Our Team

Blair was named on Gambit’s 2022 40 Under 40 list for his work and dedication to advocating for the ALS community through technological innovations.

Sally can be seen putting together a fundraising softball game with NFL players or taking spouses of people with ALS to a spa day. She could be working countless hours on any given event, but you will rarely see her without a smile. She is our Chief Smile Officer.

A native New Orleanian, Kearney has committed his life’s work to furthering causes he is deeply committed to. Whether it was his time raising critical funds for Tulane University or with the American Red Cross, Kearney is now a powerful asset for Team Gleason and the ALS community. When asked what he hoped to accomplish working with Team Gleason, Kearney responded, “I want to help all people who are living with ALS get the help they need.” That was all we needed to hear. With a Masters Degree in Sports Administration and a long time tennis pro, Kearney brings the competitive spirit that all at Team Gleason focus on to find solutions for people living with ALS. Kearney is the father of 3 beautiful children and is reported to be a better than fair singer. Although he lived in Nashville for some time after Hurricane Katrina, we are glad he returned to New Orleans to literally sing Team Gleason’s praises.

Clare’s roles vacillate between communications, policy, and like all within Team Gleason, duties as needed. With ALS, there is no shortage of needs, so there’s no task Clare, nor the team aren’t willing to approach.

Everything in Suzanne’s life directed her perfectly to Team Gleason. She’s been friends with Michel since the 9th grade, was in Steve and Michel’s wedding, and is a leader in advertising and marketing.  When Team Gleason was founded, Suzanne jumped in with both feet to assist with all things creative. 

When Steve declared there will be “no white flags” when founding Team Gleason, Suzanne seemed to make that her personal mantra when approaching any project for the group or for people with ALS.

Steve once said, “through adversity we find our heroes,” and our very own Content Development Associate, Kacie Banegas, is a living example of that statement. Kacie is a Type One diabetic, who like the ALS community we help, is empowered through the use of technology. Every day, Kacie uses innovative technology to manage her Diabetes, so she knows all too well how the power of technology can give back some of what diseases take away.

Kacie is the consummate “message-bringer.” She uses her natural writing abilities to share inspiring stories about the ALS community and the work Team Gleason does as community partners. Kacie was born and raised in New Orleans and we are glad she calls Team Gleason “home.”

Emily joined Team Gleason after obtaining experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist in an ALS multidisciplinary clinic, and neurorehabilitation outpatient clinic. Her value among the team is immeasurable and brings a critical depth of knowledge to help Team Gleason meet its goals of assisting more people living with ALS.

In her time at Team Gleason, Emily has said, “It feels unreal to be able to help the amount of people each day in the way that we do. This was a big change from working in a clinic where you have a certain amount of time to work with each patient and have to see so many per day, to being able to actually listen and assist each person no matter the time or insurance. 

From New Orleans, Emily was a longtime fan of Team Gleason and has always been passionate about working with people living with ALS. Despite her fears of watching the film, ‘Gleason,’ because she felt she would cry for hours, she said it only made her more passionate to join the team and make an impact. We’re glad she did.

Jeff joined Team Gleason on the simple premise that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. A native New Orleanian, he grew up with a sense of community, compassion for helping people, and to make the world a better place. Having an uncle who had ALS and being impassioned by the work of Team Gleason, Jeff is a perfect fit for advancing that mission.

Coming from a background of in-home care and customer service, “Shon” is a perfect fit for not only Team Gleason, but for the ALS community.  As the Logistics Coordinator, Shon oversees all inventory, including updating and troubleshooting devices, shipping and prepping equipment, and processing donations and returns. She loves working with and learning about assistive technology. Her focus is always to make the lives of those with ALS more manageable with added independence while supporting those who care for them. 

There is a consistent theme with all who work at Team Gleason to make life better for those living with ALS and Shon is no exception. She chose to join Team Gleason in her path to help make an impact on the lives of others. Shon said, “The work I do brings me so much joy. I help provide needed equipment to maintain a degree of independence for pALS and take the stress off of caregivers and families. It gives me a sense of gratitude and humbleness.” And we are so grateful Shon is here to help the ALS community continue to do those special things.

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Louisiana native Michael Holoway is a perfect addition to the Team Gleason Technology program. His experience in leadership, management and customer service is incredibly valuable for Team Gleason’s mission, but also critically important to the ALS community.

In joining Team Gleason, Michael said, “the ability to bring positive change into people’s lives is the most rewarding thing I have ever had the pleasure of doing in my professional career.”

Michael is a life-long Saints fan and that kind of fighting spirit is a job requirement at Team Gleason.

Following his desire for a career that involves helping others, Richard drives forward Team Gleason’s mission to empower those living with ALS. He enjoys working with technology and learning how it can improve the way that someone lives. His passion for working with families who are new to ALS, while educating and guiding them, never goes unnoticed.

Richard is “NOLA born, Metairie raised,” and first learned about ALS and Team Gleason through the Ice Bucket Challenge. Growing up with a mother who served as his grandmother’s caretaker, Richard empathizes and understands the intricacies of dealing with those living with disabilities and their families. “I work hard to help everyone out and ease the burden. That motivates and fuels me.” Richard states his passion for spreading awareness about Team Gleason is forever, and we love that.

Inspired by Steve’s story and the work Team Gleason does, Mollie is thrilled to join Team Gleason as a Technology and Equipment Associate. With previous experience as a certified nursing assistant and as a caregiver, Mollie is passionate about working each day to ease the stress of people living with ALS and their families. “I’ve witnessed first hand people struggling to live productive and independent lives because of the lack of resources provided to them. The programs Team Gleason provides for people living with ALS are exceptional.” Mollie is excited to expand her knowledge of accessible solutions and looks forward to forming lifelong connections within the foundation. 

Emily’s love of travel is the perfect prerequisite to create and coordinate Team Gleason Adventures for people living with ALS. She’s traveled extensively and understands not only the joy and anticipation of travel, but also the preparation for a successful adventure. She says it best, “traveling changes you and informs you. If I can help anyone travel, especially those facing barriers they shouldn’t have to, I’ll be happy.” 

If her travel background wasn’t enough, Emily has worked in disability rights and in journalism. She first learned about ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge and then saw Steve and Team Gleason in a Mardi Gras parade. Once she became more familiar with team Gleason’s mission, she joined the Team in an effort to return to helping people. We are thrilled to have her, but we especially hope she brings some of her Scottish folk dancing skills to the team.

As Jamie puts it, everything seemed to line up perfectly for her to join Team Gleason. Her love for hosting events and bringing people together makes her job as the Events and Development Associate feel like anything but work. Jamie is excited to unite the Team Gleason community – fun included! “It is an important part of humanity to connect with others, especially with those who are going through similar life circumstances,” she says.

With a background in event organization and fundraising, Jamie looks forward to spreading awareness about ALS and helping to educate others. This New Orleans native loves to have a good time and hopes to see you at the next Team Gleason party!

After working in the corporate world for almost two decades, Kristi sought a new opportunity to make a difference as the CRM and Development Associate. Kristi specializes in customer service and oversees the software that enables Team Gleason to connect with our community in such a meaningful way. She loves that her work directly impacts the lives of people who need it most. She enjoys building relationships with those living with ALS, their caregivers, and the greater community.

Kristi says she is originally from “Kenna-Bra” and currently lives in Metairie, just outside of New Orleans. Before joining the team, Kristi actually volunteered for Team Gleason for many years!

As the founder of the Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter of the ALS Association who led the organization for 12 years, Kelly has a deep understanding of the needs of the ALS community. After losing her mother to the disease in 2001, she’s been committed to learning and teaching about ALS, while comforting and supporting the community.

As Team Gleason’s Respite Care Coordinator, Kelly is not only focused on supporting families who need respite relief, but she also connects directly with families after a recent diagnosis or ALS families who have unique questions or needs. 

Although Kelly has a specific role with Team Gleason, her purpose is best described in her own words, “I want to help bring light to their darkness, and hope to their despair. I only want to help as many families as I can.”

Despite not knowing much about ALS when Steve was diagnosed, Rian dug in and began helping in every way. She’s been instrumental in the growth of Team Gleason in Steve’s hometown of Spokane through Gleason Fest, the Gleason Classic Golf Tournament, and other events, while creating many more key programs that benefit people living with ALS.