Les Turner ALS Foundation

Support Services Committee

The Support Services Committee ensures that the Foundation's services are responsive to the needs, priorities, goals and values of the ALS community. Committee members create a strategic plan and evaluate the Foundation's support services and educational programs.

The committee is comprised of board members and non-board members – some of whom are living with ALS or are caregivers. The Foundation relies on them to provide a first-hand perspective. They are passionate advocates committed to high-quality, patient-centric and innovative support services.

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Robert Akins is a retired engineer with a doctorate in physics and spent his career at Motorola, focusing on liquid crystal display technology. He and his wife, a retired middle school language arts teacher, reside in Arlington Heights. They have two grown children: a daughter in Chicago working as an advertising copywriter and a son in Puerto Rico working in finance. Robert is eager to see how he can apply his background and personal experiences to help the Les Turner ALS Foundation better serve the ALS community. 
Doug Butchart joined the Support Services Committee in 2022. He is on the I AM ALS Legislative Team and an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Doug's wife was diagnosed with ALS in 2017. Since her diagnosis, Doug has been trying to stay informed about the disease and help his wife live her life the best way that she can. 

Tina Cascio joined the Foundation's Board of Directors in 2022 and the Support Services Committee in 2023. She has worked her entire career in the medical field, and considers herself a temporarily retired nurse. Once there is a cure for ALS, she plans on returning to care for her patients. Tina cared for her mom throughout her fight with ALS until her mom passed in 2018. She is now in her own battle after having been diagnosed with ALS in 2020. Tina has been actively involved in community outreach and familial sponsor programs. She is also an active member of Her ALS Story. Tina lives in Palatine, IL and also enjoys any time spent with family, friends, and her newly adopted cat Lucy.

Read more about Tina's story.

Chaunelle Caver-Perkins joined the Support Services Committee in 2021. Chaunelle spent much of her childhood on the Southwest side of Chicago and worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 2007-20. She was diagnosed with ALS in 2020 and is grateful to be working with Dr. Brent and his entire team at the Lois Insolia Clinic at Northwestern Medicine, as well as working with the Foundation. She holds an associate degree in general science and a bachelor’s degree in education. She resides with her two children in Posen, IL.

Read more about Chaunelle's story.

Sarah Rooney Chandler has been a dedicated volunteer with the Les Turner ALS Foundation since 2003. Her father EJ Rooney was diagnosed with ALS in 2023, her godfather Matt Creen was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, and she lost her beloved uncle John Rooney and grandmother Mary Flynn Rooney to the disease. Inspired by her personal experiences with ALS, Sarah is committed to making a difference in the fight against ALS. She resides in Naperville, IL, with her husband, Brian Chandler. 
John Coleman III, MD chairs the Support Services Committee. John has served as vice chair on the Foundation's Board of Directors since 2018. He is a pulmonary & critical care physician at Northwestern Medical Group, working in the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic and caring for people living with ALS. He resides in Chicago with his husband, James.
Matt Creen was invited to join the Support Services Committee in 2022. A retired lawyer, Matt was formerly the general counsel of the Currie Motors Group. He was diagnosed with ALS at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at Northwestern Medicine in 2013. Since his diagnosis, he has been engaged with the Foundation every year, hosting a golf outing and dinner benefiting the Foundation. Matt has three children and three grandchildren. He resides in Frankfort, IL with his wife, Lynn, and two of their children.

Cheryl Gallagher joined the Support Services Committee in 2021. She worked for United Airlines for 29 years as a flight attendant. Prior to being diagnosed with ALS in 2016, she lived an active life which included hiking, swimming and yoga. Cheryl enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, cooking and eating and has a dog named Derby who keeps her company during the day. She has three sisters, five brothers and many nieces and nephews, and enjoys spending time with her family. She lives on the North Side of Chicago and is an avid Cubs fan.

Read more about Cheryl's story.

Cheryl Gallagher passed away on Oct. 30, 2024, surrounded by her family and her beloved dog, Derby.

Janie Gobeli serves as an advisory committee member for the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial and is on the QurAlis/CISCRP Global Patient Advisory Board. She’s also an ALS Research Ambassador for the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), a patient advisor for pharmaceutical companies introducing new clinical trial medicine for ALS, and a peer presenter for many organizations. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Janie is a former elementary education teacher and licensed cosmetologist. She’s passionate about being a voice for the ALS community and is involved in various advocacy roles, including peer presentations and panel discussions.

Read more about Janie and how she used our Boughton Grant to help with home modifications. 

Kelly Goodman became involved with the Les Turner ALS Foundation when her husband Jason was diagnosed with ALS in 2017. After his passing in March 2023, Kelly continues to support the ALS community. She is the Director of Treasury and Business Services at Terlato Wine Group and an active member of the Foundation’s Gratitude Group. Kelly is looking forward to working with the committee, advocating for care and support for people living with ALS and their families. Kelly resides in Lindenhurst, IL, and enjoys reading, travel, being with family, and playing with the family dog and cat.   

Frank Granata has been a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors since 2022 and a member of the Support Services Committee since 2023. A retired banker who worked and lived internationally, Frank was diagnosed with ALS in 2020. Despite his diagnosis, he continues to work tirelessly to optimize the muscles to respond. Along with his own battle, Frank continues to motivate his friends who are living with ALS by always encouraging them to push themselves, by assisting the incredible supportive team at the Foundation, and embracing every precious moment that he has with loved ones. Frank lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife Carolyn and their son who is attending medical school.

Read more about Frank's story.

Jenny Hernandez is a fourth-grade teacher whose father was diagnosed with ALS in 2020. Since then, she has been a dedicated caregiver and advocate for her dad. The Les Turner Foundation has been a great source of support for her family, and they’ve enjoyed participating in various events like the Hope Through Caring Gala, Lou Gehrig Day baseball games, and the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life. Jenny is passionate about sharing resources and tools to help others navigate the challenges of ALS. 

“We know that ALS is hard enough on both patients and family members, which is why it's so important to share helpful ideas or tools to better the lives of others. At the end of the day, we aren’t going down without a fight.”  

Mario Hernandez, a former supervisor at an Aircraft Propeller Service company, was diagnosed with ALS in 2020. After joining the Les Turner ALS Foundation in 2023, he and his family found much-needed support. Mario is committed to helping others through the Foundation and is grateful for the community’s support. He enjoys attending events and participating in monthly support groups with his daughter. “Joining this committee is important to me because I know that together we can make a difference.”

Read more about the Hernandez family. 

Mario Hernandez, a beloved father and a friend to so many people, passed away on Nov. 8, 2024.

Raymond Gene Howard is a retired engineering facilities and project manager, has been married for 38 years, and has two daughters and two grandchildren. He has a history of battling cancer and was recently diagnosed with ALS. Despite his health challenges, Gene and his wife lead an active social life and enjoy meeting new people.  
Elizabeth Kennedy became a member of the Support Service Committee in the fall of 2022. Her mom, Stephanie Kennedy, was diagnosed with ALS in 2019 and passed away in 2021. The Foundation was there to support her whole family during this difficult time. Elizabeth jumped at the opportunity to be more involved with the organization.  Professionally, Elizabeth works for LifeGuides as a team lead/certified guide where she helps others navigate life's challenges. She loves traveling and West Coast Swing Dancing. Elizabeth and her husband live in Evanston, IL.
Barbara Kinsey, a retired pediatric nurse practitioner, joined the Support Services Committee in 2024. Diagnosed with ALS in 2023, Barbara has a background in caring for children with neurological disorders and has volunteered extensively since retirement. She enjoys spending time with her 14 grandchildren, baking, reading, and traveling in the family camper. Barbara and her husband, Jim, live in the southwest Chicago suburbs. 
Michael Margelewski-Hall joined the Support Services Committee in 2024 after his mother, Pam Margelewski, passed away from ALS in 2023. Michael, who works as a BSA Officer at Wintrust Financial Corporation, is passionate about supporting the ALS community. He lives in Chicago with his husband and enjoys attending live theater. 
Joel A. Schechter has been a part of the Support Services Committee for many years. He also serves as vice chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors where he's been a member since 1988. Joel works as  an attorney at the Law Offices of Joel A. Schechter. The brother-in-law of Les Turner, Joel serves on the board’s Executive Committee and is also a member of the Governance Committee. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Bambi Jacoby, and has five children.
Melissa Diaz-Viera joined the Support Services Committee in 2024. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she brings extensive experience in advocacy and community support. Diagnosed with ALS in 2023, Melissa is actively involved in various ALS groups and serves as both a NEALS Research Ambassador and Research Operations Coordinator for Project ALS. Outside of her ALS work, she enjoys spending time with family, singing, and raising her 2-year-old. 

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