An interview with Leisha Phipps from Dallas Area Parkinson Society (DAPS) on June 28, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Leisha came to DAPS in 2019 as the Program Director, following many years in the nonprofit sector, as a clinical social worker, board member and volunteer. Her love for nonprofits began at The Turning Point (Rape Crisis Center) in Plano where she was the Clinical Director for services to those impacted by sexual assault and supervisor to graduate student interns. After retiring from the clinical field, Leisha applied her skills to the administrative side of nonprofits where she served on the Board of Directors at The Turning Point as Chair of Development, Secretary and President. It was here that she discovered that her passion for helping others could be used to develop, grow, and manage small nonprofits. Since her time with DAPS, she has received grant funding through the Parkinson’s Foundation, expanded services and added the position of Community Liaison to the team. Leisha was promoted to the role of Executive Director in 2022 and is honored to be able to lead DAPS.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My dad was diagnosed with PD 17 years ago after we assumed it was a stroke that had brought on his symptoms. We were relieved he didn’t have ALS which is what my grandfather had. Four years ago, I was looking for a work in the field of social work and discovered DAPS for the first time. I was promoted to Executive Director in January 2022 and am dedicated to helping people with PD in our community and beyond.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
DAPS started in 1978 with volunteers and hired its first Director in 2012. All services are free, which can be accessed virtually in Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties. DAPS offers exercise, dance, speech, support groups, and education that are specific to the needs of both people with PD and their loved ones.
In the Dallas area the Parkinson’s Foundation estimates approximately 15,000 people are living with PD. We also offer many programs online through Zoom to reach individuals in remote locations and for those who cannot or prefer nor to travel. Maintaining active lives where individuals can continue to participate, engage, learn, and support one another is important for maintaining and improving one’s physical and mental health.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I want more people to get connected with DAPS (or wherever they live locally) as I have seen personally, the benefits of having a PD community. My dad attends exercise, speech and educational programs and is held accountable, which gives him the support he needs to stay engaged.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I would say it’s different depending on several factors like: age, sex, stage of the disease. Maintaining active lives where they can continue to participate in the parts of their lives that mean the most is very important.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Attendees can participate in as many classes (in person or virtual) as they’d like.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
The only known treatment for slowing the progression of PD is exercise. The noncontact boxing classes that DAPS help support are led by a PT who has extensive clinical research backing up his approaches in working with people with Pd.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I’d like to see our current programs grow while representing diversity in age, sex, race, etc.
What events do you participate in?
Dallas Area Parkinson Society is pleased to be a member of Independent Parkinson’s Network, a consortium formed with the shared goals of finding a cure for Parkinson’s and supporting those who live with the disease.
We offer support groups to people with PD and their caregivers. DAPS also provides monthly educational programs suitable for professionals, patients and care partners
IPN provides access to shared resources and perspectives from prominent and innovative Parkinson’s organizations across the country. By expanding communication on a national scale, we are devoted to adopting new ideas and treatments generated through IPN and will continue to provide the latest services and programs to help people affected by Parkinson’s disease. To learn more about IPN and the other participating organizations, visit www.parkinsonsnetwork.com.
How does Dallas Area Parkinson Society also assist the caregivers?
We have peer-led programs and groups to support the caregivers. We provide education for both care partners and individuals. All the classes we offer we welcome the caregivers as well.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
972-620-7600
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
A lot of people are understandably apprehensive about attending their first class or program for Parkinson’s disease. Once individuals take that first step, DAPS can help guide, support and encourage individuals throughout their journey. If one location or type of class is not what you are looking for, we have a variety of other options to ensure you connect with our compassionate community. You are not alone, and DAPS is honored to be on the journey with you.