Speaker Series:
Getting Real About Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy with YOPD
May 13, 2025 7:00 - 8:00 PM EDT
Hear from fellow members, social media mavens, and fabulous YOPN podcasters, Esther Labib-Kiyarash and Melissa Livingston as they discuss their journey with mental wellness and YOPD.
During this Q&A panel style discussion, you will hear them talk about:
- Their personal stories with YOPD and mental wellness
- Tips for getting through the tough times
- How you can help dispel the stigma around the psychosocial effects of YOPD
They will answer your questions, too! Don’t miss this opportunity to chat live with Mel and Esther!
About Our Speakers
Melissa LIvingston is an author, podcaster, advocate, and the creator of #ParkinsonsLooksLikeMe, a movememt dedicated to reshaping perceptions around chronic illness and disability. A proud mom of four, Melissa was born and raised in New York and now calls Texas home. Her work centers on holding on to hope, embracing the idea of falling forward, and promoting mental wellness and mental health. Through her storytelling and advocacy, she is passionate about humanizing disability and creating space for authentic, inclusive conversations that inspire resilience and connection.
Esther Labib-Kiyarash is a former hospital Director of Performance Improvement/Risk Management based in El Paso, Texas. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University and is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. She is active on social media as an Ambassador and Advisory Board Member for the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Southwest Chapter. Her Parkinson’s diagnosis video on TikTok has been viewed over a quarter of a million times. She has two children and is happily married to an amazing Doctor of Pharmacy. An avid traveler, she was recently diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 47.
