Support Services for People Living with ALS and Caregivers

ALS Support Services Team
Our ALS Support Services Team is here for you every step of the way. We understand that a diagnosis of ALS can feel overwhelming. We are a phone call, an email, or a video chat away to provide you with emotional support, answers, and access to educational resources. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team members have backgrounds in fields like nursing, counseling, social work, and speech-language pathology.

Support Services Team

Cara Gallagher, MA, LCPC

Cara Gallagher, MA, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Anne Marie Doyle, MA, CCC-SLP

Anne Marie Doyle, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist

Karen Steffens, RN, CHRN, CCM

Karen Steffens, RN, CHRN, CCM
Registered Nurse

Easton Stevenson, LCSW

Easton Stevenson, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Michelle Shaker, LCSW

Michelle Shaker, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rochelle Walwer, LCSW

Rochelle Walwer, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lauren Webb, LCSW

Lauren Webb, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

How can the Support Services Team help me?

  Collaborate with your ALS care team at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic to address your needs

  Provide ongoing disease education and address specific concerns

  Discuss educational resources regarding clinical trials, treatment and research

  Provide emotional support to you, and can aid in finding support for your family.

  Assess needs and collaborate with other agencies to provide resources and care

  Offer solutions for challenges of activities of daily living, home safety and equipment

  Provide guidance on Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid

  Assist with advance directives including medical power of attorney and end-of-life planning

  Guide and identify care needs including caregiver assistance, facility options, palliative and hospice care

  Discuss and refer to need-based financial grant programs

Connect

How do I connect with the Support Services Team?

During your visit to the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, you will have an opportunity to meet with a Les Turner ALS Foundation representative to learn more about our free support services.

Once you’ve completed the authorization for services, you will be assigned to an ALS Support Services Coordinator who will set up a personalized, virtual care visit that meets your communication needs. If you need an authorization form, please email [email protected].

Your ALS Support Services Coordinator will work with you to determine your goals and values that support the best quality of life for you and your loved ones. While we encourage check-in visits with your support coordinator every 6-12 weeks, we understand that you may need or prefer more or less interaction from your ALS Support Services Coordinator. We are here to help.

“The Support Services Team is truly amazing.  Everyone I have worked with is highly skilled, genuine, personable, and sincerely concerned about my well-being.” —Frank Granata

What other services are available from the Les Turner ALS Foundation to support me and my loved ones?

My ALS Decision Tool
My ALS Decision Tool™ can help you choose ALS care that’s in line with your needs and values. This interactive tool explains ALS treatment options and includes reflection questions to help you decide what’s right for you.
Educational Guides
For in-depth information about ALS symptoms and care, we have created educational guides about key topics like nutrition, communication, mobility, and more.
ALS Learning Series
Our online ALS Learning Series aims to empower the ALS community through the latest information and insights. Educational webinars and interactive Q&A’s covering a diverse array of topics, from nutrition to respiratory care, are offered monthly.
Support Groups
We facilitate support groups to provide people living with ALS and their caregivers and family the opportunity to share their experiences, give encouragement and help each other navigate their journey with ALS.

Care. Community. Cure.

We provide individualized care, local community support and hope through
scientific research.