A young girl reading a book in a Global Neuro Ycare classroom.

Based on clinical experience

The foundation was created after many years of collaborative work across countries, with children and families living with neurological conditions. As a licensed clinical social worker, Dr. Kavanaugh worked closely with identifying key areas of need and gaps in programming for advocacy, education and support - including:

  • YCare: Skills, support and education
  • Graphic novel
  • Parent guide, how to talk about ALS
  • School guide - helping school staff know how to support children in families with ALS/MND

Built on relationships

Over the years, it was clear - organizations want to do more to assist children and youth, but don't have the tools or resources. Working directly with other non-profit organizations, the Global Neuro YCare foundation provides the guidance, tools, and resources to build children and youth programming around the world.

Focused on children and youth

The majority of disease based organizations provide programming and support for adults, yet few, address the children and youth in these families. The Global Neuro YCare Foundation focuses on children and youth, within these families, but as the primary target for our services.

Support children and youth around the globe

Your support and contributions will enable us to bring the YCare program, educational materials and LUKi content to children and families around the globe.

Donate Now
A group of people gathered around a table.

Meet the Global Neuro YCare team!

Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW

Founder

Dr. Kavanaugh is a professor of social work, and a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in neurological disorders. She conducted the first study of youth in families living with, and caring for, a family member with ALS/MND. She created the care and support programs for youth "YCare", written several books for youth and families and developed collaborations around the work adapting and translating her books and programs.

A smiling woman wearing glasses and a floral shirt is featured in this picture.

Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW

Founder

Judine Duerwaechter

Board member, Secretary

Judine is a pastor, currently serving St. John’s UCC in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She specializes in pastoral care and counseling and is trained as a marriage and family therapist. Through the United Church of Christ WI Conference, she served in statewide leadership roles and as a member of the Board for World Ministries. Judine has served as a board member for various nonprofits statewide. Beyond her ministries, she has served as a family therapist for the Sheboygan County Health and Human Services in Child Protective Services, as well as community shelters. In addition, Judine has toured schools nationally with The Stutman Group, addressing parents regarding the hardships of substance abuse.

An about Global Neuro Ycare, a smiling woman in a white jacket.

Judine Duerwaechter

Board member, Secretary

Nidal Estiban

Board member, Foundation Financial Officer

Nidal is a CPA and MBA, with over 25 years experience in corporate finance, including manufacturing and service industry. In addition to his corporate finance expertise, Nidal has served as the financial officer for the Wisconsin chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA).

A man in a suit and tie smiles confidently for the camera.

Nidal Estiban

Board member, Foundation Financial Officer

Franclo Henning, MD, PhD

Board Medical advisor, ALS/MND expert, Chairman of MND/ALS Association of South Africa

Dr. Henning is an associate professor of Neurology. His areas of expertise include motor neuron disease, inflammatory myopathies and inherited myopathies. Dr. Henning also services as the chairman for MNDA South Africa.

A man wearing glasses and a black shirt is passionate about Global Neuro Ycare.

Franclo Henning, MD, PhD

Board Medical advisor, ALS/MND expert, Chairman of MND/ALS Association of South Africa

Mary Ellen Bench, JD

Board Member

With more than 30 years’ experience in municipal public service, Mary Ellen held various leadership roles in the legal department at the City of Toronto, as well as City Solicitor for the City of Mississauga. In those roles, she was often engaged on project teams outside of the traditional legal role, because of her practical approach that uniquely achieved solutions to challenging problems that respect and garner the support of all parties, a quality for which she is known throughout the business and legal communities.

A woman in a business suit smiling at the Global Neuro Ycare event.

Mary Ellen Bench, JD

Board Member

Rachael Barrett, MBA

Board Member

Rachael Barrett, MBA

Board Member

Kathy Gale, PhD

Fundraising lead

Kathy brings a unique blend of expertise in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, research expertise, and teaching. After receiving her PhD, Kathy works part-time as a research manager, coordinating an annual symposium of caregiving professionals, and serves as an adjunct instructor teaching in the areas of nonprofit management, fundraising, theories of education, and applied public health.

A woman in glasses is smiling.

Kathy Gale, PhD

Fundraising lead

Amanda Barnes, BSW

Foundation Intern

Amanda is an MSW student, with experience working in underserved health care settings. Amanda is our social media master and works closely with the board on several projects.

A woman in white shirt and black pants represents Global Neuro Ycare.

Amanda Barnes, BSW

Foundation Intern