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 are made possible by grants from the King's Daughters Organization  Fund and the Stephens Family Fund of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and The Kloberdanz Trust Fund of the Union Avenue Christian Church, Litchfield.  Gracious in-kind support for all face to face classes is provided by  Chatham United Methodist Church,  and First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church and  Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield.  A capacity building grant from the Junior League of Springfield is supporting our work on organizational sustainability.    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,  Rose Jumper, Cherri Mennemeyer, Jean McCain, Candace Mueller,  Cheryl and Mark Pence, Maggie and Darrell Schaver, Judy and Harvey Stephens, Candy Thornton, Jane Treadwell,  Kent and Poppy Vincent,  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  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, OTR/L.  Eve is an occupational therapist with 45 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. In 2021, she achieved certification in PWR! (Parkinson's Wellness Recovery) Moves, an evidence-based exercise system for people living with PD.  Eve was recertified in PWR! Moves in 2024; she 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. 

Our Board

Eve Fischberg

 President

Candace Mueller

Vice-president

Maggie Schaver

Secretary

Candy Thornton

Treasurer