Meet the Team
Meet our ALS Team!
The multidisciplinary clinic setting is a “one-stop-shopping” approach that will provide you with access to many different healthcare professionals in one visit. We will work with you and your families to provide symptomatic relief, ensure safety, maintain optimal independence, and provide counseling and emotional support. We can also provide a wide variety of information on ALS – the latest treatment options, clinical trials, and referral to various agencies that may be helpful.
We have assembled the following experienced and dedicated professionals:
Matthew Elliott, MD– Neurologist, Medical Director of UVA ALS Clinic
Will manage medical treatment plan including disease modifying therapy for ALS and symptomatic treatment. Will discuss and answer questions related to diagnosis, testing, prognosis, research opportunities and experimental therapy options, progression and goals of care.
Patsy Donnelly, RN, BSN– Care Coordinator
Will help facilitate your specific needs as recommended by the multidisciplinary team. She will be your point of contact for any follow up needs.
Renee S. Bricker, M.S. CCC-SLP– Speech-Language Pathologist
Will discuss and manage any changes with swallowing, speech and language, and communication along with giving proactive tips to help with management of these areas.
Melissa Fox, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist
Will discuss how your ALS is affecting your mobility and independence. Can give suggestions for equipment and strategies to help. Will guide you on the best types of exercise to do.
Renee Fuller, BSc (OT) – Occupational Therapist
Will explore issues you might have performing daily functional tasks (such as personal care and work activities). Will help provide strategies/solutions to help you better manage daily activities for as long as possible
Abby Michaels, MS, RDN, CNSC– Dietitian/Nutritionist
Will assess your eating, drinking, and weight and help you find ways to meet your nutritional needs.
Derrick Many, MSc, RRT-ACCS– Respiratory therapist
Will perform simplified pulmonary function tests, and assist with all breathing related questions and concerns.
Eric M. Davis, MD – Pulmonologist, Associate Professor of Medicine
Will assist with review of respiratory symptoms related to underlying neurologic condition. Will help with reviewing strategies to improve breathing and sleep while focusing on improvement in quality of life.
Chelsea Chambers, MS CGC– Licensed Genetic Counselor
Her role in ALS care is to help patients navigate the genetic testing process and understand how results apply to the patient and their families.
Emily Chen, PharmD, BCPPS– Clinical Pharmacist, Neurology
Will review your medications and provide support managing them. She can discuss tools you can use to optimize your therapy, & coordinating care with providers as well as access to medication in conjunction with Linda. She also is available for consultation if you have questions regarding your ALS or supportive care regimens.
Linda Morris, CPhT – Certified Pharmacy Technician
She works directly with the Clinical Pharmacist and the ALS team to help provide medication access for Specialty Medications. She performs prior authorizations for medications, writes appeal letters, coordinates with drug companies and insurance companies, and helps navigate cost barriers to ensure our clinic patients are able to access their medications.
Laura Zbehlik – Clinical Social Worker
Will assist patients and their families with psychosocial needs and can also help with things like advanced care planning, care giver support, and community based referrals.
ALS Association Care Coordinator–
Provides ALSA resources including grants, support groups, medical equipment loan closet, assistive technology support, virtual home safety assessments, and more.
Mary Wagoner, Clinical Research Coordinator
She coordinates participation in research trials for patients who are interested. If you would like to know more about research at UVA, you may contact her or ask any of the team members to have her give you a call.
Sejla Smajic, BS–Clinical Research Coordinator
She coordinates participation in research trials for patients who are interested. If you would like to know more about research at UVA, you may contact her or ask any of the team members to have her give you a call.