_edited.png)
Our Leadership Team
President:
Dr. Kristina Neely Stehouwer
Dr. Kristina Neely is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology, and the Director of the Brain and Behavior Lab at Auburn University. Dr. Neely's area of expertise is the neural control of movement in adults. She is particularly interested in how movement is influenced by cognitive functions, such as inhibitory control and working memory. She has been personally impacted by Parkinson's as a care partner to her mother and her father-in-law, both living with the condition.
Vice President:
Richard (Rick) Hulsey
Richard (Rick) Hulsey moved to Auburn in 1968 as a student earning a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Auburn University. His roots run deep in Lee County where he and his wife, Cheryl, have been fortunate to live, worship, raise their family and work for more than 50 years. Rick was one of four founding partners of a business software development firm where he dedicated over 40 years of his career. Despite stepping away from the corporate world, Rick's passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly those facing challenges like Parkinson's Disease remains unwavering. Rick is actively involved in lending his knowledge and support to the group and brings long-term community connection to the team. Rick was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2021.
Treasurer:
Jeff Neely
Jeff Neely brings a world of financial experience and corporate senior management leadership to the team with his past career roles. He was the senior corporate merchandising executive for a national chain of over 300 stores, a corporate Division's senior executive as a Division SVP/General Manager for a chain of over 350 stores and the Executive V.P. for a chain of over 400 stores. Jeff is very involved in local community activities having served as a Town Commissioner, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Town Planning Board member and a representative on numerous Boards of Directors. Jeff is personally committed to Parkinson's as a care giver partner to his wife.
Secretary:
Karl Schweinfest
Karl Schweinfest is a native New Yorker who graduated from the University of Notre Dame in1971 with a business degree. He and his wife, Paula, lived in Memphis for more than 40 years. Majority of Karl's career was dedicated to the marketing and sales of medical devices. He is a strong advocate for high-quality patient care and positive patient outcomes. After retiring in 2017, they followed their grandchildren to the Auburn Community in 2019 where Karl is dedicated to serving passionately on the Parkinson's Support Group Board.
Founder, Member at Large:
Kat West
Kathryn Milly West works to inspire anyone involved in the Parkinson's community. After obtaining a Master's of Science degree in Physiology / Zoology from Auburn University (1990), Kathryn went on to dedicate 36 years of her life to the field of Medical Laboratory Science while also working at East Alabama Medical Center Laboratory, and while also teaching and advising students at Auburn University during those last 30 years. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 43, Kathryn's passion for education and helping others has never waned. Within the Auburn Opelika Parkinson's Disease Support Group, she most recently served as a lead facilitator helping to reorganize and reactivate the previous PD Support Group from 5-8 years ago. Since retirement from the hospital and Auburn University in 2019, she continues to share her knowledge and experience with fellow Parkinson's patients and their families and currently serves as a Board member-at-large for the newly reactivated Support Group.
Our Communication Co-Directors
Ellie Bolio
Ellie Bolio is a senior at Auburn University studying Exercise Science with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist. She is also minoring in English Professional Writing to support her interest in research and documentation for her future career. As a military child, she moved 18 times and loves adventuring and meeting new people. In her free time, Ellie is often reading or running, and she recently competed in her first Marathon in Aspen. Ellie has enjoyed serving as co-director of communications for the Auburn-Opelika Parkinson's Disease Support Group with peer and friend Emily Hunter and looks forward to continuing to be an advocate for PWP!
Emily Hunter
Emily Hunter is a student at Auburn University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with plans to continue her education in Physical Therapy after graduation. Emily is very passionate about working with older adults and aspires to do so in her career. Originally from Woodstock, GA, she relocated to Auburn to further her education. She has gained connections to others through her role as a barista and thoroughly enjoys getting involved in the community. Beyond her academic pursuits, Emily finds joy in cooking, thrifting, and taking film photography, as well as spending time with her friends and family.