
September 26th – 29th, 2025 at White Point Beach Resort
Has your Parkinson’s diagnosis dampened your active lifestyle? As a Person with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD), are you limiting activity because you have noticed some changes in your movements, are unsure of what you are capable of achieving now, anxious about not being able to keep up with your family and friends or maybe all of the above? You have come to the right place.
Our ‘Living Well With Parkinson’s’ retreat, taking place at White Point Beach Resort on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore, is here to guide and empower you to break through those boundaries and live life to the fullest.
This retreat was so well put together! You thought of everything. Surprisingly LOVED basketball! I honestly was not looking forward to it, but Kevin and I really enjoyed it! Stepping outside our comfort zone was surprisingly fun 🙂 I am impressed and honored to have been at your first retreat with my sweet husband.
Karen, Teammate of PwPD – attended Dr Joy Cochran retreat
What’s included?
Exercise is Medicine
Learn PD specific exercises to prepare you for whatever adventure you have in mind. We will explore outdoor and recreational activities. Possible activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, pickleball and other outdoor activities.
Educational Workshops
Our speakers will share their expertise in helping PwPD thrive. By presenting tools and strategies to optimize comfort and function, speakers will empower PwPD and their caregivers to confidently navigate daily challenges, stay active, and embrace life with greater independence and joy.
Relaxation & Fun
Free time available each day to recharge; whether that is reading a book, taking a quick nap, or sitting at the water’s edge. Fun, social activities will be planned as well, such as campfires, cards/games, and maybe even some dancing.
Guest Speaker Joy Cochran
Dr Joy Cochran is a Physical Therapist passionate about empowering People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD). She has her pulse on the latest PD research, is a member of the Davis Phinney Foundation Exercise Think Tank, received grant money from the PD Foundation for Community Programs, and presented a poster highlighting the success of her Outdoor Adventure Program for PwPD at the 2023 World Parkinson’s Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Joy is lending her expertise in developing and delivering retreats for PwPD for this year’s event! Joy holds all of the below certifications specific for treating PwPD:
- Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) Moves
- Activator Program by Urban Poling
- Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)
- LSVT BIG

“The retreat met and exceeded all of our expectations. Recognizing the shared nature of all our experiences really enhanced the opportunity for learning and expanded our network.”
Jeff and Cleo, PwPD – Attended Joy’s Parkinson’s Retreat
Retreat Speakers will include

Pamela Coulter, from Shoreline Therapy will discuss strategies for speech and swallowing challenges
Pamela has worked with adults with communication challenges due to neurological conditions since 2007. This has included working with people with Parkinson’s disease with communication changes related to their voice (e.g., reduced volume), stuttering, speech clarity, and word finding. She is certified in the voice treatment LSVT LOUD. In addition to her work at Shoreline Therapy, Pamela is an Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Laura Lundquist, from Zoomers Physiotherapy, will discuss motivation & habit change
Laura’s passion is helping people return to or maintain function despite an injury or illness. Her experience in sport physiotherapy and private practice orthopedics has given her a unique perspective and ability to help people achieve these goals. She has a particular interest in helping people maintain a healthy level of physical activity despite normal age-related changes that happen to us all… this was how the idea for Zoomers Physiotherapy and Health Solutions was born!

Lindsey Hounsom, Zoomers LSVT trained Physiotherapist, will discuss movement and functional strategies
Lindsey Hounsom, Zoomers LSVT BIG trained Physiotherapist, will discuss movement and functional strategies. Originally from England, Lindsey has a Master’s degree in Sports Physiotherapy. She has worked exclusively with older adults for 6 years and has a special interest in Parkinson’s. She is LSVT BIG certified and has enhanced knowledge in treatment and rehabilitation for persons with Parkinson’s. Lindsey is a volunteer for the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia, offering education sessions and support for members. She is a firm believer in giving individuals all the tools needed for helping themselves to improve and rehabilitate to maximize their potential, as part of their physiotherapy experience.

Ashley Button, LSVT trained Physiotherapist from Zoomers Physiotherapy, will discuss movement strategies
Ashley brings with her a true passion for helping her clients use movement to optimize their health. She has a particular interest in chronic pain management. Ashley aims to create an individualized treatment program for each of her clients by using an evidence-based approach through education, exercise, and manual therapy. She believes encouraging movement and educating clients on their injuries are key to empowering her clients to achieve their goals.

Michelle Lehman from Shoreline Therapy will discuss how occupational therapists support changes to handwriting, activities of daily living (e.g., chores, work, self-care), and energy conservation
Michelle has worked as an occupational therapist since 2020, working with both pediatric and adult populations. She has worked specifically with people with Parkinson’s disease and neurological conditions on managing their fatigue, handwriting/fine-motor skills, and activities of daily living while working at both Dalhousie University and Shoreline Therapy.

Emily Bushell will lead a group for care partners on cultivating inner resources, navigating change, and building sustainable pathways of support and self-compassion
Emily Bushell is the owner and Clinical Director of Wholetherapy. With over a decade of experience supporting individuals through trauma and transition, Emily brings warmth, expertise, and a deep belief in posttraumatic growth to her work. She is passionate about creating spaces that foster resilience, empowerment, and connection. Alongside her clinical work, Emily trains and consults with therapists and organizations, helping the helpers build sustainable, trauma-informed practices rooted in compassion and care.

Andrea Titterness will lead a group for PwPD to discuss personal resilience, hope, and meaning-making in the wake of diagnosis.
Andrea Titterness brings warmth, curiosity, and compassion to her work as a therapist. With a background in neuroscience and counselling psychology, Andrea integrates approaches like Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to support emotional well-being and resilience. She is trained in EMDR and Group Traumatic Episode Protocol and brings both scientific insight and a deeply human approach to the group space. Andrea is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments for meaningful connection and healing.
Day 1
September 26th
- 3:00pm – Arrival and meet & greet
- 4:00pm – Check In at Resort
- 5:30pm – Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:30pm – Tai Chi
Day 2
September 27th
- 8:00am – Active Session #1
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- 10:00am – Education Session #1
- 10:45am – 11:15am Break
- 11:15am – Active Session #2
- 12:15pm – LUNCH
- 1:30pm – Education Session #2
- 3:30pm – Active Session #3
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:30pm – Social & Dancing in the main lodge with a live band
Day 3
September 28th
- 8:00am – Active Session #1
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- 10:00am – Education Session #1
- 12:00pm – LUNCH
- 1:15pm – Active Session #2
- 3:00pm – Education Session #2
- 3:30pm Education Session #3
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm – Partner R&R/PD Action Planning Session
- 6:00pm – Dinner
- 7:30pm – Active Session #3
- 9:00pm – Bonfire
Day 4
September 29th
- 8:00am – Active Session
- 9:00am – Breakfast & Goodbye!
Join us for an unforgettable and transformative experience on your Parkinson’s Journey
Fri Sept 26 – Mon Sept 29, 2025 (first annual!) at White Point Beach Resort
This retreat is intended for People living with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD) and their care partners and is hosted by the team at Zoomers Physiotherapy and Health Solutions. Let’s build a thriving community for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, allied health providers, and private industry!
Frequently asked questions
How much is the retreat?
What is included in the price?
Accommodation for 3 nights, 8 meals (Fri supper, Sat/Sun breakfast/lunch/supper, Mon breakfast), all education and activity sessions.
How many people do you expect to attend?
We anticipate 15 PwPD participants with their care partners (30 total)
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out to us at admin@zoomershealth.ca with any additional questions you may have.
How do I register?
Complete the Google Form below to express your interest, our team will get back to you shortly!
What if I have to cancel? What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy for the Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease Retreat
Your spot(s) is confirmed as soon as we receive your payment.
In the event you need to cancel for any reason after payment has been made, we will do our best to fill your spot(s) with another participant up until the start of the Retreat.
If we are able to fill your spot(s), your payment will be refunded in full, less a $300/per person processing fee.
If we are not able to fill your spot(s), the Cancellation Fees below will apply for any and all cancellation circumstances.
Please be patient if you are waiting to hear from us about a refund. Because we do our best to fill your spot(s), no refunds will be given until after the Retreat.
Cancellation Fees
DOUBLE ROOM (PwPD and care partner – both people cancel) – $2,400.00
SINGLE ROOM – $1,600.00
Register Now
Participants who will gain the most from this experience:
- Diagnosed in the last 3-5 years
- Have questions about what options exist to thrive today & tomorrow while managing PD
- Interested in building a network of community support
- Able to walk 20 minutes at a moderate pace comfortably with or without light assistance (ie cane)
- Able and willing to participate in indoor and outdoor physical activities