Our Team

Casey currently serves as the Chair of the Innovation and Technology Council (ITAC) for The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. Casey chairs Team Gleason’s Technology Advisory Committee and has spearheaded partnerships with technology companies like Comcast, Google, Microsoft, and more. These relationships have allowed Team Gleason to continue innovating technology that provides people with ALS the latest in accessibility functions. 

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. 

On Sally’s first day as a Team Gleason Intern, former Executive Director Paul Varisco said, “Stand up and give me a hug, you’re family now.” From that moment, Sally committed herself to Team Gleason’s mission of helping people living with ALS. 

Sally believes she has the most exciting job at Team Gleason. Sally now helps lead strategic planning as well as organizational growth and development. 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.

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.

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 and educating 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. 

A New Orleans native, 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.

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.

From New Orleans,

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.

Mary’s experience as a special education teacher led her to develop a deep interest in promoting accessibility for others. Working with students with limited verbal communication and motor skills helped guide her to her role as a Technology and Equipment Associate. “As a special education teacher, I worked with students who used various AAC devices and adaptive equipment and, in doing so, I became really interested in how those technologies can promote independence and improve someone’s quality of life.”

Building relationships with the ALS community is important to Mary. She enjoys assisting those living with ALS and their caregivers, especially learning and understanding their unique needs and finding accessible solutions. Mary believes that everyone has the right to independence, and she is proud that her work with Team Gleason truly enhances the quality of life for others. 

Mary grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and attended college in Jackson before moving to New Orleans. As a diehard Saints fan, she was a natural fit. Mary brings a unique and valuable perspective to Team Gleason through her past experience and we are lucky to have her on the team.

Yutha plays a critical role in communicating with people and families living with ALS about the benefits of the equipment or technology they may need. Her goal is to ease some of the fears about those needs by sharing valuable information and ongoing support.

Yutha’s path from Boston to New Orleans came through interning at the State Department, working for a law firm, and on a Congressional campaign. But her overwhelming passion for life is in public service and humanitarian work. Yutha credits her drive to work for a non-profit with being raised by a family who dedicated their lives to helping others. Team Gleason and the ALS community are grateful.

With a degree in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans, Jarrett’s ability to troubleshoot equipment and eagerness to learn about assistive technology makes him the perfect fit for Team Gleason. As part of the Technology and Equipment team, Jarrett draws from his past experience working in IT to assist people living with ALS. Educating pALS on assistive solutions and helping them navigate available options for equipment are just two of the daily tasks Jarrett takes on.

Working within the non-profit world comes easy to Jarrett as he was raised by a parent with a tenure in non-profit fundraising. As a native New Orleanian, he understands the importance of Team Gleason and felt called to serve his city. You can find Jarrett all over the Greater New Orleans area exploring restaurants and the newest pop-ups. He’ll tell you all about his bobblehead collection or chat about the Saints, Pelicans, or St. Louis Cardinals.

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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Travis credits his experience as both a journalist and a nursing assistant to his ability to connect with others. His time working in hospice care taught him the value of feeling comfortable as a patient, the impact of disease management and education, and the importance of caring for the caregiver. Disappointed by the gaps left in the healthcare system, Travis felt a calling to work for a non-profit that delivers real and tangible support to people in need.  

Travis brings his Southern charm with him wherever he goes. Originally from Texas, Travis has lived all over, including Memphis, the Northeast, and Baton Rouge, before falling in love with Louisiana and calling it home. Travis studied Anthropology and Sociology at Rhodes College and graduated in 2012. When he isn’t petting every dog he sees or cooking a new batch of soup, you can find Travis fixing up his houseboat in the Louisiana swamp!

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.”

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.”