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On the Move! is a unique exercise program offered to people living with Parkinson’s in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

On The Move! classes will start again in October 2024.

The program follows these five evidence-based principles:

  1. it encourages participants safely to a higher level of exertion,

  2. it incorporates movement repetition set to fun music to allow participants to benefit from cyclic, rhythmic movements,

  3. it incorporates many big movements that challenge participants to expand their range of motion, safely test their balance limits, and build core strength,

  4. it encourages participants to learn complex movements and sequences that challenge coordination, attention, and memory,

  5. and we have a lot of fun!

We aim to bring exercise-science research to action for people living with PD.

2023-24 Instructors

  • Liana Brown

    On The Move! Director

    I am so excited and very proud of our On The Move! team this year and we can't wait to get started! I am a professor in the Psychology and Kinesiology departments at Trent and this is our 4th year offering the On The Move! program.

  • Ava Cunningham

    Hello! My name is Ava I am going into my 3rd year of Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology here at Trent. I'm from Merrickville, Ontario, which is about three hours outside of Peterborough. When I am not in classes at Trent, I am personal trainer at F45 and occasionally coach some smaller group fitness classes at my local gym at home. I am hoping to pursue a masters in Occupational Therapy and start a career in physical rehabilitation. I'm so excited for this opportunity to learn, meet new people and have some fun through On The Move!

  • Aodhan Jones

    I’m Aodhan and I am in my 4th year of the Biomedical Science Program at Trent University, with a specialization in the Medical Professional Stream. My future goals are to become an athletic therapist or to go into the research field for neurodegenerative diseases. My time at Trent University developed my interest in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research. A fun fact about me is that I volunteer with the Canadian Alzheimer Society and as a varsity trainer at Trent University.

  • Mary McQuoid

    Hello! My name is Mary McQuoid, and I am completing my fourth year of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology with a specialization in Health and Wellbeing. My interests lie in pursuing medicine, particularly in Psychiatry, as well as graduate programs in clinical/counselling psychology. Ultimately, my goal is to establish a career that supports individuals in achieving happier and healthier lives. My favourite sports include boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, Olympic lifting, and long-distance running. I have a deep appreciation for the arts and was actively involved in my high school choir, Razzmajazz. I performed in musicals such as "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins." I thrive on staying active, which is why I am thrilled to be a part of the "On the Move" team this year!

  • Sasha Munn

    Hi, my name is Sasha, and I am going into my third year of Kinesiology at Trent. I grew up just outside Halifax, NS, and then moved to Ottawa, ON, when I was 15. I enjoy spending my time outside of class reading, running, and listening to music.  I am looking forward to seeing how this program challenges me and helps me grow as an aspiring rehab professional.

  • Reese Oltrop

    Hello, my name is Reese Oltrop. I am going into my fourth year of studies at Trent in Psychology and Sociology. I am from the small town of Amherstburg, Ontario, near the southern point of mainland Canada. I am hoping to pursue a career in public service, more specifically as a police officer. A fun fact about me is that I was on the Trent Rowing team for 3 years. 

  • Lexie Northey

    My name is Alexandria (Lexie) Northey, and I'm a fourth-year student in the Biomedical Science program at Trent. My goal is to pursue a career in biomedical research, hopefully within the field of molecular biology and/or neuroscience. I look forward to learning more about Parkinson's disease and engaging with members of the community through On The Move! A fun fact about myself is that I love rowing, swimming, running, and cycling - my goal is to complete my first triathlon by the end of this school year.

  • Avery Halbert

    Hi! My name is Avery and I am in my 3rd year of Kinesiology at Trent University, with a minor in Psychology! My goal for the future is to further my education and become an Occupational Therapist. I would also love the opportunity to work with children at SickKids at some point. I can’t wait to begin the On The Move program and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

On The Move! Alumni (current position, if known)

2023-24

Connor Antosiak

Claire Bailey

Julia Jack

Maizie Schwets

Lucas Smith

Fay Williams

2022-23

Philique Anthony

Chloe Cayen

Olivia Bourque-Derochie (MHSc SLP candidate, Western)

Hailey Caravaggio (MA Psychotherapy, Guelph)

Sophie Lepage

Eryn Masterson

Leah Steinke (MSc candidate, Trent)

2021-22

Jennifer Stevenson (MSc candidate, Trent)

Chloe Cayen (4th year BSc. Kinesiology candidate, Trent)

Emily Pilcher (MHScPT candidate, Queen’s)

Heidi McDowell (MHScOT candidate, Toronto)

Roohina Ismail (4th year BSc. Kinesiology candidate, Trent)

Lauryn Seguin (MEd Counselling candidate, Ottawa)

For Potential Students

This program offers a unique placement and research-training opportunity to undergraduate students at Trent University. Selected students (5-8 per academic year) are trained to offer evidence-based exercise programming to meet the needs of our participants as a group, and to safely offer exercise options to meet individuals’ needs as required. Students learn how to engage with participants in a caring and professional manner. Each student also learns how to measure the effectiveness of the program by preparing and conducting an appropriate project focused on program evaluation.

If you are eligible for KINE or PSYC 3801/3802 (have a grade of 75% or better in Psyc 2018/2019), have a B+ or better overall average, have excellent time planning and management skills, and are willing to become a certified fitness instructor (after being accepted into the program), then consider applying. Check here in February 2025 to apply for the 2025-26 school year.