Dr. Gregory M. Pontone is a distinguished neurologist specializing in the neuropsychiatric aspects of Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. He serves as the Division Chief and Professor of Aging, Behavioral, and Cognitive Neurology at the University of Florida, where he also co-directs the Fixel Neuropsychiatry Program and holds the Louis and Roberta Fixel Endowed Chair.

Dr. Pontone earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He completed his medical internship at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, followed by a psychiatry residency and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry and movement disorders research at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Prior to his tenure at the University of Florida, Dr. Pontone was an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. There, he co-founded and directed a movement disorder clinic that provided comprehensive psychiatric care for patients with Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders. He also initiated a mental health counseling program extending support to spouses, families, and caregivers of patients with neurological conditions.

Dr. Pontone's clinical focus is on treating patients with Parkinson's disease who experience cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders. He is committed to delivering evidence-based treatments and advancing research to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these conditions. Additionally, he is dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with psychiatric diagnoses through education and advocacy.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Pontone enjoys playing basketball & tennis, cycling, general fitness, and reading.

We are honored to have Dr. Pontone share his expertise at our fundraising event, as we work together to support those affected by Parkinson's disease.

About Emily Truscott

Emily Truscott is a clinical dietitian with expertise in medical nutrition therapy for neurological conditions. In her outpatient role at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, she works closely with patients to improve their nutrition status through individualized interventions. Additionally, she actively contributes to the UF/IFAS FSHN department's Neuro Nutrition research and education initiatives.

About Patrick Walker

Patrick Walker is a Fellowship trained Movement Disorder Nurse Practitioner. He works with a team that is focused on providing world-class care for movement disorder patients and their families.

Patrick is one of the first 3 APRNs nationwide to be selected to participate in this unique fellowship program sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation.

For the past year, he has been working collaboratively with world-renowned physicians and an interdisciplinary team of experts that deliver the highest quality evidence-based care.

Patrick expects to take this knowledge, and skills acquired through this program to the people of the community, who inspire him every day with their courage and grace facing the symptoms of these diseases.

About Dr. Sally Karioth

Dr. Sally Karioth is a longtime faculty member of the Florida State University College of Nursing, where she teaches one of the university's most popular courses, called "Death, the Individual and the Family”. She logs over 50,000 miles a year talking to groups and carrying the message: “Life is what you make it. Make the best of it”.

Dr. Karioth, a Certified Traumatologist (CT) has been active in trauma work, and is called frequently to events nationwide to speak to tragedy survivors and mental health officials suffering compassion fatigue. She is an often sought television and media personality. In addition to having given a TED talk, she has been in two award-winning films and continues to be utilized as a frequent commentator and expert in traumatic worldwide events.