Welcome to the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego’s Speakers Bureau
Here we provide you bios and info on people who can speak to your organization on various topics related to Parkinson’s. Please click on the photos to read the bios then fill out the form in the popup to contact any of our speakers. Use the filter buttons to see who is available to speak in person and who would be available for a last minute booking.
Jeff Seckendorf
Jeff Seckendorf – Director of Operations, Parkinson’s Association of San Diego
Available for Last Minute Bookings
Speaking on these topics:
- The PASD Mentor Program
- Finding Your Purpose
- Your Path to Mastery
Jeff began his career as a photographer and filmmaker, first as a stills photographer for UPI and other national publications, then as a director/cameraman producing, directing, and/or photographing over 1000 TV commercials, dozens of music videos, movies, and documentaries. One recent project documents a team of Parkinson’s patients on a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. Jeff has won numerous awards for his cinematography, including Sundance Film Festival and Independent Spirit Award nominations for best cinematography.
In 2008 Jeff eased out of the film industry and founded Unified Team Diving, a global scuba training and certification agency. While traveling the world training scuba instructors, Jeff authored eight training manuals and dozens of online courses. Jeff also teaches a “train the trainer” corporate leadership course.
As a masters athlete Jeff races a bicycle on track and has stood on the podium multiple times at the California state championships. He holds the hour record in his age group at the San Diego Velodrome and is a course record holder at the World 6-Hour Time Trial Championships. Jeff’s current project on the bike is to attempt to break the U.S. hour record in the 70-74 age group. This entails riding his bike over 44 kilometers in one hour in a velodrome of his choosing.
The hour record has led to his renewed interest in purpose. Initially this ride was completely self-serving, much like climbing a mountain because it’s there. But that seemed like an empty reason to do all this hard work. So, as his training ramped up and got harder, and the commitment became more important, the purpose came into very clear focus and Jeff realized he could use this event to motivate others to find purpose. Here is a short film about Jeff’s hour attempt: https://youtu.be/8JNiHXd7Lfg
As Director of Operations at the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, Jeff speaks about the PASD Mentor Program which he co-founded and now manages; finding your purpose when life throws a dramatic change at you (like getting Parkinson’s, or becoming a full time care partner); and Your Path to Mastery, a short workshop program to help you discover what you are good at and how to apply that to something new.
BOOKING REQUEST FOR JEFF SECKENDORF:
Jeff Seckendorf
Jeff Seckendorf – Director of Operations, Parkinson’s Association of San...
Marty Acevedo
Marty Acevedo – Board President, Parkinson’s Association of San Diego; Ambassador, Davis Phinney Foundation
Available for Last Minute Bookings
Speaking on these topics:
- Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s
- The PASD Mentor Program
- Nutrition and Parkinson’s
- Parkinson’s and Hospitalization;
- National, state, local advocacy
- PPMI (MJFF research on biomarkers)
- Patient experience with DBS
Marty Acevedo is the former Director of Food and Nutrition, Environmental Services, and Patient Transportation at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who served as a member of the critical care health care team at TCMC, providing advice and recommendations for patients’ nutritional care as they recovered from critical illness or injury. Marty is the author of two home-study courses for registered dietitians and other health care practitioners.
Marty was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010. She has since increased her involvement in groups associated with Parkinson’s disease in an effort to raise awareness, increase knowledge and provide support for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Marty is an Ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation and is passionate about helping others with Parkinsons to find their way to living their best life on their journey with PD.
BOOKING REQUEST FOR MARTY ACEVEDO
Marty Acevedo
Marty Acevedo – Board President, Parkinson’s Association of San Diego;...
Mike Reeder
Mike Reeder is an Emmy-Award winning sports television producer, certified Rock Steady Boxing trainer, and owner of BoxFit, home to Rock Steady Boxing Downtown San Diego. Mike started his Rock Steady program in 2016. Over the last 7 years, Mike has seen firsthand the benefits of exercise on his Parkinson’s fighters.
Booking Request for Mike Reeder
Mike Reeder
Mike Reeder is an Emmy-Award winning sports television producer, certified...
Stephanie Murphy
Stephanie Murphy is the Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. She 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. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in grant management, program development, and fundraising, helping organizations expand their reach and deliver meaningful impact across the community.
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 Murphy
Stephanie Murphy is the Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association...
Steve Steinberg MSW, LCSW
Sometimes the most difficult and challenging circumstance that you face is the news that you or someone you love has Parkinson’s Disease. People with Parkinson’s experience many stressors. Family role changes, work or career decisions, new medication regimen and even a new lifestyle are just some of the things that can happen. These along with feelings of helplessness and powerlessness are often felt by not only you, but also the people who love and support you. It can feel like you are all alone in your attempts to live with the disease or to support someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Eleven years ago, after over 25 years working in the mental health field I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I have had to learn to advocate for myself in the healthcare system, have made life altering decisions regarding my treatment, made lifestyle changes to adapt to my symptoms and learned about the anxiety and depression that can accompany Parkinson’s. I have dedicated my practice to ensure others living with or caring for somebody with Parkinson’s will not have to struggle alone.
I believe in hope as the catalyst for change. The techniques that I use in therapy are designed to give you hope through validation, education, and supportive listening. I use solution focussed and cognitive behavioral interventions to help you live well with your Parkinson’s.
Contact Steve:
Steve Steinberg MSW, LCSW
Sometimes the most difficult and challenging circumstance that you face...
