Our Team
Meet our Team of Dedicated Professionals
Larry Hoffheimer
Chairman and Founder
Mr. Hoffheimer was a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice and a practicing healthcare attorney in Washington, D.C. for thirty-three years. During the course of his career, he has represented numerous voluntary health agencies and healthcare delivery professionals.
Mr. Hoffheimer formed and led the advocacy effort that resulted in the Congressional Resolution and Presidential Proclamation declaring the 1990s as “The Decade of the Brain.” He founded the National Foundation for Brain Research which provided enhanced visibility for neurological disorders.
Mr. Hoffheimer was asked by the National Parkinson Foundation to serve as its Washington counsel where he became a leader in the lobbying effort to pass the Morris K. Udall Bill, which provided $100,000,000 for research into the cause and cure for Parkinson’s disease.
He was elected President of the Parkinson Foundation for the National Capital Area during which time the foundation raised more than $2 million for medical research. In 2006, Mr. Hoffheimer moved to Sarasota and formed the Parkinson Research Foundation. He continues his lifelong commitment to the Parkinson community by playing an active role as Chairman of the Parkinson Research Foundation.
Linda Patterson
Chief Financial Officer
Linda is a graduate of the University of South Florida and has been a Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years. She moved to Sarasota from Pittsburgh in 1979 and enjoys the beautiful beaches and weather. As the accountant for Parkinson Research Foundation Inc since 2008, she has watched Parkinson Place grow from a dream to a reality.
Linda works with many non-profit organizations as a volunteer and on a professional level including schools and autism support groups. She is a member of the AICPA with a Specialized Interest in the Not for Profit section.
As Chief Financial Operator, Linda manages the financial operations of Parkinson Research Foundation and Parkinson Place. She supports the short- and long-term goals of both organizations to ensure financial responsibility and sustainability.
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez
Medical Director
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, D.D.S., M.D. is a Fellowship Trained Movement Disorders Specialist in Sarasota, FL. He is affiliated with Intercoastal Medical Group in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctor’s Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
Dr. Gonzalez provides ongoing presentations for our members such as Complementary Therapies for PD, Sleep Disorders in PD, Essential Tremor Treatment: Deep Brain Stimulations Versus Forced Ultrasound, The Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders and Restless Leg Syndrome.
Dr. Gonzalez received his medical degrees from Pontifica Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Columbia and completed his Residency in Neurology and Fellowship in Movement Disorders from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Gonzalez has been in practice for over 20 years.
Lynne Henry
Administrative Director
Lynne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She brings over twenty years of financial and business management experience to the foundation.
As Administrative Director, Lynne oversees the Parkinson Research Foundation Major Donor Program. She manages the daily business operations for both the foundation and Parkinson Place.
Lynne’s enthusiasm and strong interpersonal skills contribute to Parkinson Place’s overall mission to play a positive role in the lives of Parkinson patients, caregivers and the community at large.
Susan Belesi
Member Relations Director
Susan brings her personal and professional experience to Parkinson Place in an effort to provide superior service for members, caregivers, and families. Sixteen years ago Susan’s husband, Craig, then an Executive Vice President for a large construction management company, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. In an effort to secure the best resources for Craig, they relocated from New York to Sarasota to gain access to the over 60 ongoing classes, educational programs, events, and other free services offered every month at Parkinson Place.
In addition to serving as Member Relations Director, Susan is instrumental in professionally designing education and promotion materials for distribution and online outreach. She received her B.F.A. degree in Graphic Design from the New York Institute of Technology and has spent her entire career in education, business and the art sectors.
Susan is a major asset to Parkinson Place whose mission is to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of those living with Parkinson’s disease. Susan, her family and friends have raised more than $100,000 towards fighting for a cure.
Dustin Tenney
Technical Services Director
Originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area, Dustin has resided in Sarasota for the past thirty years. With over ten years of experience in technical management, he joined Parkinson Place in 2014.
Dustin oversees all technical services and offers audio-visual tech support for daily programs and special events at Parkinson Place. He maintains the computer network and all peripherals. Dustin is a professional photographer who has created an extensive library of photographs for the websites as well as beautiful portraits of Parkinson Place members and families.
Dustin provides a special touch for Parkinson patients visiting Parkinson Place by making himself available to those requiring special help and assistance. He is a valued member of the team.
