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.
Susan Belesi
Director of Program and Member Relations
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.
Candice Rodriguez
Member Services Assistant
Candice is a graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in Hospitality Management. She moved to Sarasota from Long Island, NY and enjoys exploring the outdoors and attending theatre. Candice has experience working as a fundraising and event coordinator, volunteer manager and dance fitness instructor. Her love of people and helping others are what brought her to the Parkinson Place team.
As Member Services Assistant, Candice ensures that the programs are running smoothly and that all members receive exceptional service.