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: Spending time with my family (wife Becky, daughters Samantha and Savannah) & friends, live music, travel, playing guitar, bad golf and grilling out.

Megan Gardner, Director of Operations

Where I grew up: Asheville, NC

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter: August 2002

Motivation for working with ALS:  Since I was a young girl, humanitarian work has always been a part of my life.  I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.  I joined the ALS Association after completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology from NC State, as well as, my graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill.  I feel extremely grateful and blessed to be a part of such an amazing organziation that is supporting the ALS community each and every day.

Hobbies: Traveling, visiting with my family & friends, renovating my 1968 colonial style house and most importantly spending quality time with my two little children, Avery and Dax.

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 86 year old bungalow, community activism in my Five Points neighborhood.

Suzanne Gilroy, Care Services Senior Social Worker

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 Tobie) and three cats (Stella, Bandit, and Chloe), and attempting various DIY (do it yourself) projects at my house.

Lisa Hoskins, Care Services Social Worker

Where I grew up:  Shelby, NC

Where I live now:  Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter:  March 2011

Motivation for working with ALS:  My parents were helping professionals, my father a sociologist and my mother a nurse, so not surprisingly I chose medical social work!  I have always been passionate about advocating for the needs of others.  I have both my Bachelor and Master of Social Work.  The ALS network is a rich community and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active, trying new things, and spending time with my husband and two daughters. I believe it’s never too late to start a hobby. In my spare time I read, travel, and watch science fiction.  I love ocean life and have been a scuba diver since 2005.  It’s always an adventure and you never know what you’re going to encounter!

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!

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 kids. Enjoying family get-togethers. Music, reading and logic puzzles.

Kelsey Hamilton, Special Events Coordinator

Where I grew up:  Memphis, TN

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter:  July 2010

Motivation for working with ALS:  When I was growing up, my parents always instilled in me the importance of helping others. I am very passionate about working for a cause. Knowing that my work at the ALS Association will help others is a very powerful and humbling role, and I am extremely motivated to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Hobbies: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, watching basketball and reading.

Savannah Smith, Special Events Coordinator



Where I grew up:  Belmont, NC

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter:  May 2011

Motivation for working with ALS:  Growing up, I’ve always been involved in volunteer work with non-profit organizations.  It became second nature to me.  After graduating from college, this passion stayed with me and I decided that I would like to make my career in non-profit work.  I can’t imagine a better feeling than waking up in the morning and going to work knowing that at the end of the day I’ve taken action to help others.  ALS has affected too many of my friend’s families and I’m so excited that I get to contribute in the fight to Defeat ALS.

Hobbies: Visiting family, spending time with friends, traveling, cooking, Wolfpack sports, watching hockey, and sitting on the beach.

Kara Strang, Special Events Coordinator

Where I grew up: Poughkeepsie, NY

Where I live now: Raleigh, NC

Joined the Chapter: August 2011

Motivation for working with ALS: I believe that it is the duty of every human being to be aware of his or her fellow man and to live each day with compassion, joy and the will to help others. I feel extremely fortunate to be a member of the team at the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter of the ALS Association and be able to work every day to help find a cure for such a terrible and draining disease.

Hobbies: Reading, swimming, hiking, traveling, cheering (loudly) for my teams and cooking.