Our team
Mindful of Limitations, Focused on Possibilities
David Fletcher
Founder and CEO
With a master’s in physical therapy from the University of Maryland, David Fletcher regularly wins plaudits for his expertise. With experience in Physical Therapy with Kessler Rehabilitation Centers and Medstar, he formed his own company, Ergonomically Correct Physical Therapy, in 2004. ECPT has been a favorite PT practice in Annapolis according to the magazine “What’s Up Annapolis”.
Four years ago, he began a chapter of Rock Steady Boxing in Annapolis and has grown it to a participantship of 70.
Now he brings his vision of a center dedicated to meeting the physical and well-being needs of those impacted by movement disorders of any kind with the establishment of Empower Motivation Fitness.
David lives in Shady side, Maryland with his wife Erin, two dogs, and a cat. He is a proud parent of two college-aged children.
Amalia Phillips
Program Director, Courageous Conversations
Amalia brings a wealth of US and international experience as a long-time educator, Conflict Resolution Facilitator (trained by the Alternatives to Violence Project, USA), a mediator (trained by the Anne Arundel Center for mediation), and a Compassionate Listening Facilitator. Amalia artfully shares the principles of Compassionate Listening and nurtures brave conversations with volunteer organizations, religious organizations, educational institutions, and her Listening Room.
With her cultural mindfulness facilitation training, she invites people to share their perspectives, ideas, and participate with authenticity.
Amalia holds a Bachelor’s of Education and a Master’s of Science in Performance and Instructional Technology. She resides in Annapolis, MD with her husband and Sonny, their Portuguese Water dog.
Julie Heath
Healing Through Art Program Director
Lauren Mowbray
M.A.
CCC-SLP
Voice Fitness Program Director
Lauren Mowbray, owner and speech-language pathologist at Pinpoint Speech Therapy received her master’s degree at University of Maryland College Park. She has been providing in-home speech therapy since 2017, treating communication and swallowing disorders related to strokes, brain injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, and others. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). She is certified in Dementia Capable Care and Speak Out! therapy for Parkinson’s and related diseases.
Lauren resides with her husband and two young children in Bowie.
Bridgette Michaels
Music Program Director
Bridgette grew up in Trinidad and for the past 25 years has lived on America’s east coast. Her PhD in Oceanography helps Bridgette smoothly incorporate ocean themes and a Caribbean feel as she weaves reggae vibes throughout her culturally diverse music. In addition to her original songbook, Bridgette and her band “Guava Jelly” play popular, well-known cover songs loved by generations. Check (http://www.guavajelly.net).
Bridgette enjoys helping patients with Parkinson’s which has impacted her family directly. Surrendering positions in teaching at University of Maryland and administration work at the Key School, Bridgette is devoting her time, effort, and talent to her husband and two children and expanding her music career.
You can buy or listen to Bridgette’s music on lots of streaming services.
Listen on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AAKlNA9QLi5JlZnI9fbLH
Jill Williamson
Assistant Coach
Jill Williamson has roughly 20 years as a personal trainer focusing mostly on rehabilitation.
She has worked with clients of all abilities helping them to reach their potential as they face health issues and movement impairments.
She has recently been certified as a Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Specialist along with her other professional certifications related to aging and brain health.
Dennis Casey
Chairperson of the Board
- 40 + years business analysis and leadership
- Parkinson’s since 2013
- Rock Steady Boxing since 2018
- Heritage Harbour Annapolis resident
James Fitzpatrick
Treasurer and CFO
- 40 + years business and community leadership
- Musician, writer, organizer
- Parkinson’s caregiver Since 2018
Nancy Hill
Secretary
- Charitable organization leadership
- Patient advocate
- Parkinson’s since 2015
- Rock Steady Boxing since 2018
Amy Thompson
Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
- 30+ years of strategic communications and public affairs experience
- Parkinson’s since 2022
- Rock Steady Boxing since 2023
Susan Bucklin
Honorary Board Member
- RSBA Co-founder
- >20 years determining MediCAID eligibility
- Parkinsons Foundation Liaison
- Parkinson’s since 2012
Florence McAlvanah
Board of Directors, Member-at-Large.
- Retired RN and educator
- Parkinson’s since 2015
- Rock Boxing since 2016
- Participant in numerous PD research studies
Richard Hays
Board of Directors, Member-at-Large.
- Retired from career in hospitality with focus on special events and contract negotiations
- Executive Director, MD Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
- Fund Raiser for multiple Non-Profits
David Torres
Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
- Award-winning communicator and creative problem-solver
- With Master’s in marketing and communications, helps shape policy and promotes public image, products, and services
- Married 30+ years, 5 accomplished daughters, resides in Millersville
- Parkinson’s since 2018, Member EMF 2022