About Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
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.
Our 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.”
History of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
n the early 1980s, Dr. Robert Mowry of San Diego was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At the time, there were few local resources available for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. Dr. Mowry and his wife, Mary, responded by creating a small support and discussion group for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Over the following two decades, Mary Mowry expanded these efforts into the San Diego Parkinson’s Disease Information and Referral Center. The center provided educational resources, referrals, and support to individuals with Parkinson’s, their families, and healthcare professionals. As awareness grew, support groups were established throughout San Diego County.
In 1989, these efforts led to the formation of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego (PASD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
In 2017, Chris Buscher was appointed Executive Director and guided the organization through a period of significant growth until his retirement in 2025. Stephanie Murphy, EdD, became Executive Director in 2026, continuing PASD’s commitment to expanding programs, partnerships, education, and support throughout San Diego County. Steve Steinberg, MSW, serves as Community Liaison, and since 2023, Lisbeth Garces has led PASD’s Spanish language outreach and community engagement.
Today, PASD is the leading Parkinson’s resource in San Diego County, providing education, support groups, evidence-based exercise programs, information and referral services, community events, advocacy, and opportunities for individuals and families to connect, thrive, and live well with Parkinson’s.
EVENTS, PROGRAMS, AND PUBLICATIONS
Empowerment Day
Empowerment Day is PASD’s signature annual educational conference, bringing together people living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
The event features nationally recognized speakers, expert-led educational sessions, interactive workshops, wellness demonstrations, and an extensive resource expo showcasing organizations and services that support the Parkinson’s community. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in treatment, research, exercise, nutrition, and strategies for living well with Parkinson’s while connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Each year, Empowerment Day welcomes hundreds of attendees, more than 20 expert speakers, and dozens of exhibitors and sponsors, making it one of the largest Parkinson’s education events in Southern California. The conference empowers individuals and families with practical knowledge, valuable resources, and a renewed sense of hope and community.
Good Start Program
The Good Start Program is offered three to four times each year and is designed for individuals who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and anyone seeking a better understanding of Parkinson’s.
This interactive two hour educational session provides practical information to help participants navigate life with Parkinson’s with confidence. Topics include understanding Parkinson’s disease, building a positive outlook, selecting a healthcare team, medication basics, the importance of exercise and nutrition, physical, occupational, speech, and music therapies, current research, and the vital role of care partners.
Participants also receive an introduction to the many resources available through PASD, including support groups, the Mentor Program, educational events, wellness programs, and community services. Good Start equips individuals and families with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to successfully begin or continue their Parkinson’s journey.
Mentor Program
The PASD Mentor Program connects individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners with trained volunteer mentors who understand the challenges of the Parkinson’s journey through their own lived experience.
Whether someone is newly diagnosed, facing new challenges, or simply looking for encouragement, mentors provide compassionate one on one support, practical guidance, and a listening ear. Through phone calls, virtual meetings, or other approved communication methods, participants can ask questions, share concerns, and gain valuable insight from someone who has walked a similar path.
The Mentor Program helps reduce feelings of isolation, builds confidence, and fosters meaningful connections within the Parkinson’s community. By offering hope, understanding, and shared experiences, the program reminds participants that they are never alone on their journey.
Annual Step by Step Walk
The PASD Step by Step Walk is an annual community event that brings together individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, families, friends, healthcare professionals, sponsors, and supporters from across San Diego County.
The event offers a welcoming and uplifting environment where participants can walk together, celebrate the Parkinson’s community, and raise funds to support PASD’s programs and services. The day includes a family friendly walk, sponsor and community resource booths, entertainment, activities, and opportunities to connect with others.
Each year, more than 1,000 participants come together to show their support, build awareness, and help ensure that people affected by Parkinson’s have access to education, support groups, wellness programs, mentoring, and other essential resources. The Step by Step Walk is a meaningful celebration of strength, hope, and community.
PASD Journal
The PASD Journal is a complimentary bimonthly digital publication that keeps the Parkinson’s community informed, connected, and inspired. Designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, care partners, healthcare professionals, and supporters throughout San Diego County, the Journal highlights the latest news, programs, and resources available through PASD.
PASD Funding
The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, support, resources, and hope to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease throughout San Diego County. All of our programs and services are made possible through the generosity of individuals, foundations, corporate sponsors, grants, and community partners.
While our annual Step by Step Walk is our largest fundraising event, it provides only a portion of the funding needed to sustain and expand our year round programs. Every donation helps support free support groups, educational conferences, mentoring, wellness programs, community outreach, information and referral services, and resources that improve the lives of thousands of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Your generosity ensures that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Whether through a one time gift, monthly donation, tribute or memorial contribution, planned gift, corporate sponsorship, or foundation support, every contribution directly strengthens our ability to serve the Parkinson’s community today and into the future.
Together, we can continue providing hope, education, and connection for everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
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) 324-9793.
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, (619) 324-9788.
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.
