Welcome to ParkBench
ParkBench is a FREE Club Parkinson’s program that provides a welcoming, supportive community for individuals living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD). Here, you’ll find connection, clarity, and courage alongside others who understand the unique challenges of navigating Parkinson’s during active stages of life.
Who We Are
ParkBench brings together individuals on a shared journey to connect, share stories, learn together, and build meaningful community. ParkBench can help provide direction when Parkinson’s intersects with careers, parenting, relationships, and planning for the future.
Unlike traditional support groups, ParkBench is thoughtfully designed for people who are early and/or newly diagnosed, or who are still active and balancing work, family, and everyday responsibilities, creating a supportive space that meets you exactly where you are.
What We Offer
At ParkBench, we believe a diagnosis is not the end of your story, it’s the beginning of a new direction. Together, we create a welcoming environment to:
Share stories with others walking a similar path
Explore treatments and lifestyle strategies
Find community rooted in empathy and courage
Experience joy and hope, even in the midst of challenge
Meet: Robert Miller (co-facilitator)
Robert Miller is a Wichita native, a ParkBench facilitator and long-time advocate for aging and neurological health communities, with more than 25 years of experience in medical social work, hospice, and dementia care. In addition, he has completed Parkinson's specific training through the Parkinson's Foundation.
A graduate of Wichita State University’s first MSW class, Robert has led outreach and bereavement programs, developed dementia care models, and served as Senior Vice President for ComfortCare Homes. He currently runs CAREpitch, a private therapy and care management practice, and is pursuing his clinical social work license.
As a ParkBench facilitator, Robert brings humor, empathy, and deep respect for every individual’s story, helping members turn diagnosis into direction, together.
Meet: Ariel McDonald (co-facilitator)
Ariel, a ParkBench facilitator, was born and raised in Wichita and earned her doctorate degree from Creighton University. There she developed a deep passion for learning and understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Her work with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, each with their own unique strengths, symptoms, and outlooks left a lasting impact and inspired her commitment to this community.
In 2021, that passion led her to Club Parkinson’s, where she continues to support clients with specialized training and genuine care. Ariel holds multiple Parkinson’s‑focused certifications, including PWR!, Stick Mobility, and Urban Poling. She brings a blend of expertise, empathy, and energetic encouragement to every person she works with.
Join ParkBench Today
Join ParkBench. Turning Diagnosis Into Direction.
Why ParkBench Matters
Young-onset Parkinson’s arrives during pivotal life stages. ParkBench exists to honor those realities offering support that helps individuals thrive, not just cope.
