Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe

 1000 Corporate Drive

Canonsburg, PA 15317

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AMBER VAN LAAR, MDS
SVP Global Clinical Development, AskBio Inc.

As a neurologist, the potential of gene therapy has driven Dr. Amber Van Laar’s clinical and research interests in the development of novel gene therapies for CNS disorders. Her early research, in the lab and later in the clinic, investigated the disease modifying potential of gene therapy for common and rare neurodegenerative conditions. These experiences led her to further explore gene therapy as a platform to treat previously untreatable rare diseases that particularly impact children. Dr. Van Laar continues her work with gene therapy and now serves as the SVP of Global Clinical Development for Asklepios BioPharmacetuical Inc. (AskBio). In this role, she continues to develop gene therapies that hold potential to alter the course of diseases with high unmet need in the hopes of bettering the lives of patients and their families.

Presentation Topic: Lost in translation: Research Updates 

DAVE AND CHARICE WILLIAMS
Parkinson’s Advocates, Person with Parkinson’s and Spouse

Dave’s Bio

David is a retired Project Manager with 20 years of experience in the Aerospace Industry. He began his career at NASA Glenn Research Center, where he transformed a contract with 35 full-time employees into one with 250 full-time employees over five years and continued as project manager for an additional five years. Additionally, he increased the percentage of minority employees from 5% to 35%. David then went on to manage a 150 man-year project, overseeing the operation and maintenance of research labs and test rigs. Some of the facilities he managed included Wind Tunnels, Zero Gravity Facilities, AeroAcoustical Facilities, the Icing Research Tunnel, and various other research facilities.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where much of his family still resides, David is a graduate of Capital University with a B.A. degree and Ashland Theological Seminary, a Graduate School of Ashland University, where he earned an MDiv Degree. Despite receiving an offer from a graduate school of engineering to design a Master of Engineering program, David declined, preferring to pursue postgraduate studies that enhanced his performance rather than those leading to a degree. His performance evaluations at NASA Glenn consistently rated above 95%.

In 1977, during his time in seminary, the dean nominated David for a fellowship, later known as the Benjamin E. Mayes Fellowship, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. The fellowship required him to choose a thesis addressing a problem relevant to both the church and the secular world. David’s thesis posed the question: “Could You Baptize Someone Who Had Been Medically and Legally Changed from One Sex to Another?” In other words, a transsexual. He was the only person in the country to choose this topic for their thesis, which was intended to address a problem in the near future.

David has always been an independent thinker, as one of his professors at the seminary characterized him, he has a “nice, irreverent mind”.  As his life has shown, he has not traveled the conventional paths.

In 2000, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Today, he is the father of six children (two of whom are deceased) and the husband of Charice Williams. He is also the author of the book “Mind Over Parkinson’s.”

David’s extensive professional experience and personal journey with Parkinson’s have deeply influenced his perspective on caregiving and patient empowerment. His work as a Patient Ambassador and his dedication to sharing his story reflect his commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges. Through his book and presentations, David aims to inspire and support those affected by Parkinson’s, emphasizing the importance of self-care, gratitude, and resilience.

Charice’s Bio

Charice Williams is a multifaceted professional, serving as a consultant, educator, community service advocate, and entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduation, Charice worked for several years as an educational consultant, earning accolades for her innovative programs implemented in public, private, and charter schools.

Charice leveraged her educational innovations to transition into welfare-to-work and TANF programs, where she continued to achieve success. She became involved in the grant review process and has served as chairperson of teams of grant reviewers. Her passion for creating educational programs has kept her connected to the education field, where she occasionally engages in substitute teaching.

In 2017, Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Charice to the Commission for National and Community Service (ServeDC). The mission of ServeDC is to develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for community service initiatives in the District of Columbia and to serve as the District’s liaison between national and state organizations in alignment with the District of Columbia’s strategic plan.

More recently, Charice was appointed as a commissioner on the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI). This commission supports and advocates for women’s issues through research and community involvement. She also serves as a First Responder and is often called upon to serve during emergencies.

In her personal life, Charice is married with a son and five bonus children. She resides in Ward 4 in the District of Columbia. Charice is known for her warm personality and open-minded spirit, which is evident in her dedication to helping others. When she is not working or serving as a commissioner, she volunteers with the Ward 4 East Rock Creek Village Seniors program. Charice is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she serves on various committees that provide community service.

Presentation Topics: Mind Over Parkinson’s: Empowering Individuals with Parkinson’s

Supporting Caregivers: The Synergy of Determination and Dedication in Care Coaching

TERRI PEASE, PhD
Author, Retired Social Services and Healthcare Industries Professional

Despite knowing, before they met, that her date had Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Terri Pease was intrigued by his story and the twinkle in his eye.  Within a year they married, and Terri began the journey that led to her life today, as an author, consultant, and coach for those who care for spouses who have Parkinson’s and related neurological conditions. 

 As the cognitive and relational changes of Parkinson’s changed their new marriage, Terri stepped up with a lifetime of experience in supporting people facing highly challenging situations and helped her beloved husband, and herself, to sustain their loving connection despite the ravages of Parkinson’s. 

 After her husband’s death Terri turned her attention to using her personal and professional experience to write her highly regarded book, Love, Dignity and Parkinson’s: from Care Partner to Caregiver.  Throughout her working life Terri trained staff in organizations around the United States on how to offer supportive, empathic, and trauma-informed care. Now her professional experience has informed her approach to caregiving, supporting families when a loved one has Parkinson’s, and helping caregivers make the idea of self-care real, practical and possible. 

Presentation Topic: Love, Loss, and Light: Preserving Connection in the Face of Parkinson’s

TIMOTHY LEICHLITER MD
Board Certified Neurologist, Allegheny Neurological Associates 

Dr. Timothy Leichliter is a board-certified neurologist practicing at Allegheny Neurological Associates.  After receiving his M.D. at Temple University School of Medicine he completed his internship and residency at Allegheny General Hospital.  This was followed by a fellowship in Movement Disorders under the supervision of Dr. Susan Baser.  He currently specializes in treating patients with various movement disorders including essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, dystonia, and others.  He is also currently doing clinical research in the areas of Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.  Other interests include Deep Brain Stimulator treatment for various movement disorders, botulinum toxin injection, as well as other novel treatment strategies for ET, PD, and other movement disorders.

Presentation Topic: Ask the Expert Panel with Movement Disorder Specialists (MDS)

AUSTIN OBLACK DO
Neurologist, Independent Health System  

Dr. Austin Oblack is a board certified neurologist practicing within Independence Health (formerly Excela Health).  After receiving his D.O. at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), he completed his neurology residency at Allegheny General Hospital.  He then completed a fellowship in Movement Disorders under the guidance of Dr. Shilpa Chitnis and Dr. Elan Louis.  Dr. Oblack specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders such as essential tremor, dystonia and Huntington’s disease among others.  He also has expertise in the selection and treatment with advanced therapeutic options such as Deep Brain Stimulation and High Frequency Ultrasound as well as the utilization of botulinum toxin injections for dystonias as well as spasms and spasticity.

Presentation Topic: Ask the Expert Panel with Movement Disorder Specialists (MDS)

Nikita Urval, MD
Board certified neurologist, Butler Memorial Hospital

Dr.Nikita Urval is a board-certified neurologist practicing at Butler Memorial Hospital. She received her MD at West Virginia School of Medicine then completed her neurology residency and her Movement Disorders Fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel: Icahn School of Medicine in New York, NY.

Presentation Topic: Ask the Expert Panel with Movement Disorder Specialists (MDS)

KACI MONHART CRNP
Neurology, Allegheny Neurological Associates

Kaci Monhart is a board-certified Nurse practitioner who is currently employed at Allegheny Neurological Associates with AHN.  After receiving her BSN from Duquesne University, she worked in critical care primarily in the Medical ICU at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital prior to perusing an advanced degree in Family Practice once again at Duquesne University. During this time, she was a clinical faculty member for the University teaching both undergraduate and second-degree students while working part-time in the various ICUs within the UPMC health system. She is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Leichliter, a movement disorder specialist within the practice. She specializes in the management of various movement disorders including Parkinson’s Disease, Essential tremor, Huntington’s disease, dystonia and other disorders. She is trained to perform Deep Brain Stimulator adjustments for the diagnoses including PD and ET, Botox injections, and other treatment strategies for movement disorders.

Presentation Topic: Ask the Expert Panel with Movement Disorder Specialists (MDS)