The medical staff consists of neurologists who are experts in the field of neuromuscular diseases. Their first goal is to determine the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This will be done by performing a thorough neurological exam, requesting a variety of diagnostic tests, and reviewing your clinical history. During your visits, they will respond to your questions, provide symptomatic treatments, discuss clinical trials, and communicate with the other team members to ensure all recommendations are being incorporated into the treatment plan.

Clinical Nurse Coordinator: Mary Paolone, MS RN
The nurse coordinator will help to ensure that your questions and needs are addressed during your visit to the center. She will assess your general medical status and take your vital signs. The nurse coordinator is also available in the office every day to assist with questions, medical renewals, problems, or concerns you may have between appointments. In addition, she is involved in the current clinical trials and is available if you would like to discuss or participate in any of the center's ongoing trials.
 
Mental Health Specialist: Marlene Ciechoski, MS, RN
The role of mental health specialist is to provide counseling to you and your family. She is also available to other healthcare providers as a consultant on the psycho-social dynamics of ALS and can recommend strategies for the identified concerns. She works to develop and initiate special programs and groups to educate and support families. Finally, the mental health specialist is involved in research investigating the psychological and social effects of ALS on individuals and families, which helps the medical community at large to better understand the emotional challenges of the illness and develop new approaches to care. She is available during your visits to the clinic and also on an as-needed basis outside of the clinic.
 
Social Worker: Rhea Silverman, CSW, MS
The social worker is here to assist you in navigating the way through different agencies and your insurance company. She can act as a liaison between you and your insurance company or case manager. She will work with you and your insurance agency to help you obtain services or medical equipment ordered by the physician. She can also help you with understanding and completing the many forms and paperwork you will encounter. These may include letters of medical necessity, short- and long-term disability forms, and transportation needs. The social worker's purpose is to advocate on your behalf to assist you in meeting your medical and insurance needs.
 
Occupational Therapist: Mark Goren, MS, OTR/L
The occupational therapist is concerned with ensuring you remain as independent and safe as possible while performing the activities of daily living. He will evaluate your arm strength and your ability to use your hands. His recommendations will then be made based on his findings and the information you provide. He will often recommend adaptive devices or techniques to help you continue to do the activities you enjoy. You will be instructed on exercises to do to help maintain flexibility and range of motion.
 
Physical Therapist: Sara Feldman, MA, PT, ATP
The physical therapist will see you at each visit for ongoing evaluation of your strength and mobility. She will address moving in bed, getting in and out of chairs, walking, or using a walker or wheelchair. Two of the main areas that will be addressed are exercise and equipment. Exercise guidelines based on your strength and energy level will be made. Stretching exercises will be encouraged to help maintain your flexibility and decrease muscle cramping. Equipment recommendations will be made to help in maintaining mobility and independence. They may include a MAFO (molded ankle foot orthotic), an assistive device for walking, a wheelchair, or other items for use during transfers. The main goal of physical therapy is to keep you at your highest level of functioning for as long as possible. Recommendations will be made to ensure your safety and independence.
 
Speech/Language Pathologist: Donna Harris, MA, CCC
The speech language pathologist will monitor any difficulty you are having speaking or swallowing. She will assess your ability to communicate effectively and make recommendations to address communication deficits if necessary. These recommendations may include assistive devices or alternate means of communicating. Possible swallowing problems will be discussed as well as the anatomy and physiology of the swallowing process. Suggestions will be given for diet modifications and safe swallowing techniques as needed.
 
Dietician/Nutritionist: Donna Mark, RD LDN
The registered dietician will meet with you to discuss your weight and nutritional status. One of her primary considerations will be to ensure you are maintaining safe and adequate nutrition and hydration. Her evaluation will begin with a nutritional assessment which includes changes in body weight, current nutritional status and present intake. Suggestions on dietary changes, recommendations on alternate routes of feeding and education on tube feedings will be given as needed. It is her goal to assist you in preventing nutritional deficits while maintaining your quality of life.
 

Study Coordinators: Christine Barr, RN & Roseanne Sattazhan, RN
There are several ongoing clinical studies at the center. The clinical research staff is available to disseminate information about these current ALS studies and provide further information to interested individuals. They will screen prospective participants, conduct the study sessions with those individuals who meet the criteria, organize data and medical records, and attend communicate with other research staff throughout the country as indicated.
 
Administrative Assistant: Leslie Popolo
Contact the administrative assistant if you have questions concerning your appointment or transportation.
 
Infusion Nurse Coordinator: Keri Cain, BSN, RN
The Infusion Suite opened in April 2005 and since that time the suite has been able to grow and expand thanks to the work of many. We are now able to offer infusion services for: immune globulin, cytoxan, tysabri, and several new headache protocols.
 
To learn more about what the staff and the role they play at the Center of Hope, click here.