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Heather Simpson graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Early Education from the University of Florida in 2007. Following her Bachelor’s degree, Heather received a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, in 2009, from the University of Florida. Since completion of graduate school, she has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient neurology, inpatient physical rehabilitation and pediatric rehab. Currently, Heather splits her time between Shands Rehab at UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration and Shands Rehab for Kids at Magnolia Parke.
Heather provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment for patients seen in the Ataxia clinic and Muscular Dystrophy clinics. She also evaluates and treats a variety of other movement disorders diagnoses including Parkinson’s, Parkinsonisms, Dystonia, Essential Tremor and Tics/Tourette’s Syndrome.
Heather has received specialized training for LSVT BIG ® and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
The Tourette Association of America (TAA) is excited to host their second annual Virtual Conference on May 14 – 16, 2021. This three-day free event focuses on Working Together and Living Better, providing numerous web-based educational sessions for the Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorder…
February is known as the month of love. With the popular holiday, Valentine’s day, this month often encourages people to express their love for their loved ones and reminds romantic partners to re-focus on their relationships. However, research shows that a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative condition, such as Parkinson’s disease…
Creating New Year’s resolutions is a long-standing tradition for many. Often, these resolutions are aimed at doing something better to become more happier like giving up an unhealthy habit or trying to exercise more. This January, we encourage caregivers and care partners to loved ones with Parkinson’s disease…
This year, the Fixel Institute joins the Parkinson’s Foundation in recognizing our care partners (Heros @ Home) for the National Family Caregivers Month. Now, more than ever, we want to show our thanks and appreciation for those who give of themselves to ensure that their…
People living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can have functional impacts in many facets of their day, ranging from mobility, self-care, sleep and many more. PD affects many parts of an individual in both motor and non-motor capacities. Recently, researchers have begun to study in the impact that PD has…
Contributed by Kathleen Mason In the wake of COVID -19, life over the past six months has drastically changed. Many aspects of everyday activities are on hold for the foreseeable future. A physically distanced world is the recommended indefinite “new normal” for those in the PD community to stay…
Contributed by Kathy Mason The Parkinson’ Disease (PD) journey has many twists and turns for persons with PD and caregivers alike. Knowledge is power. In order to live well with the disease, there is a need for both to understand it and what to expect with progression. The more…
Written by : Ali Kraus, PT, DPT, NCS and Kim Patton, PT, DPT, modified from original post of Meredith Defranco, PT, DPT What is Freezing of Gait Freezing occurs when…
Advocacy and Awareness Interview with Soccer Star Tim Howard Noah Schlicksup, a teen living with Tourette syndrome and a patient at UF Health, uses his social media platform to interview…
Written by: Elena Smith, UF Dietetic Intern, Carley Rusch, MS, RDN, LDN & Matthew Beke, MS, RDN, LDN If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s disease (PD), you may have wondered what the best diet is for a person with PD. The 2015-2020 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans…
