Where I grew up: Fayetteville, NC

Where I live now: Clayton, NC

Joined the Chapter: March 2000

Motivation for working with ALS:  I have always enjoyed helping others and my position with The ALS Association allows me to make a difference every day. This is by far the most rewarding work I have ever done.

Hobbies: Playing with our dogs (Allie & Bella), playing guitar, bad golf, spending time with my family & friends, gardening.

Megan Gardner, Executive Director

Where I grew up: Asheville, NC

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter: September 2002

Motivation for working with ALS:  Since I was a young girl, humanitarian work has always appealed to me.  I feel that it is important that I am living my life by making a difference in the lives of others.  I joined The ALS Association after completing my Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.  

Hobbies: Walking my dog, spending time with my family & friends, renovating my 1968 colonial style house and spending time with my little newborn baby girl.

Where I grew up: NC Foothills

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter: October 2004

Motivation for working with ALS:  Working with families dealing with a life threatening illness like ALS gives me the privilege to interact with those who are grappling with health and mortality issues: life at it’s most basic. It is work filled with heartbreak as well as joy. It is rewarding because it is authentic and real.

Hobbies: Knitting, handspinning, playing with my two Shih Tzus, helping my husband to restore our 83 year old bungalow, community activism in my Five Points neighborhood.

Melissa Cormican, Special Events Assistant

Where I grew up: Lehigh Valley, PA

Where I live now: Knightdale, NC

Joined the Chapter: April 2008

Motivation for working with ALS:  Both my husband and I lost a relative to ALS, so having that experience has really motivated me to be involved in this cause.

Hobbies: Travel, collecting flattened souvenir pennies, watching Guy Fieri on the Food Network with my husband, Dan.

Louise Frumkin , Care Services Coordinator

Where I grew up: San Francisco Bay area, CA

Where I live now: Matthews, NC

Joined the Chapter: May 2008

Motivation for working with ALS:  As a social worker, I feel I have a great deal to learn from people dealing with ALS. It is truly a unique opportunity to be invited into the lives of people struggling to cope with such significant daily challenges and long term fears. It is a great privilege to be able to provide support and services to PALS and CALS.

Hobbies: Spending time with my husband and two adolescents, gardening, reading and exercising.

Suzanne Gilroy, Care Services Coordinator

Where I grew up: Raleigh, NC

Where I live now: Wendell, NC

Joined the Chapter: July 2007

Motivation for working with ALS:  I have wanted to be a helping professional for as long as I can remember. As a member of the award-winning Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of The ALS Association, I am provided a wonderful opportunity to serve those who are experiencing a time of great need.

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, spending time with friends and family, playing with my two dogs (Nugget and Alex) and three cats (Stella, Bandit, and Chloe), and attempting various DIY (do it yourself) projects at my house.

Where I grew up: New Rochelle, NY

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter: January, 2010

Motivation for working with ALS: Having non-profit experience has really inspired me to want to help others.

Hobbies: Interior design, traveling, working-out at the gym, spending time with family and friends.

Where I grew up: Delphos, OH

Where I live now: Cary, NC

Joined the Chapter: October, 2008

Motivation for working with ALS: After losing my father-in-law to ALS, my family knew we had to be proactive in the fight against ALS. Experiencing the fellowship and kindness of others who want to eradicate the disease helps encourage my mission. Every patient, caregiver, and loved one I meet is yet another reason for me to come to work each day and savor the times I have with my family, friends and coworkers.

Hobbies: Playing and hanging out with my husband and son. Enjoying family get-togethers. Music, reading and logic puzzles.

Where I grew up: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Where I live now: Fuquay-Varina, NC

Joined the Chapter: May 2008

Motivation for working with ALS:  Working with The ALS Association has provided me with a great opportunity to use my talents and passions to help other people. I am grateful to be part of a team that has one common goal; to help end ALS.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, running, watching movies, traveling, and cooking.

Where I grew up: Linden, NJ

Where I live now: Apex, NC

Joined the Chapter: November 2007

Motivation for working with ALS:  It is a wonderful feeling to know that every day I come to work, I am in some way making a difference in the life of someone that needs help and support.

Hobbies: Reading, movies, music & spending time with my family and friends!