Occupational therapist and Newman alumna Shana Gatschet ’98 didn’t know much about Parkinson’s disease until becoming certified in Parkinson’s wellness recovery in 2012. Shortly after that, a 67-year-old patient came to her for help with occupational therapy.
Having only been recently diagnosed, her patient explained that he was given a prescription for medication along with a six-month follow-up appointment. But he needed more than that.
“I waited for him to say more, but that was his whole story,” said Gatschet. “I was stunned — heartbroken. It was clear to me then that the health care system was failing this population.”
Path to Parkinson’s care
Her passion for patient care is what led her to her current career. Gatschet started at Wichita State University with a degree in psychology and then came to Newman to complete her bachelor’s in occupational therapy.
She credits one of her Newman professors, Jeannie Sowers, for bringing real-life experiences into the classroom and teaching her fellow Newman students important traits to carry them throughout their careers.
“Her sense of humor and creativity made her classes incredibly enjoyable,” said Gatschet. “One of my favorite memories was in the classroom with Jeannie where she portrayed a patient with various issues, injuries or diagnoses. She, as the patient, required physical assistance, during which we received training and education of functional activities and movement.”
Gatschet’s 27-year career thus far has provided her with multiple experiences that have led her to where she is today.
“I have worked with people across the lifespan from pediatrics to older adults and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every experience. From rehab, outpatient and home health to long-term care and bravely tackling a private practice, I’m so grateful that my career allows me the option to work in a multitude of various settings. It led me to where I’m at today and truly believe I am where I should be.”
Her proudest moments include starting a business and a nonprofit, Parkinson’s Connect and Club Parkinson’s, respectively.
Gatschet was introduced to Connie Urbanek, co-owner of Parkinson’s Connect and co-founder of Club Parkinson’s, at a continuing education conference in 2020. They quickly discovered they had the same vision and knew the community was missing something for those with Parkinson’s disease. The fast-formed friendship eventually led to a professional partnership.
Growing a community presence
Gatschet launched Parkinson’s Connect, a private mobile outpatient and insurance-based therapy practice, but the business saw several transitions and a temporary pause before she and Urbanek joined forces to bravely reopen during COVID in January 2021.
Gatschet said, “Bringing therapy directly into people’s homes and communities was a unique approach — one many still don’t fully understand. But it allowed me to meet patients where they were, literally and figuratively. Today, Parkinson’s Connect provides occupational, physical and speech therapy services with certified Parkinson’s clinicians.”
Gatschet continued to listen to repeated stories of confusion and isolation, not just for those newly diagnosed but also those who have lived with Parkinson’s for many years. She began to envision something bigger.
“I imagined a dedicated wellness center. Not just a place for therapy, but a true community for those with Parkinson’s to connect, learn and grow together.”
Urbanek and Gatschet co-founded Club Parkinson’s, which opened as a nonprofit in the Wichita community in September 2021. The club is a wellness and education center that helps patients with everyday management of the disease.
At the end of classes, Club Parkinson’s members proudly pump a fist in the air and shout, “Not today, Parkinson’s!” Gatschet said this serves as a reminder that they aren’t alone in battle.
Continuing the fight
While awareness of Parkinson’s is slowly increasing, Gatschet said the need for proactive, immediate education, training and care remains urgent.
“My mission continues to be filling those missing pieces while offering hope, clarity and community to those navigating life with Parkinson’s.”
Her short-term goal is to increase awareness that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is not a death sentence. Instead, it’s an opportunity to make a change — a change in the progression of the disease using research-based strategies.
Her long-term goal is to someday go out of business because a cure has been found. But until that happens, she’s passionate about staying alongside the Parkinson’s community to fight the battle together.
My mission continues to be filling those missing pieces while offering hope, clarity and community to those navigating life with Parkinson’s.
Shana Gatschet ’98
Gatschet doesn’t have a personal tie to the disease, but has found a deep and growing connection through her work. Today, many of her patients have become friends, and some are like family.
“Through my occupational therapy, I began to see the life-changing potential of education and empowerment for those living with Parkinson’s. The direction to serve those with the disease quickly became my passion and I chose to ‘think outside the box’ a bit.
“Serving those with Parkinson’s is truly a gift from God. I am ultimately blessed and so grateful with my career that gives more back to me every day than I could have ever imagined.”
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