Today we’d like to introduce you to Leisha Phipps.
Hi Leisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career began in social work, where I provided clinical individual and group therapy to children, teens, and survivors of sexual assault. When I joined The Turning Point (Rape Crisis Center) in 1997, I was both inspired and empowered by the resiliency of the survivors we served. After nearly four years as a clinician, I shifted my focus to The Turning Point’s Board of Directors, where I continued supporting the organization in new ways. Serving as Secretary, Governance Chair, and ultimately President allowed me to broaden my experience and strengthen the organization through strategic leadership.
In 2019, I began working with the Dallas Area Parkinson Society—affectionately known as DAPS. Although my professional background had not previously included serving individuals with health or medical disorders, I was drawn to the opportunity as the adult child of someone living with Parkinson’s disease. During my tenure at DAPS, I’ve been struck by the same spirit of resiliency that first ignited my passion for service more than two decades ago.
With an estimated 15,000 people in North Texas living with Parkinson’s disease—and with Parkinson’s now considered the fastest-growing neurological disorder—I am honored to lead DAPS in providing comprehensive, no-cost services across the metroplex.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced in the nonprofit sector is funding. Like many small nonprofits, we work hard to diversify our revenue streams, and I’m very proud of the strong community partnerships we’ve built—especially with senior living communities, pharmaceutical partners, and other health organizations. Their support has been incredibly important.
But honestly, the most challenging part is reaching the thousands of people living with an incurable disease who still don’t know how life-changing our services can be. Awareness is a constant hurdle.
With a small staff, volunteers, and a dedicated board, maximizing our capacity to serve a growing population is not always easy. That said, we’re fortunate to be in an area with excellent universities, and students in social work, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs have been instrumental in helping us expand our outreach and advocacy.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide the Parkinson’s community with expert-led exercise, support, and educational programs at no cost. Balancing that mission with limited resources can be challenging, but it’s also what motivates us to keep innovating and strengthening our impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Parkinson’s disease specialists are often heard saying, “Exercise is the primary form of treatment that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.” I’m extremely proud of our DAPS instructors—many of whom have been dedicated to our organization for over a decade. Our exercise, speech, and support group instructors have completed multiple certifications specifically designed to help people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Our exercise instructors are certified in the Move.Laugh.Connect.™ program, created by DAPS Community Engagement Consultants Susan Sterling and her late husband, Charles, following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. Their decades of leadership at the esteemed Cooper Aerobics Center is reflected in their research-backed curriculum, Move.Laugh.Connect.™, which is now widely embraced across the country.
DAPS instructors also hold certification in the South Paws Boxing Program, designed and taught by physical therapist Dr. Mike Braitsch. Dr. Braitsch’s non-contact boxing program—established in [insert founding year] to support individuals living with Parkinson’s—has quickly become one of the most popular services we offer at DAPS. Hearing participants share the improvements they experience through active engagement in our classes inspires us to continually expand our programs to underserved communities across the Dallas area.
The DAPS approach offers far more than a weekly class. Our comprehensive programs provide community, social connection, cognitive engagement, and expert-led physical exercise—all at no cost to participants.
Most people describe me as passionate and fearless. I’m the kind of person who is energized by challenges, even when the outcome looks different from what I first imagined. I am tenacious in my pursuit of excellence, especially when it comes to serving others. That drive pushes me to think creatively and explore innovative—sometimes unconventional—ways to expand our mission. One of the initiatives I’m most proud of launching, in partnership with Edgemere Senior Living, is the Dallas Annual Walk for Parkinson’s. It’s a wonderful example of how collaboration can amplify impact.
Relationships are truly at the heart of my work. Whether personal or professional, I believe mission-focused, collaborative partnerships are the foundation of our success. Sharing my passion for DAPS and advocating for the Parkinson’s community is at the core of who I am. Communicating our mission and inspiring others to get involved remains one of the most meaningful parts of my role.
What’s next?
In 2028, DAPS will celebrate its 50th birthday and we plan to honor this landmark by expanding into parts of the metroplex that currently don’t have access to our services. When DAPS began in 1978, it was all because a care partner was trying to help her husband, who had been living with Parkinson’s disease. Clarice Dougherty got tired of making the long drive to Houston for services. She’s remembered in part by a simple remark, “If Houston can do it, so can Dallas”. Clarice’s initiative has led DAPS to where it is today – providing services in 9 locations throughout Dallas, Collin and Denton County.
Pricing:
- No cost
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daps.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasparkinsons/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAPSociety
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DallasAreaParkinsonSociety
Image Credits
Amped Business and Sports Media.
Owner and Photographer: Zachary Terry
