
Improving the Quality of Life
for People with Parkinson's
Disease
Jennifer Larsen, MS, ATC
Department of Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences
Pennsylvania Western University
Welcome to Jennifer Larsen's portfolio of academic achievements on her journey to earning her Doctor of Health Science.

Vision
Improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease by providing an easily accessible daily well-being program

Mission
To organize and deliver a useful daily well-being program to those with PD while authentically serving the PD community as an educator and advocate.

Values
-
Authenticity
-
Patience
-
Service to Others

Principles
-
Inspire daily movement for people with PD
-
Help as many people as possible
-
Educate exercise professionals to work with the PD population

Research Foci
Non-Pharmaceutical Therapies for PD
​
Integrating Wellness Programs for PD into Daily Living
​
Expanding the PD Healthcare team to include Fitness Professionals
Meet Jen
I am a California girl through and through. Born and raised in Southern California I moved to Northern California for college and currently reside there with my husband of 25 years. I am the lucky mother to two beautiful women who have launched from the nest and are exploring the world on their terms. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading, and being in nature, especially water. Swimming, paddleboarding, or just sitting at the beach is where I find peace. I have worked with the Parkinson's community for 20 years creating and delivering innovative exercise programs designed to challenge participants. I am a doctoral candidate enrolled in the Doctor of Health and Science program at Pennsylvania Western University. My research is focused on integrating nonpharmaceutical therapies to improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.


CLIFTON STRENGTHS

Relator
A relator thrives on authentic relationships and seeks to build deep, trusting, and meaningful connections with others.

Belief
Individuals with the belief strength are guided by strong core values that provide a deep sense of purpose, principles, and direction.

Connectedness
An individual, who holds connectedness as a strength, senses that everything happens for a reason as we are all part of the larger universe.

Learner
Learners have a passion for gaining knowledge and mastering new skills, finding joy in the process of discovery.

Developer
Developers recognize the potential in others and strive to help, guide, and encourage them to grow and meet their goals.