The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center attracts the best leaders in the field of movement disorders research and care. We’re also supported by a professional team of administrators. Together, we accelerate our commitment to exceptional patient care and outstanding research in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s.
Brian Coulter
Chief Executive Officer
Brian is a proven leader in public, private, nonprofit, and Federal government sectors. He is a strong business development professional with over 20 years of experience guiding transformational business processes that create long-term value.
With a formal education in finance, real estate, and business law, as well as, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, Brian has both academic and practical real-world experience. He has provided leadership to multiple non-profits as a member of the Board of Directors, often holding the Treasurer position.
As a Distinguished Alumni of the Finance, Real Estate, and Business Law Department for California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Brian has served as an adjunct professor teaching Corporate Finance to undergraduate students.
With over 20 years of experience increasing productivity, efficiency, and accountability, Brian has lead organizations through strong and weak markets, consistently employing an innovative, available management style utilizing financial analysis skills, organizational management, wisdom, and understanding.
Kristin Andruska, MD, PhD
Medical Director
Dr. Kristin Andruska is a board-certified neurologist who completed her fellowship in movement disorders at Stanford University. She has expertise in the use of botulinum toxin and deep brain stimulation and is committed to the lifelong care of those with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. She completed her neurology residency at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also served as the chief resident of education. She was the recipient of the Irwin Levy Prize for Teaching, and the Abdullah M. Nassief Award for Neurology.
She attended the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, graduating from its prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program with both an MD and Ph.D. Her research in neurobiology focused on disease models of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1) in the lab of Dr. Harry Orr, a world-renowned researcher credited with discovering the genetic abnormality causing the disease—a seminal discovery that has had wide-reaching impact in our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Andruska also has significant research experience in Parkinson’s. While at Washington University, she focused on two important projects. First, analyzing where alpha-synuclein, the major constituent protein of Lewy Bodies, localizes in the brains of people with Parkinson’s. And second, using sophisticated genetic techniques and population analysis, identifying which genetic variants influence Parkinson’s risk, onset, and progression.
Cheryl Gardner
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Cheryl Gardner is a seasoned executive who has worked with nonprofit organizations for nearly 20 years, helping them build and increase revenue streams, establish networks, manage resources, raise awareness, and create and implement solid, enduring programs. In 2010 she launched her own consulting firm, Cheryl Gardner & Associates, which helps nonprofit organizations develop funding and build infrastructure to support their mission.
Cheryl has traveled globally and worked extensively with international partners across cultures, training and equipping leaders and development staff to effectively communicate their mission to stakeholders and donors. She has worked to advocate for human rights and religious freedom for vulnerable people groups worldwide.
She serves on the Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) Board Supervisory Committee and is a member of the Advisory Board of Purple Hearts, a nonprofit serving victims of domestic violence.