Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) face unique challenges that are best addressed by a multi-specialty clinic. With a diverse range of expertise, the Center for ALS Specialty Care helps patients and families navigate the various aspects of this difficult disease.
On This Page:
Our Approach | Care Location | Team | About | Clinical Trials | Giving | Patient Resources
Multi-Specialty ALS Care
Studies show that care in a multi-specialty ALS clinic improves both longevity and quality of life. Each of our team members offers unique expertise to guide patients through this disease.
Neurological Care
Our neurologists optimize nerve health with targeted therapies and cutting-edge clinical trial opportunities.
![Illustrated brain scan](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/neurology-icon.png?h=795&iar=0&w=1112&hash=FC4D9B0BE8724E1837AF1E1A554EB143)
Pulmonary Care
Our pulmonologists have dedicated ALS expertise to maximize patients’ lung function.
![Illustrated lungs](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/lung-icon.png?h=808&iar=0&w=1130&hash=4C868A7EBF0493BFCBF087CFEE509564)
Speech-Language Pathology
Our speech-language pathologists use strategies to promote swallowing function and maintain communication.
![Illustrated throat](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/swallowing-icon.png?h=802&iar=0&w=1124&hash=1F565E7740C64622FF34B4CDB4BB0950)
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapists promote mobility and safety with ALS-specific interventions.
![Illustrated patient lifting a weight](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/physical-therapy-icon.png?h=694&iar=0&w=972&hash=39DFD9022352313224B3FB4CEBD9B819)
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists help patients navigate activities of daily living by anticipating future needs.
![Illustrated therapist helping a patient up from a chair](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/occupational-therapy-icon.png?h=694&iar=0&w=972&hash=82B8C088B400FF6BBDB5C9A53E513A3F)
Palliative Care
Our neuropalliative care specialists focus on improving and protecting patients’ quality of life.
![Illustrated physician with hand on patient's shoulder](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/palliative-care-icon.png?h=823&iar=0&w=1152&hash=4B7CDD075882DDCA1C69307C4C093377)
Convenient ALS Care
"With telemedicine, Dr. Maragakis can have a presence in my home without me physically having to go to see him. That's a huge energy savings, especially for a patient with ALS." - David, a patient of the Center for ALS Specialty Care. Hear from David and learn more about telemedicine.
Our ALS Care Team
Nicholas J. Maragakis, M.D.
Medical Director
![Nicholas Maragakis](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/faculty-headshots/maragakis-headshot.jpg?h=360&iar=0&w=288&hash=15B649868CC8E6A1CBAB16189FD8C8B2)
JinAe Arneklev, M.S.N., C.R.N.P.
Nurse Practitioner
![JinAe Arneklev](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/advanced-practitioners/jinae-arneklev.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=2F9D90DB4CFD5934FDC1C2DA6AD0C373)
Ambereen Mehta, M.D., M.P.H.
Palliative Care Physician
![Ambereen Mehta](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/ambereen-mehta.jpg?h=375&iar=0&w=300&hash=4DC8353831A6A749B1FF4FB9FDCF41D0)
Noah Lechtzin, M.D., M.H.S.
Pulmonologist
![Noah Lechtzin](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/noah-lechtzin.jpg?h=375&iar=0&w=300&hash=157389CC2863690B0F1D9FA8E1B39314)
Hannah Smith, PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapist
![Hannah Smith](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/hannah-smith.jpg?h=812&iar=0&w=650&hash=59B6256B8533BBB8218838C1BC6F793C)
Michelle Gosnell, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
![Michelle Gosnell](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/michelle-gosnell.jpg?h=812&iar=0&w=650&hash=4A8CC319EE1285B230372CCF436B6B0A)
Betsy Mosmiller
Senior Research Program Manager
![Betsy Mosmiller](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-clinical-trials/betsy-mosmiller.jpg?h=477&iar=0&w=382&hash=0619B5E21EDB3D8015204C4BFCE09CA5)
Destiny Burton
Medical Office Coordinator
![](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/destiny-burton.jpg?h=696&iar=0&w=556&hash=7702BC6C9BB67AB074C272E8554EED8B)
Amy Tesch
Research Program Coordinator
![Amy Tesch](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-clinical-trials/amy-tesch.jpg?h=625&iar=0&w=500&hash=196A6419AA44D6729DEDB7630E562263)
Lexi Tutor, MS, CCC-SLP
ALS Association Assistive Technology Specialist
![](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-clinical-trials/lexi-tutor.jpg?h=813&iar=0&w=650&hash=D6DE865B625479BF49E2ACFB950CCF62)
Other Specialists
The Center for ALS Specialty Care works with other specialists across Johns Hopkins to address patients' specific medical needs.
Weiyi Mu, Sc.M.
Genetic Counselor
![Weiyi Mu headshot](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/als-specialty-care/weiyi-mu.jpg?h=750&iar=0&w=600&hash=ADDE6C8FD98C4840FBFB57573F544308)
David McEvoy Cromwell, M.D.
Gastroenterologist
![](/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/images/experts/doctor-default240x300.jpg?h=300&iar=0&w=240&hash=4696619199D80B70C7DAE09837A2B825)
About Our Center
The Center for ALS Specialty Care is sponsored by the ALS Association, a nonprofit organization that supports ALS research, services and programs around the world.