Project Staff

Emily Peters

OTDS, LSVT, Occupational Therapy, Russell Sage College

 Student Investigator

I am a third year Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student at Russell Sage College, and I am the student investigator for this project. I am certified in the  LSVT-Big program for Parkinson’s disease and certified through the CITI program in Human Subjects Research. I am the recipient of a research graduate fellowship award for my work on the study, An Exploration of Functional Impact in Young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, I have participated in several continuing education courses through the Parkinson’s Foundation, including Comprehensive and Equitable Care for People with Parkinson's by Community Providers, Home Away from Home: Care for the Inpatient, and Managing Care in the Emergency Department courses. My emergence as a student specializing in Parkinson’s disease, and doctoral research qualifies me to participate on this project as the student investigator, under the advisement of primary investigators.

Becky Bernhardt

OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, CAPS, Associate Professor, Department Chair, Capstone Coordinator, Russell Sage College

Primary Principal Investigator 

Dr. Becky Bernhardt has extensive experience in treating adults with chronic health conditions in rehabilitation; additionally, Dr. Bernhardt is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) certification for the rehabilitation of adult hemiplegia. Dr. Bernhardt’s academic focus includes evaluation and intervention within specialties of neurorehabilitation and physical rehabilitation. Dr. Bernhardt’s expertise within the field of neurorehabilitation qualifies her as the primary principal investigator for this project aimed at improving the function of individuals with young-onset Parkinson’s disease.

Debra Collette

OTD, OTR/L, Program Director, Occupational Therapy, Associate Professor, Russell Sage College 

Principal Investigator 

Dr. Debra Collette is the program director and associate professor of the occupational therapy program at Russell Sage College. Dr. Collette is a primary principal investigator on this project, due to her knowledge and experience in the realm of research methods, and over twenty years of experience as an occupational therapist. Her expertise of the research process, and clinical knowledge of occupational therapy interventions qualifies her to mentor the student investigator in the provision of evidence-based interventions within the symptom management resource.

Dayna Maniccia

 DrPH, MS, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies Department, Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Program Director, Public Health, Russell Sage College

Principal Investigator

Dr. Dayna Maniccia is the assistant director at the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the program director of Public Health at Russell Sage College. Dr. Maniccia has academic experience within social behavior, community health, health policy, and health management. Dr. Maniccia has instructed accredited courses in program planning and evaluation, research methods, and advanced quantitative methods. Her experience and knowledge will be utilized in this project to inform the data collection and analysis processes to ensure validity and reliability. Additionally, Dr. Maniccia will closely consult with the student investigator to evaluate the health management and community health considerations associated with providing a symptom management resource.

Kristi Lamonica

 PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Program Director

Department of Biology and Health Sciences 

Principal Investigator, Site Mentor, Expert Mentor

Dr. Kristi Lamonica is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology & Health Sciences at Russell Sage College. Dr. Lamonica has over 5 years’ experience as a post-doctoral researcher. Additionally, Dr. Lamonica is an ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation, a co-chair of the Wellness Committee for PD Avengers, a member of the Women’s Group within the World Parkinson’s Coalition, and member of the YOPD Working Group. Her expertise within the field of research, and knowledge of Parkinson’s related issues qualifies her to consult closely with the student investigator in the development of a symptom management resource for individuals with young-onset Parkinson’s disease.