Meet the Board
Melissa Rehm, Founder, Chair of the Board, President
At age 41, Melissa Rehm embarked on a medical journey of extensive doctor visits, exams, and tests. After 2 years, she finally received a diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD). Receiving a label, of any sort, was a welcomed relief. The diagnosis was changed again later to Secondary Parkinsonism, Ataxia, and Dystonic Tremor.
Little to no resources for YOPD were found then. Even less still for Ataxia, to date. The public perception is that only a small group of older people are affected. In actuality, there are over 6-10 million people worldwide, of all ages, living with this disease. The youngest being a Canadian, diagnosed at just 2 years old.
Life is far from being over when diagnosed with any of these neurological diseases. Her hope is that others learn their ‘new normal’ while fighting for a cure.
In 2015, Melissa started an online support group, Never Give Up PD, to share and learn tips with other People with Parkinson's (PwP’s) and their loved ones. Today, it’s known as Parkinson’s International -Never Give Up (PINGU).
In 2017, Parkinson’s International Foundation, Inc. was founded. Our shared goal is to create awareness both locally and globally, promote education and advocacy, and empower those living with this disease to lead richer, fuller lives. Parkinson’s International is a nonprofit organization ran by volunteers sharing this vision.
Steve Rehm, Vice Chair, Vice President, Secretary
Steve is a graduate of BCTCS with a degree in Industrial Technology. He is currently employed at Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky at the Georgetown plant. Starting as a Production Team Member in 1994, Steve has advanced to his role of Senior Manager in the Skilled Trades Department over Assembly.
His wife, Melissa, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2012. Recognizing the lack of resources available to caregivers like himself, as well as those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Steve and Melissa co-founded an online support group with aims of assisting others in navigating the complexities of PD. Working to provide comfort, as well as hope in finding support and coping strategies, they quickly identified a greater need of advocacy for their cause, leading to the establishment of Parkinson’s International Foundation Inc.
Steve’s experience allows him to acknowledge the increasing demand of necessary caregiver support, while assuring others through the transitions needed to cope with a loved one being affected by PD. He is dedicated to finding adequate resources for both patients and caregivers to minimize the grief and stress associated with living with Parkinson’s.
Katherine Johnson, Treasurer
Katherine M. Bennett is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), based in Georgetown, KY. She provides a full range of accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, outsourcing, payroll and business services.
Their qualified accounting professionals ensure that your financial records are maintained correctly and accurately. Our bookkeepers also assist in setting up and training your staff on the financial systems that you might be using or installing, such as QuickBooks or other legacy systems. We work with you to ensure that your personal or business processes are conducted in a manner that ensures ongoing integrity in your financial transactions.
Accounting services no longer require in-house staff and all the accompanying overhead expenses and hassles. Advances in technology now allow us to securely provide you with accounting and bookkeeping services anywhere in the world. You can access your financial information and business files online, anytime, for a fraction of the cost of in-house accounting.
Mikel D. McKinley, Jr., Director
Mikel D. McKinley, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Law and earned an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University.
Mike did financial and insurance planning before going to law school and is well versed in Business Law in addition to Elder Law, VA Planning, Special Needs and Estate Planning. Protecting assets from the government and nursing homes, and helping clients pass those assets to their families is Mike's passion.
Mike’s law firm, McKinley Law Group, is a member of the Life Care Planning Law FirmsAssociation (LCPLFA), which allows the McKinley Law Group to offer Life Care Planning in addition to traditional Elder Law services.
Life Care Planning focuses on getting the right care for you or your loved one so he or she enjoys the best possible quality of life during long-term illness.
Mike is a member of ElderCounsel, The National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, Rotary International, Chamber of Commerce, and is Accredited with the Better Business Bureau.
Angela Cox, Director
Bio Coming Soon