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Our Story
Parkinson's Orange County was formed on the foundation of a local website, PDBuzz.com, which was developed by Lauren Simmons, an Orange County resident, living with Parkinson's. In 2016, Lauren was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 54. She left her doctor's office with a diagnosis, no hope and no guidance for resources. After hearing a similar story over and over, Lauren made it her mission to help those getting diagnosed in her area by getting them connected to the many programs and services available in Orange County. The website PDBuzz.com went live in 2018. After six years of growing PD Buzz, it was time to make it an official 501c3 organization Parkinson's Orange County is that organization and Erin Angelo, our Executive Director, is the person driving us forward. Our mission is the same as PD Buzz: to help connect people to resources as soon as possible after diagnosis. You are not alone and we are here to take the journey with you.
"No one should leave a doctor's office with a life-changing diagnosis and no resources for local support in their hands."
Lauren Simmons
Co-Founder Parkinson's Orange County
Meet the Board
Board President
Lauren Simmons
Lauren was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016. After coming to terms with the diagnosis, she began advocating for herself and others with Parkinson's which led her to founding PD Buzz, speaking at conferences and support groups, and eventually co-founding Parkinson's Orange County. She continues to make it her mission to connect those with PD to their local PD community.
Board Secretary
Stacy Collins
Stacy Collins was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2021. When she became aware of this change in her life, she began reaching out to learn more about the Parkinson's community
and how to become involved. During her 27 years in the banking industry, she had served on several boards. She was thrilled when the opportunity came to join Parkinson's Orange County as Secretary.
Board Treasurer
Rich Hirshberg
Rich is a recently retired finance executive and joins the board as he seeks ways to give back to the community. Rich is a strong advocate for expanding healthcare resources in the community to help those with chronic illnesses find the resources they need to improve their lives. Rich is a long time resident of Laguna Niguel.
Board Member
Karen Skipper
Karen has been a Board Certified Music Therapist for more than 40 years and has led the OC Trembleclefs, a therapeutic singing group for people with Parkinson's for more than 15 years. Karen is passionate about helping those with Parkinson's let their voice be heard. She is a long time resident of Mission Viejo.
Board Member
Rand Tanner
Rand is a retired U.S. Navy Commander with 31+ years active duty and subsequently was a wealth advisor for Morgan Stanley for over 14 years. Having been diagnosed with PD in Dec 2017, and in support of the POC mission to “enable people affected by Parkinson's to live well”, his focus will be on helping to educate, provide referrals and support our Parkinson’s Orange County community.
Advisors
Dr. Neal Hermanowicz
Medical Advisor
Dr. Hermanowicz is a nationally recognized neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders. He brings with him many years of research, education, and patient centered clinical practice.
Dr. Tanya Denne N.D.
Naturopath
Dr. Denne recently completed her internship with the Movement Disorder Department at UCI. She has traveled the world studying Mucuna Pruriens and its potential treatment of PD. Dr. Denne has made her home in Orange County with her husband and brand new baby.
Community Liaisons
Luis Torrez
Hispanic Community Liason
Robert Pearce
Community Liaison
Staff
Erin Angelo
Executive Director
Executive Director, Erin Angelo, is not only the co-founder of Parkinson's Orange County, but she is also the founder and Executive Director of Rx Ballroom Dance, a therapeutic dance program for people with Parkinson's and other neurological challenges in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and L.A. Counties. That makes her one busy lady with many hats including wife and mom. Erin resides in Ladera Ranch with her husband and son.