Michelle Haub, MS, CCC-SLP
Special Programs Leader & Speech-Language Pathologist at Meadowlark Retirement Community and Director of the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program in Manhattan, Kansas
1. Short description of what you do.
I oversee comprehensive programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and memory challenges, blending therapeutic approaches with community support to optimize quality of life. My work includes directing specialized exercise programs like Rock Steady Boxing, leading voice exercise classes, managing support groups, developing educational initiatives, and fostering collaborations with universities and healthcare organizations across Kansas. I implement our Parkinson’s Program guiding philosophy of “Education + Exercise + Engagement = Empowerment” to help people with Parkinson’s maintain independence and dignity throughout all stages of the disease.
2. How long have you been with your organization?
Nearly two decades! I joined Meadowlark Retirement Community in 2005 as a Speech-Language Pathologist and became the Director of Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program in 2006. What started with a simple desire to “do something to help people with PD” has grown into an extensive program serving 28 counties across Kansas. When I began, we had just 15 attendees at our first monthly support group and 1-5 people in our voice classes. Fast forward to today, and we have grown our participation and programs exponentially!
Program Impact in numbers:
- 18+ years serving the Parkinson’s community
- Expanded from 15 initial support group attendees to 80-100 weekly participants
- 5 weekly Rock Steady Boxing classes across Manhattan and Junction City
- Weekly voice classes for communication improvement
- Twice-weekly exercise, chair yoga, & Tai Chi classes
- Bimonthly support meetings for both people with Parkinson’s and care partners
- 11 years running the only Young Onset Parkinson’s program in Kansas
- Approximately $1M raised since 2008 through the annual Speedy PD Race for Parkinson’s Disease
- Services utilized by 28 counties across Kansas
- All services are FREE and available to both Meadowlark Campus residents and the surrounding community, with 70% of users living off-campus
3. What is your favorite part of the job/what do you enjoy most?
There’s so much I enjoy about my work, but what truly inspires me is witnessing the transformation in people’s lives. I particularly love our Young Onset Parkinson’s group-we’re currently in our 11th year as the only YOP-specific program in Kansas. The connections formed in our support communities are incredible, especially seeing care partners find comfort and strength in shared experiences.
I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of professionals. Over the years, I’ve guided students who have gone on to become occupational therapists, long-term care administrators, and speech-language pathologists. It’s deeply rewarding to see them carry this specialized knowledge forward and continue improving care for people with Parkinson’s throughout the student’s new communities.
Finally, I find tremendous fulfillment in our interdisciplinary approach. By bringing together diverse experts-from neurologists to dietitians to exercise specialists-we create comprehensive care plans that address the whole person, not just their symptoms.
4. Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m based in Manhattan, Kansas, where I’ve built both my professional career and community connections. My professional journey has been shaped by continuous learning and collaborations with organizations like the Parkinson’s Foundation and the University of Kansas Medical Center Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center.
I’m certified in LSVT LOUD® and was possibly the first speech-language pathologist to become a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, combining my expertise in communication therapy with physical exercise programming. This unique combination has allowed me to address multiple aspects of Parkinson’s symptoms in creative ways.
Outside of work, I’m deeply engaged with the broader Parkinson’s community as a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador since 2015, representing the Foundation at events and conferences throughout Kansas and beyond. From 2019-present, I have also served as a “Hospital Safety Ambassador,” sharing specialized knowledge to keep people with PD safe during hospital stays. I have had the privilege of presenting for the Parkinson’s Foundation on a few occasions as well. Previously, I held leadership positions in Kansas Speech-Language Hearing Association, including President.
Four years ago, my dad was diagnosed with PSP, which has given my work in Parkinson’s disease a deeper personal significance, as I’m now a professional and personal care partner. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, running and spending time with family and friends.
5. My favorite quote:
“If it helps ONE person, it was worth it.”
This philosophy has guided my work from the very beginning. When we started with just a handful of participants, this mindset kept me motivated. Now, with hundreds of people benefiting from our programs each week, I’m reminded that each individual success story represents a life transformed. Whether it’s someone regaining their voice through speech therapy, finding community in our support groups, or maintaining physical abilities through Rock Steady Boxing, each person matters deeply.
6. What I’m looking forward to:
The future holds exciting developments for our Parkinson’s programs. After nearly two decades of growth, Meadowlark’s Board of Directors recently approved the construction of a Wellness & Special Programs Center, ensuring a dedicated space for our PD and Memory Programs. This will allow us to further expand our services and reach even more people affected by Parkinson’s throughout Kansas.
Our email list has grown to 443 recipients, with 80-100 people participating weekly in our diverse offerings. We’re proud to be the only program in Kansas offering all services completely free of charge, including Rock Steady Boxing. As we continue expanding our reach, particularly to underserved rural communities, I’m excited to see how our collaborative model can bring hope and practical support to even more families navigating the Parkinson’s journey.
It is a real pleasure to spotlight Michelle this National Speech Language Hearing Month. She exemplifies so many admirable characteristics, which make her a perfect role model for our profession. Michelle’s accomplishments for the Parkinson’s community speak for themselves. As a person, Michelle is energetic, caring, creative, deeply dedicated, and passionate about her work. She is driven by service and the desire to improve the lives of people living with communication disorders. Thank you, Michelle, for demonstrating the vital work of speech-language pathologists and for reminding us how essential communication is to our lives as human beings. You have touched so many people in a positive and powerful way. We are very proud of you, and we THANK YOU for all that you do! – Dr. Cynthia Fox, CEO LSVT Global