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Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team works tirelessly to support the Parkinson’s community, offering resources and guidance.

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Sheranda Gunn-Nolan

President & CEO

Young-Onset Parkinson's disease was not something I had on my bingo card for life... and yet, here we are. I reflect on life now and realize, this diagnosis has been with me a long time - I just consistently blamed those feelings or symptoms on stress, fatigue, and a multitude of other human excuses. In my own journey to find support and resources, a vacancy was quickly discovered. My own community provided little to no resources regarding support groups, awareness, or education. This is what we are going to change. It was also quickly obvious the little information generally physicians are taught regarding Parkinson's is a far cry from a comprehensive understanding. We want to challenge that too.

 

As you can see, I am blessed to have the support of this board, MANY others in this community, and spread across this country that stand beside me. My hope is we take this journey head-on, together, the ups-and-downs - let's thrive.

 

Parkinson's creates a recluse like nature. It has a way of stealing a bright light in a personality. It fades a smile. 

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I refuse to accept that. I won't go quietly. 

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Michael Gobble

Treasurer

On July 29, 2025, I was invited to join the Board of Directors for The Parky Club, Inc.—and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. It was an immediate and heartfelt decision rooted in a moment that changed how I see the world.

 

Back on September 15, 2023, I was serving as the executive assistant at Sovah Health, supporting our leadership team and Dr. Gunn-Nolan.  That day, I pressed “send” on an email she asked me to share with our colleagues—an announcement of her diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. It was deeply personal, and it marked the beginning of a journey I hadn’t expected.  At the time, I knew very little about Parkinson’s.  But I wanted to understand.  I wanted to help.  I quickly realized how many people—patients, families, even caregivers—are left with unanswered questions simply because they don’t know where to turn.  That’s where my passion comes in.  I’ve always been driven to help people find answers.  Whether it’s navigating a system of who to call, where to look up something or simply feeling less alone, I believe everyone deserves access to information and support.  

Joining this Board is my way of continuing a mission—of learning, listening, and standing beside anyone who raises their hand and says, “I have a question”.

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Hailey Fowlkes

Director of Community Outreach

Secretary

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Chuck Nolan

Vice-President

I am on this journey with my wife, because I truly love and support her, a full 100%. We are a team, the “ride or die”, but more than that, helping her has helped me in the process. Through this journey, if I can help other spouses sharing similar scenarios, it would be an honor.

 

I have seen the struggles my wife has faced daily, that others do not really have insight on. Through those moments, I have seen just how strong she really is. It seems those that have such a strong desire to do some good in this world carry the burden of something like this. Despite the difficult moments and days, I know her passion is to help others battling this horrible diagnosis.

 

The area we hope to serve needs someone like her, a physician who can understand the disease but also faces it head on personally every day. If people can see a woman like her get up everyday and go to battle – perhaps they can relate more. I have realized the special connection those affected by Parkinson’s share. Only those that feel it can express or understand what the other one feels.

 

My wife has made the decision to thrive, on this journey wholeheartedly with her, we welcome what lies ahead and hope to do some good in the process together.

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Amber Barber

Secretary

For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a nurse in long-term care, inpatient rehabilitation, and now in a quality/peer review role. Throughout my career, I’ve cared for countless patients living with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges they face—physically, emotionally, and mentally—as they navigate a condition that slowly takes pieces of their independence. My role as a nurse has always been to walk beside them, provide comfort, and offer the best care possible.

But my “why” became even more personal a little over a year ago. My dear friend, Sheranda, shared with me that she had been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. It was heartbreaking to hear. As a physician, she knew the reality of what this disease meant for her life—there was no sugarcoating it. What made it even harder was that she didn’t fit the “typical” image most people have of a Parkinson’s patient. She wasn’t an elderly male; she was a vibrant, accomplished woman in the prime of her life.

Her diagnosis opened my eyes even further. Parkinson’s doesn’t discriminate—it can touch anyone, at any stage of life. Too often, awareness is limited by outdated assumptions, and people like Sheranda are left to battle both the disease and the misconceptions that surround it.

That is why I am passionate about being an advocate and part of The Parky Club. My why is not only to stand beside my friend, but also to support every person who has heard the words “you have Parkinson’s.” I want to be part of the movement that brings education, awareness, and hope. And most importantly, I want to contribute to finding a cure.

I am proud to be a part of something that matters so deeply—not just to me, but to so many individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by Parkinson’s. 

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Faryal Mirza

Director of Healthcare Education

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