Julie Sacks, MSW, LCSW

In 2007, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) expanded its National Young Onset Center. Julie Sacks became the Center’s first full-time Director providing young people with PD and their families with specialized assistance. In addition to improving the Center’s young onset education and support services, she has focused on making the young Parkinson’s community aware of affordable and accessible resources. Julie works toward increasing awareness of young onset Parkinson’s disease in the lay community, the Parkinson’s community and among healthcare professionals. She designed and manages the Center’s educational website, newsletter and e-Newsletter, oversees the development of new young onset support groups, and plans and speaks at conferences across the country.

Julie has a background in Advertising and Marketing and received her Master’s in Social Work in 1995. She is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 15 years of experience working with people of all ages to address a wide range of concerns. She is comfortable discussing the physical, psychological and situational concerns that often accompany PD.

Michael Rezak, MD, PhD

Michael Rezak is Medical Director of the APDA National Young Onset Center. Dr. Rezak is a neurologist and movement disorders specialist. He is Director of the Movement Disorders Center at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. Dr. Rezak is also on the Speaker's Bureau for Allergan, Novartis, Medtronic, Teva and GlaxoSmithKline.