Speaking Testimonials
"Steve Yellen talked to our Young Onset Parkinson's group last month, and got a terrific response. The most frequent comment was how inspirational he was, but we also really appreciated his modesty, and his acknowledgment that PD is different for everyone. It was certainly valuable to see how well one can live and how active one can be after diagnosis. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to other groups."
- John Mamin, Stanford/Palo Alto YOPD Group
"Steve joined our Middleton WI Parkinson's Wellness Group (APDA Wisconsin Chapter) via Zoom. Twenty people attended this monthly meeting after preparing for this session by reading parts or all of the book. This was one of the most interesting discussions we have had. Steve gave us an opportunity to explore with him the motivation behind each of his seven strategies.
It was as if we were writing the book with him, exploring his strategies as they apply to our lives in Wisconsin. Today at boxing, many people came up to me after hearing excellent comments about the session. I promised them I would try to recap the discussion and the book, In accordance with Steve's desire to reach out and serve the PD community."
- Bill Ryan, VP Wisconsin Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association
"Steve Yellen's Living Parkinson's is a must-have for everyone with Parkinson's. His presentation to my Sunday Morning webinar group was well received and very informative. Broken down into seven specific ways to live better with Parkinson's, Yellen answered a lot of questions that people who are newly diagnosed have and how they can live well for a long time with the disease."
- Sharon "Twitchy Woman" Krischer
"Thank you so very much for a wonderful webinar. Steve was so personable and shared some valuable information - especially valuable to me as a newcomer."
- Meeting Attendee
Steve spoke with our Palo Alto Parkinson's Support Group in April 2026. We had a mix of 30 people with Parkinson's and family members attending virtually. Group members loved Steve's honesty about the ups and downs of his journey with Parkinson's.
Both the group leaders and attendees thanked us for inviting Steve to join the group. His book is an easy read and group members found Steve very easy to talk to about the challenges of Parkinson's Disease.
- Robin Riddle, Coordinator, Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach Program
"It went amazing. Everyone loved it. And we are going to be reading the book for our support group ... Super encouraging!"
- Siobhan Mattingly, Director of Marketing, Parkinson Support Group, Avery Heights
"Our students found Steve's manner of presenting to be extremely easy to follow, informative and relevant to their interests. They appreciated his message and found it encouraging and motivating. They are exercise science majors, and all have plans on furthering their education in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Nursing or Exercise and Sports Science. All found Steve's message and delivery stimulating."
- Peter Ronai, Clinical Professor Exercise Science, Sacred Heart University
"Living Parkinson's is more than just a guide: it motivates readers to build resilience, find purpose, and keep living vibrant, meaningful lives despite the challenges of Parkinson’s.."
- Sabela Martinez, YOPNYC Chapter
"Steve did an exceptional job of helping Parkinson's participants understand the importance of having a positive attitude and incorporating healthy lifestyle practices throughout their day to live well with Parkinson’s. He is both humble and inspirational – sharing tools to reinforce wellness practices, enlist the support of providers and loved ones as needed, and keep educated on the disease and treatments."
- Sharon O'Brien, Community Wellness Director, Mandell JCC Greater Hartford
"I have run a monthly online Zoom group for care partners of loved ones with Parkinson's for the past six years. During that time, we have had many incredible speakers. Steve spoke at our most recent meeting, and he was among the most dynamic and informative guests we have welcomed. Steve discussed how he employs his seven strategies for living well with Parkinson's in his own life, and provided tips on how those at every stage of the PD journey can create a mindset of self-efficacy by setting and attaining small goals. Everyone was incredibly impressed with his knowledge, his ability to inspire others and his humility. If you are a support group leader looking for an "out of the box" speaker, Steve is your man."
- Diana Dunetz, Founder, International Online Parkinson’s Care Partner Support Group
"The Somerset Group reflects the wide diversity of people living with Parkinson’s and related disorders—from those newly diagnosed to individuals who have been managing the condition for more than 20 years.
Steve’s presentation resonated deeply with our group. His positive and empowering approach to living with Parkinson’s highlighted the critical role of self-efficacy—the confidence to take an active role in managing one’s health. He emphasized that self-efficacy must be built, maintained, and nurtured over time. Steve is an inspiration and a powerful example of the importance of self-advocacy, encouraging people to take charge of their disease, make informed decisions, and live well despite the challenges Parkinson’s can bring.
- Karen Malkin, Somerset (New Jersey) Parkinson's Support Group
"Steve spoke to our Parkinson's Program and shared his story in an engaging, honest, and inspiring way. Our group got so much out of hearing about his journey, his determination to stay ahead of Parkinson's, and the practical tips and strategies that have helped him along the way. It was a meaningful and motivating talk for everyone."
- Rose Brown, Program Lead - Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program, APDA IRC Coordinator for Kings County, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
“Steve spoke to a number of the support and education groups I facilitate for the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center. He spoke about his experiences with Parkinson’s disease openly in a way that inspired discussion about relating his lessons to many different aspects and stages of the diagnosis. The topics continued to arise in following meetings as members considered more about the perspectives he shared. I would recommend any group hear from Steve to start conversations about how to pull from his positive, productive viewpoint, whatever their current situation may be.”
- Sarah Phelan, MS, Health Educator II, Johns Hopkins Parkinson's Disease and
Movement Disorders Center
“It was great having Steve present at our group. It's one experience having a Parkinson's disease provider or specialist speak on Parkinson's disease. But having a speaker with Parkinson's share their story and personal strategies on how to best manage PD can provide another level of connection and empowerment for group particiapnts.”
- Laura Savary, LCSW, Social Worker, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence Coordinator, NYU Langone
"Our Parkinson's support group is open to all people living with Parkinson's and their care partners, regardless of age or stage of managing the condition. Our group really enjoyed having Steve visit and speak to his experience and research about Parkinson's. Steve left the group with useful information and a positive outlook on living a full life despite the difficulties in managing symptoms. As the group leader, I found that offering Steve's book and presence to the group added value for all members regardless of whether they had read the book. However, every member who did read the book said, 'Steve's book should be required reading for all doctors treating people living with Parkinson's!'"
- Dana Rummery, LPC, ATR-BC, APDA Pennsylvania
"Steve presented his diagnosis and journey with PD in a warm, accessible style. He leaned into his positive experience with exercise and wellness, yet was very sensitive about other experiences that may be different from his. He recognized that not everyone comes to PD with a fitness routine, or ability to train for races, and his sensitivity to this was appreciated. His intellectual curiosity about PD, and his optimistic lens were compelling and inspiring."
- Jules Giggie, LICSW, APDA Massachusetts