An interview with Sara Starkoff Green from Greenhouse Wellness on August 25, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am a wellness Consultant and work with events, education & engagement in the community. I also host a podcast. I am also a meditation & breathwork facilitator as well as a group fitness instructor.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My work in the health and wellness field spans a myriad of roles including founder of Greenhouse Wellness where I curate and manage community engagement initiatives and events, develop wellness programs, and work with individuals, corporations, non-profits, and other organizations to optimize and elevate the health and well-being of mind, body and spirit.
In my role as a Wellness Consultant, I have been working for FAU College of Medicine/Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at FAU Medicine for the last 4+ years, focused on the development and management of a grant funded community wellness program. MIIH offers FREE wellness education and classes to community members, including content specific to our PD community. By partnering with local organizations, such as APDA, we can connect Parkinson’s patients and their loved ones with valuable community resources.
My passion lies in inspiring and educating people about wellness practices and tools and providing motivation, resources, and accountability to support optimal well-being of mind, body and spirit.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I am passionate about helping people live their best, to enjoy a healthy and fulfilled life. For those living with PD, quality of life can vary day to day, how one will feel when they wake up each day can be unpredictable. I believe that providing resources, including social camaraderie, is a vital part of caring for our PD community members.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I’d love to see more funding dedicated to PD research!
What events do you participate in?
I have coordinated Brain Bowl lecture series and programs such as Music Therapy, Boxing for Parkinson’s, and Nutrition for Cognitive Health.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
When caregivers attend classes and events with the PD participant, they are provided insight and education about the complexity of the journey the PD patient lives, they may be able to better understand symptoms and challenges of the patient. Additionally, seeing other caregivers present is a reminder that they too are not alone in their role as a caregiver.
How can someone get in touch?
greenhouse_wellness@outlook.com
Greenhouse Wellness Podcast:
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson community, what would it be?
I think that one of the most underutilized tools in overall health and well-being is nutrition, particularly when it comes to cognitive health. Talk to your healthcare provider about how nutrition impacts your personal health.