GAYLA BOWDEN JOINS THE PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

GAYLA BOWDEN JOINS THE PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA AS

MANAGER OF MISSION IMPACT AND EDUCATION

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) welcomes Gayla Bowden to their staff as Manager of Mission Impact & Education. Bowden will oversee all aspects of the PASWFL’s programming, including more than twenty movement, speech practice, support groups, and wellness classes each week for persons with PD and their care partners. The PASWFL offers these programs both virtually through Zoom and in person at no cost to members.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gayla Bowden as our new Manager of Mission Impact & Education,” said Mary C. Schoeffel, Executive Director of the PASWFL. “With her extensive experience in human services, Gayla is perfectly suited to be the primary contact for our members and the Southwest Florida Parkinson’s community. Her expertise will help us advance our mission to enrich the quality of life and empower individuals touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases through our exceptional programs and services.”

A 20-year resident of Naples and a seasoned mental health professional, Gayla Bowden brings over 25 years of experience as a clinical therapist and mental health advocate to her role at the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL). With a deep understanding of mental wellness and community care, Gayla is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Gayla holds a Bachelor of Arts from Arkansas State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her diverse background includes leadership and outreach roles such as Volunteer Coordinator with the American Red Cross of Arkansas and Director of Garland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). These positions sharpened her ability to build strong community partnerships, lead volunteers, and manage impactful events. Before joining PASWFL, Gayla spent a decade with NAMI Collier, serving as both Care Coordinator and Program Manager. Her work focused on supporting individuals with mental health challenges and connecting families to vital resources.

At PASWFL, Gayla now serves as Manager of Mission Impact and Education, where she leads with compassion, experience, and a dedication to providing free, high-quality services to our members. “One of the things I value most about PASWFL and my new role,” Says Bowden, “is being able to provide members with superior, necessary services—at no cost to them.”

About the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida
The PASWFL helps people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners have the best quality of life. We foster a supportive community for those touched by Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases. Our efforts encompass dedicated and free support programs, advocacy, raising awareness, and educating both healthcare professionals and the wider community about Parkinson’s disease.

No fees are associated with becoming a member; the membership application is available online at www.paswfl.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by calling 239-417-3465. PASWFL is located at 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 301, Naples, FL 34119.

About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that the CDC ranks as the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for this disease.