About Us

Rebecca Parks is an Adult Nurse Practitioner.  Her interest in Parkinson’s disease began several years ago as a caregiver for her grandmother who had been diagnosed with the disease before the advent of Sinemet.  As Rebecca pursued her master’s degree in Nursing, she sought out the opportunity to complete a gerontology practicum with PAACI as well as recruit members for her small study about caregiving for those with PD.  Around 2001, she began serving on the board as Vice president of Education and Programs.  She has two children and two grandchildren.

Joann is a retired teacher whose husband of 58 years, Chuck, had Parkinson’s disease until his passing in 2015.  She has a BS in Music Education from Indiana State University, a MA in Music Education from Ball State University, and a Life License in Music K-12.  She also has the following awards:  Indiana Music Educator Distinguished 25 year service award, Indiana Department of Education Certificate of Merit, Sigma Alpha Iota (Music Honorary) Sword of Honor, Ball State University Outstanding Music Alumni Award, has been on the board of the Indiana Music Educators Association for 25 years, served on the National Music Advisory Board, served as an advisor to the Indiana Department of Education, was a member of the Indiana Elementary  Educators, and was on the Kokomo Community Concert Board.  She has also held an officer position in the Sigma Eta Fine Arts Sorority, was an organizer of the Indiana Children’s Choir, and Docent of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.  She has served on the PAACI board for 5 years.

Tomas J. Little is a retired educator who spent his career serving in education throughout the metropolitan districts of Indiana. He served as a teacher educating 2nd and 4th graders, a principal, and a superintendent of schools during his career. Tomas received the PTO lifetime member award for his service along with awards from the Catholic Charities and the Indianapolis City Council for his exceptional work in the community. Tom currently resides in Indianapolis and was inspired to join the PACCI board following his Parkinson’s diagnosis a few years ago. He is dedicated to providing information, insights, and the most recent research studies to those affected by Parkinson’s. He has served on multiple boards including the Kokomo Education Foundation, YMCA Boxer Board, and Superintendent Association, and will be able to aid by providing leadership, community service, and organizational skills to PACCI.