Parkinson's Information Seminar - North Ryde 12 August 2026

Wednesday 12 August 2026 - Parkinson's information seminars provide updates and discussions by neurologists, exercise physiologists, neurological nurses, exercise specialists, General Practitioners, geriatricians, finance advisors and many more professionals and experts in Parkinson's Disease.

Your guest speakers at the North Ryde Information Seminar:

Associate Professor Florin Gandor

Neurologist

A/Prof Florin Gandor is a neurologist and movement disorders specialist with a focus on Parkinson’s disease and its treatment in the advanced stages, atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, and laryngopharyngeal pathology in movement disorders. A/Prof Gandor trained in Berlin and Sydney and obtained his specialist qualification as a neurologist in 2014 in Germany. He obtained an MD in 2010 in experimental stroke research at Charité Berlin, Germany, and until 2024 he was a senior consultant neurologist at the Movement Disorders Hospital in Beelitz, Germany. In 2021 A/Prof Gandor was awarded the Robert-Wartenberg award and lecture, the highest German non-academic research award.

Melissa McConaghy, FACP

CEO & Principal Physiotherapist

Melissa is a specialist neurological physiotherapist and founded Advance Rehab Centre in 2009 after recognising the need for a purpose-built neurological rehab centre providing expert rehabilitation for people with complex therapy needs in Sydney. She is also the founder of PD Warrior®, a program for people with Parkinson’s that is taught and licensed internationally and INSIGHT, an online conference that is part of the global education calendar for people with Parkinson’s. Melissa has worked in a variety of neurological rehabilitation settings both here and overseas for 22 years and has taught on a range of topics including Intensity in Stroke, Neuroplasticity in Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, Introduction to Polio, hydrotherapy for neurological populations and contributed to the production of the APA Level 1 Neurological Rehab course. Melissa is the author of the Amazon best-selling book “The New Parkinson’s Treatment: Exercise is Medicine”.

Wendy Li

Professional Leader - Dietetics

Wendy Li is the Professional Leader of Dietetics at Royal Rehab Ryde and has worked as a dietitian for over 14 years. She has experience working in hospitals, rehabilitation services, outpatient clinics, and community health settings. She has supported many people living with Parkinson's disease and understands some of the nutrition and eating challenges that can come with the condition. She is passionate about helping people with Parkinson's and their families use food and nutrition to support their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.  

Christina Samy      Director Optimal SP & Speech Pathologist

Christina graduated with a Master of Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University in 2018. With extensive experience across public and private sectors, she has developed deep expertise in managing complex communication and swallowing needs in a range of populations and has a strong clinical interest in Parkinson's Disease and other related neurodegenerative diseases. As Director of Optimal Speech Pathology, Christina supports service development and contributes to strategic planning to enhance service delivery. She is passionate about evidence-based, person-centred care and works closely with clients and their families to achieve meaningful communication and swallowing outcomes.

Melissa Fratiza, Counsellor Parkinson’s NSW

Melissa has been working as a counsellor with PNSW since January 2026. While new to PNSW, she is not at all new to working with people with PD. Melissa has been working with clients with PD for 15years and also running one of the local support groups for the past 13 years. With a qualification in counselling and a background also working as an Occupational Therapist, Melissa is committed to enhancing quality of life for those Living with Parkinson’s helping them work through how their symptoms impact their mental health. Melissa also has a passion for carers and care partners, to help balance stress and responsibility with a little joy every day. Melissa would describe herself as not the normal counsellor. She is practical, down-to-earth, but with the level of empathy and gentleness tailored individually to each client. Melissa strives to see that everyone has the opportunity for counselling to help them navigate life’s challenges. Asking for help is NOT failure, it’s empowering your success

9.30 am Registration

For any further information, please contact Christine McGee (02) 8051 1900

Proudly supported by North Ryde RSL Club