The People Behind CAPS
A dedicated group of leaders committed to supporting the Parkinson’s community in the Austin area
Jennifer Prescott
President
Board Member Since 2019
Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP, is the Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Blue Water Homecare and Hospice. Her passion for supporting the Parkinson’s community began over 15 years ago at Duke University Hospital, and she is committed to expanding access to resources, education, and support for families across the Austin area.
Amy Walters
Secretary
Board Member Since 2024
Amy Walters, Ph.D., D.P.T., PT, is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin. With a background in geriatric and sports physical therapy, she is committed to advancing education, wellness, and quality of life for aging adults and supporting the Parkinson’s community across the Austin area.
Jeff Byal
Treasurer
Board Member Since 2024
Jeff Byal is a seasoned finance executive and CPA with more than 35 years of leadership experience in global technology companies. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2020, he is a passionate advocate for the Parkinson's community, using his personal journey to foster connection, support, and awareness while helping advance CAPS' mission.
Board of Directors
Kristin Satsky
Marketing
Sidney Collin
Strategy & Board Governance
Bobby Scruggs
Board Governance
Kathrin Brewer
Fundraising & Board Governance
Amy Blakely Laine
Marketing & Communications
Andrew Slaton-Freeman
Board Governance
Avanti Gandhi
Programs
Meagan Recinos
Fundraising
Christi Cornell
Executive Director
Christi Cornell, LMSW, leads initiatives that advance the mission of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society through program development, community partnerships, and organizational leadership. With experience as a medical social worker and case manager, she brings a deep understanding of patient needs and care coordination to her work supporting individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s.
Megan Helmbrecht
Director of Development
Megan Helmbrecht leads fundraising and community engagement efforts that support the mission of the Capital Area Parkinson’s Society. With a background in nonprofit consulting, she has helped organizations develop fundraising strategies and led major community events for groups including AGE of Central Texas, Hand to Hold, and the Miracle Foundation.
Amy Nylund
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@capitalareaparkinsons.org
Advisors
Thomas Hill, MD
Victor Becker
Erik Krause, MD
John McGlothlin III
Jonathan Theo, MD
Help Ensure No One in the Austin Area Faces Parkinson’s Alone
Become a volunteer. Join the CAPS community. Make a real difference with your time, energy, and compassion.
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