Episode 20: L.I.F.E. Program for Functional Movement Disorders and the Latest Research On FMD

Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT, Julianna Filice-Hanna, M.S., CCC-SLP, Alysha DeMay MS, OTRL, and Dr. Olivia Risko, PT, DPT, to talk about the L.I.F.E Program (Learning Independent Function Everyday) for functional movement disorders, the latest research on this condition, and the effective multidisciplinary approach to helping those with FMD regain independence.


Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT is the Program Director and Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project. She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2008. She is also a Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist with advanced training in physical therapy management for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Meghan also specializes in the management of Parkinson’s disease, including receiving certifications in LSVT BIG, PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing. She has been integral in the development of various medical and wellness programs at The Recovery Project. Meghan is a guest lecturer in the physical therapy program at Wayne State University and frequent presenter on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders.

Julianna Filice-Hanna, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience working in both the acute care/ICU and outpatient setting. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minor in Teacher Education and her Master of Science from Rush University in Chicago, Il. in Speech Language Pathology.  Julianna joined The Recovery Project in 2019 and specializes in the treatment of neurological conditions and has a specific passion for working with individuals with stroke, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease and executive functioning disorder. She focuses her work on assisting individuals in developing and implementing communication and executive functioning strategies to feel successful, connected and engaged at school, home and/or work. Julianna enjoys educating the community and speaking to support groups as well as leading the LOUD Crowd wellness class.

Alysha DeMay MS, OTRL is the Lead Occupational Therapist at The Recovery Project in Lansing, Michigan.  She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2017 with special interest in functional movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and concussion.  Alysha is passionate about neuro rehab and excited to bring the latest research to practice.

Olivia Risko, PT, DPT is a staff Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project in Lansing. Olivia graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science and graduated from the University of Michigan Flint in 2021 as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Olivia has developed a passion for neurologic diseases and disorders, including Parkinsons disease, FMD, CVA, and SCI. She is a certified Rock Steady Boxing affiliate coach and has been a leader in implementing high intensity gait training in her clinical practice.

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Thanks for listening!