ABOUT ALS OF MICHIGAN

ALS of Michigan is a voluntary not-for-profit organization, solely dedicated to the fight against ALS. Our mission is dedicated to helping our pALS (people with ALS), their families and caregivers live life as fully as possible. We serve pALS and their families throughout the state of Michigan through a variety of programs. Thanks to our generous supporters, our programs are all offered at no cost ever.

Some of our services include Information, Referrals and Resource Guides, Workshops & Seminars, Equipment Loans, Augmentative & Alternative Communication Center, Home Visits, Peer Counseling, Support Groups, and Respite Care Services (in certain areas).

For more information about our services, please contact us at (800) 882-5764 or info@alsofmi.org.

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ALS OF MICHIGAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Our organization is governed in principle and policy by a dedicated volunteer board of directors. These individuals, comprised of family members of people with ALS, business and community leaders, health professionals, and members of the general public, provide guidance and oversight to the organization in meeting its mission.

Officers:


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President

Dori Ranck
MassMutual Great Lakes

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Vice President

Kevin Sherry
Northstar Metalcraft

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Secretary

Eva Freed

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Treasurer

Mark A. Smith, CPA, JD
Roush Enterprises, Inc.

Directors:


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Jack Cherney
Universal Bearing Company

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Linda Hiller Novak
Max Broock Realtors

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Vince Maccani
FIAT Chrysler Automobiles

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Tyrone Parnell
Global Technology & Transformation Executive

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Honorable Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski, JD
Imperium Logistics, LLC

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Andy Roisman

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Allison Sherry
pALS

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Theresa Spranger
PRA Health Services

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Kenneth VanBlaricum
Gift of Life

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Jay Welford, JD
Jaffe Raitt Heuer and Weiss, PC

 
 

ALS OF MICHIGAN STAFF:

Lisa Radtke
Executive Director
Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in management both from Walsh College. She has more than ten years experience in the nonprofit industry, serving six years on the Walsh College Board of Directors, Alumni Relations, and two years as a mentor for Winning Futures. Prior to joining ALS of Michigan, Lisa worked at Autism Speaks where she led the Missouri/Kansas City market and the Michigan/Indiana market as Executive Director. Lisa led her team in field development efforts to provide solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. These efforts were accomplished through advocacy/support, research and increasing an understanding and acceptance of autism.

Lisa G. Bardach, MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Lisa is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist who is nationally recognized for her expertise in Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC), specifically in helping people with severe physical challenges gain access to communication technology. Lisa has been a part of ALS of Michigan since July of 2000. She developed and implemented the AAC Center, a regional clinic to provide AAC and Assistive Technology services to pALS throughout Michigan. She is dedicated to ensuring that pALS have a way to communicate throughout the course of the disease, helping them to implement low tech and high tech methods of communication. She provides evaluation and training for pALS in need of communication, speech generating devices, and computer access as well as telephone technology. Lisa holds a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lisa is also an adjunct faculty member of the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Kim Graziosi, APR
Development and Marketing Director
Kim came to ALS of Michigan in September 2018. She works closely with our staff, volunteers and donors on a variety of fundraising events. These include the annual Walk 'n Roll for ALS, Lou Gehrig Day at Comerica Park and ALS Auction Mania, as well as our numerous third party events hosted by friends and family of our organization. Kim has a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Michigan State University and is accredited in public relations (APR). She has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing, public relations and special events and is passionate about raising funds for people with ALS as a very close friend passed away from the disease. Kim is also a board member for the Hope for Autism Foundation.

Mary Hansen, LMSW, ACSW
Social Worker/Patient Services Coordinator
Mary joined our team in October 2016. She has extensive experience as a medical social worker in hospital and home care settings. At ALS of Michigan, Mary provides emotional support, education, and connects pALS and their families with resources. Some of her primary duties include conducting support groups, developing and presenting in-services, and initiating regular, supportive contact with pALS and their families. At an agency level, Mary has written policies and procedures that enable staff to best serve our pALS. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master's of Social Work degree. She is also a Licensed Master's Level Social Worker (LMSW) and also holds the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) credential. Mary says that she is, "privileged to be able to use her passion and skills to help the ALS community."

Linda Kern, LMSW
Social Worker/Patient Services Coordinator
Linda joined the ALS of Michigan team in the fall of 2012. As a social worker and patient services coordinator, Linda's role includes assisting with calls and emails for support, information, and resources along with our loan closet, facilitating the Sterling Heights support group, participating in local events, and representing ALS of Michigan at the Henry Ford ALS Clinic. Linda graduated from Wayne State University with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in social work. She has over 20 years of experience as a social worker, with a focus on the medical field. "I feel fortunate to be working with ALS of Michigan, so that I can be there for people as they cope with the many changes associated with this disease."

Rachel Moen
Respite Coordinator
Rachel joined the ALS of Michigan family in July 2022 as Respite Coordinator. Rachel earned her bachelor's degree at Concordia University Ann Arbor in Family Life Education which concentrates on working with families experiencing hard times, and a secondary aspect, child life. Child life works with children/adolescents and explaining medical/hard situations  Rachel has spent most of her adult life being a caregiver to different patients with different needs including one who had ALS (who changed the direction of her life). Rachel is currently working on a blog that pALS and their loved ones can use as a resource in their journey.