Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrisit Cornell.
Hi Chrisit, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Capital Area Parkinson’s Society, a local nonprofit, was founded in 1984 by two women whose husband’s had Parkinson’s Disease. Primarily a volunteer led organization, CAPS facilitated support groups with the goal of creating community for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Currently CAPS provides education through monthly meetings and seminars, support groups throughout Austin, social groups, crisis funds, and social services.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
CAPS continued to grow and enjoy healthy support until the pandemic and the part time manager left. It was a rebuilding process (and still is) when the current director began in April of 2023.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
A University of Texas School of Social Work graduate, I started my career in 1998. I worked in almost every branch of healthcare, from nursing homes, hospitals, hospice, and primarily in home care, always with the older adult population. I love working with Seniors and their care partners, as every story is different, and I always find admirable qualities in my clients. As for many years I had a hybrid job of social work and outreach, I learned a lot about Central Texas’ resources. I also returning to UT in 2021 to obtain my master’s degree, so my oldest son and I were in college (different states) at the same time. My grades were better than his!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
A chronic disease like Parkinson’s can be very scary. It’s important for people to have live conversations and interactions to understand and process how to survive it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capitalareaparkinsons.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capitalareaparkinsonssociety/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalAreaParkinsonsSociety/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/capital-area-parkinsons
Image Credits
n/a all taken by Christi Cornell, thus why they are crummy! Sorry!
