Who We Are

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Since 2016, we have offered dance and exercise classes for people with Parkinson disease and related disorders and their care partners in the Springfield, Illinois area.  We welcome dancers at any level of ability.  Since 2024, the FRIENDS Living with PD support group has also been a Joy of Movement program. 

The classes and support group are supported by the American Parkinson Disease Association, Missouri Chapter.  Our classes and support group are made possible by grants from the King's Daughters Organization  Fund, the Halverson-Meseke Family Fund and the Stephens Family Fund of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, as well as the Kloberdanz Trust Fund of the Union Avenue Christian Church, Litchfield. Gracious in-kind support for all face to face classes and the support group is provided by  First Presbyterian Church in Springfield and  Chatham United Methodist Church. Our generous individual donors and  dedicated volunteers keep us dancing. 

 The Joy of Movement is a nonprofit corporation, recognized as a tax-exempt public charity under section 501-(c)(3). Donations to The Joy of Movement are tax-deductible. 

  We are deeply grateful for our many generous donors, including  Mick and Blanca Bernasek, Judith Everson, Donald and Patricia Graham, the Jack Hook Family, Rose Jumper, Jean McCain, Patty and Gil Moore, Candace Mueller,  Cheryl and Mark Pence, Maggie and Darrell Schaver, Jean Scherer, Judy and Harvey Stephens, Candy Thornton, Jane Treadwell,  Kent and Poppy Vincent,  Mary Watson, Bob and Karen Westbrook, Penny Wollan-Kriel and many anonymous donors. 

Donations have also been made in honor of Candace Mueller,  Kathy Thompson, Jane Treadwell and Victor Ginsberg and the  Susan and Peter White family and in loving memory of Kevin Bretz, Dale Bixby, Matthew Chaiklin, Kenna Diaz, Bruce Fischberg, Jack Kriel, Sam Million, Dan O'Brien, Donald Post, Larry Sloan,  Kathy Smith, Nellie Staley, Richard Thompson and Lee Webster. 

Our founder and primary instructor is Eve Fischberg, OT/L.  Eve is an occupational therapist with 46 years of experience in the field; she has training in both Dance for PD and adapted tango, as well as having completed the APDA-provided community exercise instructor course. Since 2021, she has maintained certification in PWR! (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery) Moves, an evidence-based exercise system for people living with PD.  Eve incorporates PWR! Moves into all of our exercise and dance routines.  Eve's additional training in exercise for bone health ensures that all activities are osteoporosis-friendly. 

We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member, Sara Thompson, COTA/L!

With 14 years of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and a degree in Recreation Therapy,  Sara has dedicated her career to helping others build confidence, maintain independence, and enjoy meaningful activities. Sara is passionate about using movement, music, and connection to promote physical well-being, confidence, socialization and—most importantly—joy. She believes movement is not just about what our bodies can do; it’s about connection, participation, and quality of life. Sara has also completed her certification as a PWR! Moves instructor and is excited to integrate this evidence based exercise system into Joy of Movement classes. 

Our Board

Eve Fischberg

 President

Candace Mueller

Vice-president

Maggie Schaver

Secretary

Candy Thornton

Treasurer

Kevin Hill

Board member