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About our group

The Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County (PESGSC) is an IRS-recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in Delaware. Founded in 2009 in Sussex County, Delaware.  Our support group has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit volunteere based PD organizations in Delaware. Our diverse group is made of people living with Parkinson's, their care partners, loved ones, healthcare providers, certified exercise trainers, and individual volunteers who come together for a common mission: 

 

Improve the lives of those living with Parkinson's through exercise, education, and support.

How our group operates

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Exercise

PD-focused certified trainers and group fitness classes

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Education

Informational seminars and sponsored events with PD experts and researchers

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Support

Monthly group meetings, informal check-ins, and social outings

How we started

Founded by those who lived with PD

Betty Leebel received her Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2002. When Betty and her husband, Dennis Leebel, relocated to Sussex County, Delaware, in 2008, they shared a vision to foster a sense of community and support for Parkinson's disease in their new home. Collaboratively, Betty and Dennis initiated the creation of the Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County (PESGSC).

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The inaugural group meeting drew about 50 individuals living with Parkinson's or expressing an interest in the condition. Over time, PESGSC has grown into a thriving community, now comprising more than 250 members. We are immensely grateful to Betty and Dennis Leebel for their dedication and continue to honor and uphold their legacy to this day.

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Board Members

The PESGSC Board of Directors includes members with PD, care partners, and volunteers with a passion for helping the Sussex County Parkinson's population. 

INTERIM PRESIDENT

Jeffrey Tucker

Jeff is a healthcare professional whose career has spanned decades in global organization development, behavior, and psychology. He currently serves as a behavioral health-focussed hospital chaplain. He has authored three (3) published books on human spirituality, wholeness, and wellbeing-- and is currently writing his fourth. Jeff holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration/Public Policy and Theology, respectively. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking in the mountains and along rocky coastlines with his wife, Carmen, and his family.

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TREASURER

Denise Demback

Denise worked for the US Federal Government for 29 years in Capital Planning & Budgeting. While she’s now happily retired, her long career provided her with the foundational experience to act as Treasurer for PESGSC. Denise has served as Treasurer for the board for the last 11 years, and she has been a care partner for her husband with Parkinson’s for 14 years. Denise is also an active contributor to our Member Blog! Go to our blog page to see her posts and caregiver recommendations for living with Parkinson’s.

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TREASURER-ELECT

Debbie Mikiten

Deborah Mikiten is an Aging Life Care Manager/Geriatric Care Manager, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Senior Advisor, and a Fee-For-Service Guardian in Delaware who has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families facing complex neurocognitive and movement disorders. She facilitates caregiver and memory care support groups, provides education across hospitals, senior centers, and community programs, and serves as a trusted advocate for older adults throughout Delaware. Debbie is actively involved in local initiatives that strengthen community awareness, including presenting at “Thriving Together” panels focused on aging, legal planning, and wellness. Her commitment to dignity, empowerment, and practical guidance makes her a valued contributor to the Parkinson’s Education Support Group and the broader aging community. Debbie lives in Sussex County, where she enjoys being part of a close-knit coastal community. Her work is shaped by a deep appreciation for family, connection, and the importance of supporting caregivers as much as the individuals they love. She brings warmth, advocacy, and practical expertise to the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County, helping participants feel supported and understood.

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DIRECTOR

Lee April

Lee and his wife, Carol, lived in Virginia for 36 years before retiring and moving to Lewes in 2019. They have one daughter, Elizabeth, who lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Sean. Lee enjoyed a 42-year career in the hotel industry, most recently serving as a Director with Extended Stay America, where he oversaw 40 hotels in the Washington, D.C., area. During his 18-year tenure with ESA, he also served for two years on the company’s Marketing Committee. A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Lee has been active in several professional and community organizations. He served on the Virginia Hotel/Motel Association Board of Directors, was Treasurer of the Lake Ridge Chorale Board of Directors, and spent four years on the Coastal Club Advisory Board. Music has also been an important part of Lee’s life. He has sung with the Southern Delaware Chorale, the Encore Creativity Chorale for Older Adults in Lewes, and Berkshire Choral International, based in Massachusetts. Since 2020, he has been affiliated with Coastal Concerts in Lewes, where he has served as Secretary and Vice President. He currently serves as President of the Board, with his tenure continuing through April 2027. Recently, Carol was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and she and Lee both sing with Voices of Hope. Lee hopes to become even more active with the board so that he can make a difference not only for his wife, but also for the millions of others affected by Parkinson’s disease.

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DIRECTOR

Renee Goolday

Renee is an experienced marketing professional and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® with over 15 years in the health care industry, spanning skilled home health, nursing rehab, hospice, memory care, assisted living, and companion care. She's known for connecting people with the help and decision-makers they need. Renee has served on the Board of the Newark Senior Center and as an Ambassador for the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. A Delaware native and mother of two, Renee is an active part of the community. Renee has previously been active in fundraising for organizations such as The Cancer Support Community, The Alzheimer's Association, The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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DIRECTOR

Tom McDonald

Tom is a successful finance executive and entrepreneur. He began his professional life as an equity partner in The Country Fare Restaurant Group Baltimore and later had a long career on Wall Street. Most recently, Tom served as Managing Director & Partner of ICR/Westwicke. He has long been involved with civic activities, from sitting on the Board of Directors for The Family Tree of Maryland, to serving as co-chair of Light City in Baltimore. He has also been elected to several HOA boards and acted as an informal advisor to Wide Angle Youth Media. Tom recently retired to spend more time with his family, to travel, and to devote additional efforts to impactful non-profits like PESGSC. Tom and his wife Jamie split their time between Rehoboth Beach and Baltimore and enjoy spending time with their three grown children.

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DIRECTOR

Erin Scharp

Erin Scharp is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience in physical rehabilitation. She earned her degree in Exercise Science from Towson University in 1998 and later graduated from Delaware Technical Community College as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Erin currently serves as a Lead Clinical Navigator at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital, where she helps patients access the specialized care they need for recovery and independence. Her background includes a decade in home health and extensive experience across outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing settings. Erin is passionate about improving quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease through education, community engagement, and compassionate care.

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DIRECTOR

David Schramm

Dave Schramm is a retiree whose career spans more than 30 years in the railroad industry, 13 years in engineering and construction, and 4 years in the U.S. Navy, where he maintained aircraft support equipment with the air wing at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Dave began his railroad career with the New York Central Railroad as an electrician helper in the Maintenance of Equipment Department, earning a B.S. in Accounting from St. Francis University while he worked. He then moved into management, overseeing freight car and diesel locomotive repair and inspection facilities, including heavy overhaul shops, and managing the daily inspection of trains. Over those years, he and his wife, Joanne, and their three children relocated six times around the Northeast before settling in West Chester, PA. He later left freight rail to become a Project Manager with an engineering firm, leading multi-million dollar design/build projects for Fortune 500 companies. After 13 years there, Dave was recruited by Amtrak as Chief Mechanical Officer of the Acela High Speed Rail trainsets, the first high speed trainsets in North America and the continent's only Tier II high speed rail equipment. With no operating or maintenance regulations in place, he worked with the Federal Railroad Administration to write the repair and inspection protocols from scratch. He was also responsible for accepting all 20 trainsets from the manufacturer, building three new maintenance facilities on the Northeast Corridor, and training the maintenance staff, ensuring the demands of daily passenger service were met. Dave held this role until retiring in 2013, when he and Joanne moved to Lewes. Having spent a career writing the manual where none existed, Dave now brings that same determination, along with his own experience living with Parkinson's, to the PESGSC Board.

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DIRECTOR

David Scuccimarra

David was born in the Bronx and raised in a small rural town, Brewster, New York. He attended Catholic University where he earned a B.A. in Medieval History and a Master’s degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction. In 1987 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park. David started his career as a special educator. His administrative positions included Principal, Regional Director, and Associate Superintendent. For 14 years, he served as an adjunct professor for John Hopkins University Graduate School in the Special Education Department teaching Educational Measurement and Assessment. After 35 years as an educator, he retired and moved to Rehoboth Beach where he resides with his wife, Dorothy and his dog, Scarlett.

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DIRECTOR

Meagan Sekscinski

Meagan Sekscinski serves as Director of Community Relationships at Procino-Wells & Woodland, where she connects clients with key community resources and represents the firm at educational events throughout the region. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from Wilmington University and has a background in product management across business and healthcare industries. Meagan resides near Selbyville with her husband and two daughters.

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DIRECTOR

Dr. Carolyn Trasko

Dr. Trasko is an Integrative Mental Health practitioner whose career spans more than 35 years in mental health, trauma, addictions, health, and wellness. She is the founder of Empowered Wellness, an integrative wellness practice located in Lewes, DE. She holds a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Mental Health, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She co-authored the self-help book Holistic Mental Health, Volume 2. For PESGSC, she authored the peer support leader guides and developed an original group program for care partners and couples. In her spare time, she can be found hanging out with her husband of over 30 years at one of her favorite places — the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park.

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DIRECTOR

Rose Verona

Rose Verona brings a diverse professional background to our board, with experience as an Army Officer, educator, logistics and purchasing manager in the food industry, and owner of several tennis pro shops. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and Biology, as well as a CAVS certification, and has served as Director of Volunteers at two hospitals. Rose has a long history of nonprofit leadership and service, including roles with South Coastal AARP, Epworth United Methodist Church, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, hospice organizations, and a not-for-profit music organization in Illinois.

Exercise programs

Learn all about our PD-certified trainers and fitness offerings tailored specifically to those living with PD.

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