news release

The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County is proud to announce the appointment of three accomplished individuals to its Board of Directors: Dana Larsen, Stephanie Pickering, and Melissa Talley. These new members bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to the organization, furthering its mission to serve and support those affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in our community.

Dana Larsen

Dana is a Vero Beach native and a proud graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Finance. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 2015. Currently, Dana is an attorney with Lawn & LeBlanc, where she assists high-net-worth clients with estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, and trust administration. Since 2021, Dana has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of Florida’s “Rising Stars,” ranking her among the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.

Dana’s passion for giving back to her hometown community, coupled with her professional experience, makes her an invaluable addition to the Board. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family at the beach and on the water.

Stephanie Pickering

With an impressive career in executive communications and marketing, Stephanie brings a strategic perspective to the Board. Stephanie holds a B.A. and M.A. in Public Communication/Public Relations from American University and has held leadership roles with healthcare institutions, including Bristol Myers-Squibb in New York and NorthShore University Health System in Chicago.

After moving to Vero Beach with her family 10 years ago, Stephanie has become deeply connected to the community. Having experienced Alzheimer’s within her own family, Stephanie is personally invested in advancing the Association’s mission. Now that her two oldest children are in college, she is excited to dedicate her skills and time to this important cause.

Melissa Talley

As a lifelong resident of Vero Beach, Melissa has strong ties to the local community. A real estate associate by profession, Melissa’s career also includes extensive experience as an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. In this role, she worked closely with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, giving her unique insights into the challenges faced by this population.

Melissa is no stranger to community service, having served on boards including the Junior League, Environmental Learning Center, Riverside Children’s Theater, Soccer Association, and the High School Parent Association. Currently an event chairperson at the American Cancer Society, Melissa looks forward to leveraging her leadership experience to benefit the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association.

Strengthening the Mission

The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County is thrilled to welcome Dana, Stephanie, and Melissa to its Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds, combined with their passion for serving the community, will strengthen the organization’s ability to support individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

For more information about the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, please visit AlzPark.org or contact us at 772-563-0505