Staff
We have a multidisciplinary staff with expertise about ALS and experience working with those living with ALS, their caregivers and their families. Our team is a dedicated group of professionals who have had an amazing impact on the lives of countless families in Massachusetts, New England, across the country and abroad.
Ron Hoffman
Founder/Executive Director
Ron Hoffman
Founder/Executive Director
Ron Hoffman co-founded the Gordon T. Heald ALS fund along with Elizabeth Heald following the death of her husband Gordon on October 30, 1998. In time Ron’s work led to the creation of the nonprofit organization Compassionate Care ALS. He has served as founder and director working with thousands of individuals, families and communities living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in the US and around the world. He facilitates and guides intimate discussions for those engaged in the complexities of living with and dying with this catastrophic illness. Ron’s work helps examine the myriad of choices and possibilities that people confront including the process of death and dying and the questions that arise as together they create space for dialogue around their decisions.
Ron has been mentored by many great teachers in preparation for his unique path in the world, including Roshi Joan Halifax of the Upaya Institute, the late Steven Foster, his wife Meredith Little and Dr. Scott Eberle of the School of Lost Borders, Jeffrey Duvall, co-founder of the Men’s Council Project, Tom Daly, Phd. of the Living Arts Foundation and Julie Brown Yau, Phd. of Embodied Wisdom who was instrumental in the co-creation of the Cultivating Compassion Education Series. Ron leads in-services and trainings for hospice workers and health care professionals. He also lectures regularly to nursing students at UMASS Boston. Ron has served two terms as a board member of the Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts. He is a former board member of Men’s Leadership Alliance of Boulder, Colorado. Ron is the author of Sacred Bullet, Transforming Trauma to Grace While Tending the Terminally Ill, a book that sheds light on living with grace in the face of mortality. Ron serves in many ways as a resource for individuals and organizations around the country. Originally born in Richmond, Virginia, he currently lives in West Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Julie Yau, Ph.D., SEP
Trauma & Spiritual Care Liaison
Julie Yau, Ph.D., SEP
Trauma & Spiritual Care Liaison
Dr. Yau is an expert in the field of healing complex trauma. She specializes in the resolution of relational, complex, and intergenerational trauma. She is a master NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) practitioner, and an authorized teacher of the Shri Vidya tradition. Using a unified approach, Julie’s work addresses the challenging psychobiological dynamics of trauma, and includes the latest neuroscientific findings, contemplative, and somatic psychologies. Julie supports those living with ALS and who are actively dying by addressing the multi-layered impact of a terminal illness diagnosis and the complexities that emerge, she also assists individuals to open to deeper dimensions within the body/mind.
Julie studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism extensively with Rohab Rinpoche, Dan P. Brown, and Maa Uma-Parvathi Natha. Other teachers she studied in-depth with include Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Allan B. Wallace, and Roshi Joan Halifax.
Erin Lajeunesse MSW, LICSW
Senior Family Care Liaison
Erin Lajeunesse MSW, LICSW
Senior Family Care Liaison
Erin joined the CCALS team in January 2012 bringing with her over fourteen years of social work experience. In addition to her significant professional track record in the social services sector, Erin has worked in end-of-life care as a hospice volunteer and as a Reiki energy healing professional. In her role as Senior Client Care Liaison, Erin regularly makes home visits and helps assess the needs of each of our families. Erin is a S.H.I.N.E.(Serving Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly) Certified Counselor. With this certification, she is qualified to advise on Medicare/Medicaid applications and help our families expedite the approval process. Erin holds a B.A. from University of Rhode Island, a M.S.W. from Boston University, and is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
Chris Curtin
Senior Family Care Liaison
Director, Southern New England & Northern Atlantic States
Chris Curtin
Senior Family Care Liaison
Director, Southern New England & Northern Atlantic States
Chris began his journey with ALS when his close childhood friend Claire Collier was diagnosed with ALS back in 2004. Chris was quick to jump in and help Claire as one of her caregivers and advocates. He quickly learned first hand what it is like to care for an ALS patient. Through Claire’s strength and determination to live each day to its fullest, Chris was inspired and realized what a gift life is.
In 2010 Chris founded the MAC Angels Foundation, along with Claire’s close family and friends, as the founding Board President. In 2015, he joined the MAC Angels staff as the Director of Services and has worked with over 500 families to date. In February 2019, Chris joined forces with Compassionate Care ALS as the Senior Family Care Liaison of Southern New England and Northern Atlantic States. Chris brings over 20 plus years of caregiving experience and is determined to help support families in their journey with ALS.
Kristine Copley
Communication Director
Kristine Copley
Communication Director
Kristine is our resident “Tech Girl” when it comes to communication equipment. She keeps up to date on speech technology tools and computer access strategies, and provides advice, implementation, training and ongoing technical support to our families. Prior to CCALS, Kristine worked for DynaVox (now TobiiDynavox), the hardware manufacturer of eye-gaze controlled speech devices and had been in high tech sales for 20+ years. She has a bachelor’s in finance from URI and is a Massachusetts-certified CNA. She has also been an ALS caregiver since 2014.
Travis Schneider
Equipment Program Director
Travis Schneider
Equipment Program Director
Travis started working at CCALS in December 2011 and became a full-time member of the team in May 2012. As the Equipment and Van Program Coordinator, Travis plays a vital role in ensuring that CCALS delivers our families what they need, when they need it. Travis spends the majority of his time managing our durable goods inventory, repairing equipment, ordering new equipment and delivering equipment to our families. Prior to joining, Travis has 14 years of experience in restaurant and hospitality management which has allowed him to refine his project management and client relationship skills. He holds a B.A. in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University.
Eileen Garry
Senior Family Care Liaison
Eileen Garry
Senior Family Care Liaison
Eileen Garry is a retired United States Army Sergeant who worked for more than 25 years as a laboratory scientist and an allied healthcare professional in medical device and diagnostic industries. Her career path shifted into social services after being the caregiver for her mother, Claire, who passed from ALS in 2009. Eileen has always had a passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives and she brings this by “showing up and being present” for every ALS family she meets.
Her social services experience includes supporting the elderly and disabled as a Care Manager at Ethos Senior Services and the ALS Association. Eileen is trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs as a SHINE Counselor. In this role, she is able to advise in many areas of health insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug and other programs.
Eileen holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Northeastern University.
Shannon Carey
Family Care Liaison
Shannon Carey
Family Care Liaison
Shannon is a highly qualified professional with over 27 years in the Electrical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering fields. She is certified in AutoCAD and spent 14 years focused on Environmental Engineering. She has helped design groundwater purification systems and coastal anti-erosion projects around Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. She previously managed a Computer Graphics department and was the Public Meeting Coordinator for Jacobs Engineering and AFCEE (Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence). She most recently served as a Receptionist and Assistant to the Business Director at Atria Woodbriar Terrace in Falmouth.Shannon has known Ron Hoffman since 2001, when her husband was first diagnosed with ALS and has previously served on the Board of Directors of CCALS.
Brenda Fox, M.Div.
Grief and Bereavement Care Liaison
Brenda Fox, M.Div.
Grief and Bereavement Care Liaison
Brenda has over 30 years of experience combining her passions and expertise in spiritual care and the complexities related to death and dying. Since 2011 she served as hospice Chaplain, volunteer coordinator and grief counselor at Hospice of the Estes Valley in Colorado. She has coordinated care and facilitated gatherings for survivors of torture, clergy, hospice families and volunteers. Her methodology focuses on deep listening, building resilience, expanding narratives of resourcefulness and the rich human capacity to meet unthinkable circumstances with greater strength, grace and wisdom than we thought possible.
Brenda was introduced to Ron Hoffman and CCALS in 2010 when her father was living and dying with ALS. The care and support provided, even at a distance, made it possible for her father to die well and leave behind a beautiful legacy of courage. She joins the team now to provide grief support, spiritual care and bereavement resources for our families.
Pat Lazarek
Senior Care Liaison
Pat Lazarek
Senior Care Liaison
Pat Lazarek LICSW is an independent clinical social worker of 26 years with over 40 years of experience working with people with disabilities with goal of community care including deinstitutionalization. For the past 15 years my work in a PACE program has included caregiver support, palliative and end of life care. Over my career I have worked to help hundreds of individuals with physical, mental and developmental challenges to remain in the community by providing clinical support, and identifying resources and services that allow for maximum independence and self- determination. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies -Worcester State University and a Masters in Social Work - University of Connecticut.
Michael Hodgkins
Care Liaison
Michael Hodgkins
Care Liaison
Michael has been in service for over 35 years. His passion for elders, family, men’s work, recovery and the Red Sox’s has been a blessing to many! Michael’s deep compassion, listening skills, sense of humor and wide open heart have allowed him to help many in their final hours. Working as a chef and manager in the food services / hospitality industry as well as a contractor further honed his people skills. Michael is a founding member of the Berkshire Men’s Council and has helped organize and facilitate men’s retreats for 30 years.
His passion for self-development and recovery is evidenced by the many people he has sponsored. After watching and sometimes helping his wife work with the elderly she invited him to help. In the spring of 2015 he became a caregiver for terminally ill men. In 2019 Ron Hoffman, the executive director of CCALS, called him and asked him to work with a client and that started his journey with helping people with ALS. After that first client he knew that was to be his life’s focus.
Michael lives in northwestern Connecticut with his beloved wife, Nancy. He has three daughters. He is a proud veteran of the US Navy.
Laurie Raymond
Care Liaison
Laurie Raymond
Care Liaison
Laurie became intimately familiar with ALS as her husband’s caregiver during their seven-year journey. During this time Laurie experienced the value of support for families living with ALS. It’s with gratitude for those that helped her and her family that has brought her to CCALS. Having lived in 4 very different states, Laurie is a resident of NJ, where 2 of her 3 sons and granddaughter live. Her hometown of Los Angeles is never far from her heart, as it’s where the rest of her family resides.
Ann Seymour
Care Liaison
Ann Seymour
Care Liaison
Ann’s experience includes over 25 years in counseling, human resources and administration. She holds a B.A. from Curry College and M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University. Ann has also provided pastoral counseling to critically and terminally ill individuals. Her work has always been focused on helping others.
Ann became aware of CCALS after her best friend’s spouse was diagnosed with ALS. She witnessed first-hand the astounding impact our offerings had on her friends’ lives, and wanted to become a part of this. Ann is honored to have the opportunity to join in Compassionate Care ALS’ mission, showing up and serving ALS families.
Ann enjoys Broadway musicals, walking in the woods and spending time in NH with her three nephews and family.
Lauren Rothwell
Care Liaison
Lauren Rothwell
Care Liaison
Lauren was first introduced to CCALS when her husband Matt was diagnosed in 2016. Because of the support she received, joining the Volunteer Caregiver Program in 2021 was a perfect opportunity to stay connected. She happily joined the CCALS team in 2025 and hopes to make a difference by helping families navigate the challenges of ALS.
She has a degree in Business and has worked in the Behavioral Health Field for 28 years.
While her children were younger she started her own Daycare, worked in Special Care Nursery, and became a Swim Instructor.
Things that bring her joy are being in nature, staying active, listening to music, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her amazing family & friends!
Jason Chorches
Heald Center / Equipment Care Liaison
Jason Chorches
Heald Center / Equipment Care Liaison
Jason Chorches is a retired Lieutenant from the Barnstable Sheriff’s Office with 20 years of service. After retirement, he spent a few years working in community health as an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator and worked with Boston Medical Center on a Substance Use Disorder Study.
In his free time, Jason is active in the Falmouth Community as a volunteer with David’s Old Silver Swim and East Falmouth Elementary, as well as working at the Falmouth Road Race as a Organizing Committee Captain. He is active outdoors, and can almost always be found on his standup paddle board on Waquoit Bay and the surrounding waterways. He is excited to be joining the CCALS team.
Brenda Cvitan
Care Coordinator / Assistant Retreat Center Coordinator
Brenda Cvitan
Care Coordinator / Assistant Retreat Center Coordinator
Brenda has worked in end of life care as a Certified Hospice Nursing Assistant since 2001. Throughout her experience she has worked with thousands of hospice patients and families with a high dedication to compassionate and quality care. Brenda’s commitment to providing individual care that is unique to each individual and family makes her a great addition to the CCALS team.
As the Retreat Center Coordinator, she loves working with CCALS families to help them navigate through this complex journey. Brenda’s favorite part of working with CCALS is meeting with families and listening to their stories. We are grateful to have Brenda’s experience and dedication on our team.
Martha Miller
DME Care Coordinator
Martha Miller
DME Care Coordinator
Before joining the CCALS team, Martha worked in a secretarial position in the medical field for nine years. She first came to know Ron and Erin in 2010 when her husband, Mark, was diagnosed with ALS. CCALS was an integral part of their lives during the six years Mark lived with ALS.
In her free time, you can find Martha behind the camera, taking pictures during get togethers and scenic photos. Most of these photos are probably taken during summer or fall, her favorite seasons.
Martha Dutton
Care Coordinator – New Hampshire
Martha Dutton
Care Coordinator – New Hampshire
Martha joined the CCALS team in September 2021 inspired by her role as a direct caregiver for a person living in the advanced stages of ALS. In a letter, her client referred to Martha as “open-minded and eager to improve approaches to the delivery of care…a talented and natural therapist, I trust her immensely “. It was Martha’s honor and privilege to dedicate herself in this service. Supporting families with ALS is a continuation of this profound experience. Martha is a NH native. She is a Certified Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a COTA, she trained in conducting home assessments for patients, clients, and families. She worked per diem in a LTC facility, inpatient and out patient therapy services. She earned a BS in Human Services, Springfield College. She worked in Special Education and as a Job Coach/Developer. Her past life involved raising goats, chickens, ducks, and bunnies. She is currently down to 2 cats 2 dogs and 1 teenage son, August (“Augie”).
Ayana Otteman
Care Coordinator CCALS Staff
Ayana Otteman
Care Coordinator CCALS Staff
Ayana Otteman was first introduced to the extraordinary impact of CCALS in 2010 as the organization provided support for her Grandfather who was living with ALS. At the young age of 12, Ayana experienced the power and art of true compassionate care. Over the years her family stayed connected and involved with CCALS, which ultimately led to Ayana joining the team in June of 2024. It is her honor to support Ron, the CCALS team, and all of our families.
Carol Somerville, MS, LCSW
Government Affairs Liaison, Northeast Region
Carol Somerville, MS, LCSW
Government Affairs Liaison, Northeast Region
In January 2021, Carol joined the Southern New England and Northern States CCALS team. A career Social Worker, she has decades of experience in healthcare, gerontology, and coping with ALS. Her Masters in Social Work is from Columbia University along with a Master’s in Health Care Management and Administration from NYC’s New School for Social Research.
More than 30 years of practice has led Carol to engage with ALS patients and families with a personal touch and respect for the difficult and varied feelings and experiences of everyone involved. Through her, comes emotional support and the ability to secure needed resources: ongoing involvement has developed her understanding of ALS and the healthcare system.
Those who work with Carol are empowered through her commitment to patient rights and self-determination. She focuses on promoting quality of life for the whole family without shying away from difficult conversations and decisions. Hope has many forms, and she will work with everyone involved in each case to find the best path possible.
Kimberly Hoy
Communication Specialist
Kimberly Hoy
Communication Specialist
Kim joined CCALS in 2022 focusing on communication and technology solutions. Kim regularly makes home visits and helps assess and then fill the communication needs of our families.
Kim is an experienced professional with over two decades of experience in the non-profit sector. She has provided both material and financial support, and humanitarian outreach directly to clients. Kim has a strong track record of “people-first” service delivery which she is excited to bring to our CCALS families.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross, a Master’s in Business from Lesley University and is certified to teach in early childhood and elementary schools.
Becca Wilkotz, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Becca Wilkotz, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Becca joined CCALS in February of 2024 after seven years in the clinical setting as a Speech-Language Pathologist. As an SLP, she has extensive experience addressing cognition, memory, speech, language, voice, and swallowing deficits in the adult-geriatric population. Becca worked closely with patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s, and ALS.
She brings a patient-centered approach to her work, fostering compassion, patience, and resourcefulness. As a new member of the communication team, Becca facilitates communication and access technologies for our CCALS families, supports SLPs in the community, and completes AAC evaluations for insurance funding of speech generating devices when appropriate.
Becca graduated from the University of Florida with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Christopher Cooley
Data Specialist
Christopher Cooley
Co-office Manager
Christopher Cooley has a background working in administration for Hope Hospice in Hyannis, MA. He has also worked in the legal field. He was his father's personal caregiver until his passing in 2009. He lives in Marstons Mills with his wife and pets and is very excited to be working at Compassionate Care ALS.
Deborah Kelly
Executive Assistant/Office Manager