients with Parkinson’s disease, and their families. As the benefit of support groups became evident, support groups sprang up throughout San Diego County.
In 1989, Mary’s efforts led to the development of what is now the Parkinson’s Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
In 2017 Chris Buscher was hired as the executive director and led the organization until his retirement in 2025. Stephanie Murphy, EdD, then joined PASD as executive director. In 2022, after about six years as a contractor for the organization, Jeff Seckendorf joined the staff as Director of Operations and in 2025 Steve Steinberg, MSW, came on as Community Liasion. PASD’s Hispanic community has been led by Lisbeth Garces since 2023.
PASD continues to be the leading Parkinson’s resource in San Diego county, setting a standard for education, support groups, information and referral, evidence based exercise programs, community events, social opportunities, compassion and encouragement.
EVENTS, PROGRAMS, AND PUBLICATIONS
EMPOWERMENT DAY
Held once a year in the fall, Empowerment Day began as a small boot camp at Scripps Clinic. In 2018 Sherrie Gould, NP and Lisa Stinchcomb, then with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, had a vision to expand the boot camp to a full day of education and Empowerment Day was born. This event has grown to 500 participants, 60+ sponsors and vendors, and 20 speakers presenting on a cross section of topics related to Parkinson’s.
GOOD START PROGRAM
The Good Start Program, held three or four times each year, is for newly diagnosed people with Parkinson’s and their care partners, or anyone looking to advance their knowledge of Parkinson’s. This live, 2-hour session looks at: maintaining a positive attitude; understanding Parkinson’s; choosing a physician; common medications, care givers/care partners; importance of exercise and nutrition; benefits of physical; occupational, speech and music therapy; research, Support Groups, Mentor Program, and an overview of other additional resources.
THE MENTOR PROGRAM
Held once a year in the fall, Empowerment Day began as a small boot camp at Scripps Clinic. In 2018 Sherrie Gould, NP and Lisa Stinchcomb, then with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, had a vision to expand the boot camp to a full day of education and Empowerment Day was born. This event has grown to 500 participants, 60+ sponsors and vendors, and 20 speakers presenting on a cross section of topics related to Parkinson’s.
PASD JOURNAL
Rolling out in January 2026, this bimonthly online magazine takes an indepth look at all things Parkinson’s, specifically related to the San Diego Parkinson’s community.
The Journal includes articles from PASD’s leadership, its Board members, and guest authors. Links to events, guidance on exercise, and much more is included each month.
THE WALK
Held once a year in the fall, Empowerment Day began as a small boot camp at Scripps Clinic. In 2018 Sherrie Gould, NP and Lisa Stinchcomb, then with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, had a vision to expand the boot camp to a full day of education and Empowerment Day was born. This event has grown to 500 participants, 60+ sponsors and vendors, and 20 speakers presenting on a cross section of topics related to Parkinson’s.
PASD’S FUNDING
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, PASD is completely funded by donations, grants, and sponsors. Our main fundraising event is our annual Step By Step 5k Walk held each April in Liberty Station in San Diego. Over the years we have held other fundraising events such as golf tournaments and soirees but, we primarily rely on you. To that end, please support our sponsors, listed at the bottom of our home page (https://parkinsonsassociation.org).
General donations, tribute donations, planned gifts, and other financial support is all gratefully accepted.
PASD’S LEADERSHIP
Stephanie Murphy – Executive Director
Stephanie Murphy is a San Diego native with more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. She has held leadership roles with the San Diego Housing Commission, Money Management International, and San Diego Career Opportunity Partners, where she has led programs focused on workforce development, financial education, and community advancement.
Her connection to the Parkinson’s cause is deeply personal. Stephanie’s late father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010 and benefited greatly from the services of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, inspiring her continued commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by the disease.
Stephanie earned her Doctorate in Organizational Innovation from National University, a Master’s in Management from the University of Redlands, and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from San Diego State University.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and paddle boarding, participating in weekly trivia nights with her boyfriend, and caring for her two cats and newly adopted flock of chickens. Stephanie can be reached by email here or at 619-942-1871.
Jeff Seckendorf – Director of Operations
Jeff brings a wealth of experience and talent to PASD. After a long career in the film industry, Jeff went on to form several successful small businesses, including a technology startup and Coach Me Strong. Jeff produces the PASD Microcast Series and, along with board president Marty Acevedo, Jeff created and runs the PASD Mentor Program.
Jeff manages audio, video, and written content for PASD, along with programming, events, and other operational responsibilities.
An avid cyclist, Jeff races his bicycle on the road and track at the national level. Jeff can be reached by email here or at or at 619-373-5476.
Steve Steinberg, LCSW – Community Liaison
Steve is a hopeful person living with Parkinson’s since 2013. He brings his message of hope to others through his actions and commitment to the Parkinson’s community. He worked for 28 years in the public mental health setting and is a licensed clinical social worker. He started and continues to coordinate the PASD young onset Parkinson’s program.
Steve will be answering the phone when you contact the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. He will be able to help you with resources, referrals, and other information related to PASD’s services.
Steve can be reached by email here or at or at our main number, 858-210-5674.
Lisbeth Garces – Hispanic Community Liaison
Venezuela-born Lisbeth Garces envisioned a program that would provide regular classes for people with disabilities. She formed a non-profit, Juan Carlos Organization, in memory of her son – www.jcorg.org.
She then reached out to the Latino community so they could receive help. Lisbeth completed Rock Steady Boxing training in 2020 and is teaching bi-lingual RSB classes in the South Bay area for people with Parkinson’s.
In 2021 she became PASD’s Hispanic Community Liaison and in 2022 she became an Aware in Care Ambassador. Lisbeth can be reached by email here or at or at 619-971-3904.
Dr. Brenton Wright – Movement Disorders Neurologist and Medical Advisor to PASD
Brent Wright, MD is a board-certified neurologist, movement disorders specialist, and neuro-hospitalist. Dr. Wright cares for inpatients with neurological emergencies at Scripps Encinitas, Tri City Medical Center, and Palomar/Pomerado Medical Centers. He completed his neurology residency at Columbia University and movement disorders fellowship training under Dr. Stanley Fahn at Columbia & the Neurological Institute of New York. He worked as Assistant Professor of Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, and then Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurosciences at UC San Diego before joining The Neurology Center of Southern California in 2023. While at UC San Diego he served as Director of the movement disorders fellowship program and authored a successful application for the prestigious Michael J Fox Foundation Edmond J. Safra fellowship grant. He has extensive experience with clinical trials and has published numerous research articles. He is a member of the Parkinson Study Group, the Huntington Study Group, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Neurological Association.
Dr. Wright is the Medical Advisory Director for the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. In this role he is helping to design and implement systemic changes that improve experiences and outcomes for persons with PD that are admitted to the hospital. He is passionate about improving the quality of life for persons with PD and their caregivers. Dr. Wright is also a part time Voluntary Clinical Professor at UC San Diego where he works on clinical trials in the Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence and in the HD multidisciplinary clinic.
Dr. Wright is a native of Louisville, KY. He is an avid sports fan, especially of the University of Louisville Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals. In his free time he enjoys surfing, hiking, mountain biking, running, live music, camping, and tennis.
