GOALS: An ALS United Podcast

Colin Quinn, MD, helps lead the Penn Comprehensive ALS Center in Philadelphia, PA. In this video, Dr. Quinn discusses what led him to ALS research, his work in veterans care, advances in understanding of TDP-43, and the value of multidisciplinary care. Learn more about his work at: https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/neuromuscular-disorders-care/comprehensive-als-center Our mission is to unit...

Jeremy Shefner, MD, PhD, had decades of experience leading ALS research. In this GOALS Podcast, he talks about measuring the success of potential therapies, what is needed for successful clinical trials, and early ALS symptoms and diagnosis. Learn more about his work at the Barrow Neurological Institute at https://www.barrowneuro.org/person/jeremy-shefner-md-phd/ Our mission is to unite and empowe...

Candice Ray is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Helping Hands Warming Hearts LLC. She is one of the newest members of the ALS United Mid-Atlantic board. In this discussion, Candice shares her personal experience with ALS, the skills she brings to the board, and her drive to expand advocacy and programs to help families impacted by ALS. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS communit...

Robert Bowser, PhD, is Chief Scientific Officer and the John P. and Betty Van Denburgh Chair for Neuromuscular Disease, and professor and Chair of the Department of Translational Neuroscience at Barrow Neurological Institute. He joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss his 30 years of experience in ALS research, advances in understanding of biomarkers, the value of brain and tiss...

Jess and Jeff from Samuel Adams Brewery join the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to talk about their efforts to raise money and awareness for the ALS cause. Join them to support the Lehigh Valley ALS United Walk at www.lehighvalleyalsunitedwalk.org   or find an ALS United Walk near you at www.alsunitedwalk.org Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative appr...

Kim Eppeheimer is one of the most recent additions to the ALS United Mid-Atlantic Board. In this episode of our GOALS Podcast, Kim shares her family's ALS story, the experience she learned as her mother and siblings came together as caregivers, and her hopes for the future of ALS United Mid-Atlantic. Kim is a non-profit leader in Delaware and she is excited to support the Delaware ALS United Walk....

Kate Adamek, LCSW, joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to talk about her work as a social worker serving the ALS community in Delaware. In this episode, Kate discusses support for caregivers, addressing family dynamics, and the importance of taking a break for your own mental health. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bol...

Shelly Lewis PT, DPT, EdD, has assisted thousands of people with ALS with compassionate and expert physical therapy work since 1999. She has been connected with the care team at ALS United Mid-Atlantic for over 25 years and is currently the Co-Director of Clinical Education, Department of Physical Therapy and Associate Professor at Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences. In this GOALS Podcas...

Maria Malfi lost her mother to ALS. Through her experience and her personal research, Maria has focused her attention on issues of stress and mental health and how they impact an ALS diagnosis and affect caregivers as well. In this GOALS Podcast, Maria talks about her family's experience with ALS, touring the research lab at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, and how to have better conversa...

Taryn Norley, President and CEO of ALS Arizona, joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss the work of serving the ALS community in Arizona and how it compares to other ALS United partners. Topics include delivering on care services, partners with clinics and researchers, serving rural communities, and inspiring events. To learn more about ALS Arizona, visit www.alsaz.org Our missi...

Brianna Lisi, MS, is a PhD candidate doing her work at the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center in Philadelphia. In this Podcast, Brianna talks about what inspired her to go into ALS research, what a typical day is like for a researcher, motor neurons, astrocytes, and what tests can prove useful for ALS science. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fos...

Josi Shimkus, MA, CCC-SLP, Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center, joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss her expertise and work assisting people with ALS with communication therapy and technology. Topics include swallowing issues, tracking speaking strength, coordinating with the clinic team, and the ALS United Walk. Our mission is to unite and empow...

Cassy Adams from  @ALSNorthwest  joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss ALS care, research, and advocacy and how our partner organizations can collaborate to best serve the ALS community. Learn more about ALS Northwest at www.alsnorthwest.org Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bold research initiatives, advancing...

Jeff Oppenheimer understands the needs and challenges of ALS. His wife Shelbie was diagnosed with ALS in 1996 and together Jeff and Shelbie raised awareness and successfully advocated for millions of dollars for ALS research. Since then, Jeff has served on the board of ALS United Mid-Atlantic and he has worked to improve the lives of people with ALS and their caregivers. Recently, Jeff helped laun...

Nadia Sethi joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss her experience caring for a loved one with ALS and how everyone can be empowered through ALS awareness, education, and research. In this episode, Nadia discusses some of the challenges of navigating hope and caution, as well as how everyone can participate in scientific advancement. Nadia has been involved with ALS TDI and I AM...

Frederick "Eric" Arnold, PhD, joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss major advances in ALS research, genetics, and the importance of understanding TDP-43. Dr. Arnold talks about his education and inspiration through Haverford College and Thomas Jefferson University and his ongoing research work at Washington University. On April 9th, 2026, Dr. Arnold spoke about these topics at...

Jean Swidler, Executive Director with End the Legacy joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to talk about advocating for families with genetic ALS, advances in research, and addressing the needs of those at risk of developing ALS due to family history. Learn about End the Legacy at www.endthelegacy.org Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach...

Carol Hamilton joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to talk about the latest progress in ALS research and her work at ALS TDI. In this podcast video, Carol talks about the ARC study, making ALS research approachable for anyone, collaboration between ALS organizations and scientists, how Artemis II provides hope for science, and why 2026 is a big year for ALS research. Learn more about t...

Alisa Brownlee recently marked 30 years of supporting the ALS community at ALS United Mid-Atlantic. In this GOALS Podcast, she highlights the many changes in assistive technology over the years and how this technology has grown and evolved to meet the communication needs of people with ALS. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bold res...

Pennsylvania State Representative Kyle Mullins joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss his family's personal ALS story, advocacy wins for ALS care and research, connecting with other ALS families, and the power of using your personal story. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bold research initiatives, advancing nat...

Jerry Dawson, President and CEO of ALS United, joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss collaboration within the ALS community, the growth and mission of ALS United, and the hope and promise in new research and technologies. Learn more about ALS United nationally at www.alsunited.org Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fosteri...

Yentli Soto Albrecht, PhD,  @searchforaselfcure  joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to talk about her family's genetic history with ALS and her personal mission to end the disease through research. In this episode, Yentli talks about what motivates her, what she's learned, and how research can bring hope and motivation to all. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community thro...

Alair Altiero, PhD, LPC, provides mental health support for people with ALS and caregivers as part of the multidisciplinary team at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center. In this GOALS Podcast, Alair discusses the man aspects of mental health, when and how she offers her guidance, handling burnout, and how stress impacts caregiving. Our mission is to unite and empower the ALS community through...

Piera Pasinelli, PhD, Director, Weinberg ALS Center, and Gemma Krautzel, B.S., Clinical Research Coordinator, join the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss the BioBank at the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center in Philadelphia. In this podcast, they also talk about the process of post-mortem tissue donation, developing trust with ALS patients and families, multidisciplinary care, and collabo...

RJ Adler with Wheelpad joins the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast to discuss accessible living solutions for people with ALS. In this episode, Alisa and RJ discuss how new technologies can help people by offering dignity and independence. Learn more about our programs and mission at www.alsmidatlantic.org