ALS Learning Series

About the Speakers: Danielle Burks, Matt Creen, and Melissa Diaz-Vierra 

Danielle Burks, LCPC: Danielle A. Burks, LCPC, is the founder of Journey to Healing, PLLC, a virtual mental health practice serving adults and couples. She believes that change is possible when you allow yourself to ask for help. One of her favorite quotes states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” and she carries that philosophy into her work each day by creating a comfortable space for individuals to explore present and past challenges one step at a time. Danielle’s goal is to guide people toward deeper self-awareness by helping them discover their strengths and values, practice intentional self-care, build confidence, establish boundaries, and develop practical tools to cope with stress. In addition to her clinical expertise, Danielle brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. She served as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with ALS and stage four liver cancer. That experience profoundly shaped her understanding of grief, resilience, advocacy, and the emotional weight caregivers often carry. 

Matt Creen: 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, and an active member of our Support Services Committee. Matt has three children and three grandchildren. He resides in Frankfort, IL with his wife, Lynn, and two children. 

Melissa Diaz-Viera, LCSW: As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Melissa 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, in addition to our Support Services Committee. Outside of her ALS work, she enjoys spending time with family, singing, and raising her 4-year-old. 

• If you want to learn more about breathing and treatment options, check out our ALS & Breathing Guide.
• My ALS Decision Tool™ helps you learn more about ALS treatment options and make important decisions about your care.

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is proud to offer this webinar at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation, Biogen & Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.