We are a small but mighty team with a BIG MISSION

Our strength lies in bringing together the right experts—researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates—to develop innovative solutions built on evidence for young caregivers.

At GNYC, it’s not about size—it’s about strategy, expertise, and dedication. We are deeply grateful for our dedicated community of board members, staff, and volunteers whose passion and commitment make our mission possible—together, we are creating a world where young caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered.

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Meet the Board

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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Mary Ellen Bench, JD

Board Member

Rachael Barrett, MBA

Board Member

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Rachael Barrett, MBA

Board Member

Lauren Webb, LCSW

Board Member

Lauren Webb, LCSW, Chief Advocacy and Outreach Officer for the Les Turner ALS Foundation, is dedicated to forging connections between policymaking and service delivery to ensure that patients and families receive not only care but also hope. With a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago, she has worked in the neurological community for nearly 25 years. Together with her team at the Foundation, Lauren helps provide innovative, compassionate interdisciplinary care, with an emphasis on health literacy, health equity, and amplifying patient and caregiver voices. She is a devoted advocate who approaches people and problems with humility, curiosity, and humor.

Lauren Webb, LCSW

Board Member

Help us support our Global Reach 

Neurological conditions are global, with children and youth involved in care. Yet children in these familes recieve few supports or education about the disorder, or the care they provide. 

Your donations and contributions help bring the YCare program to areas around the global, translate and culturally adapt books and films, and support health and social care providers across the globe.

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