ALS Learning Series

Join us for our December ALS Learning Series with Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh.  Dr. Kavanaugh will discuss ways in which ALS affects mental health and the need for support – for both the person living with ALS and their caregivers, including the children and youth. Dr. Kavanaugh will also review recent research findings informing supportive interventions and tools, targeting support for the whole family. 

Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh

Dr. Kavanaugh is a Professor of Social Work at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Neurology. Dr. Kavanaugh’s clinical experience informed her focus on clinical care and caregiving research. Her U.S. and international research is funded by the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Administration on Community Living (ACL), Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the ALS Association. Dr. Kavanaugh’s research focuses on caregiver well-being, mental health, and support interventions, including YCare, a multidisciplinary youth caregiving skills and support protocol for young carers in ALS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Autism. Dr. Kavanaugh is also the president of Global Neuro YCare, an international non-profit, focused on developing programs and supports for children, youth and families in neurological disorders in underserved areas.