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The ALS Association Indiana Chapter is here to serve the statewide ALS community - patients, families, friends, caregivers and medical professionals. Please let us know how we can help you.
The ALS Association Indiana Chapter
9449 Priority Way West Drive, Suite 130
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 915-9888
Fax: (317) 915-9889
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Meet your ALS Association Indiana Chapter Staff
From the first time you call our office, attend a fundraiser or a support group meeting, you come in contact with dedicated and passionate individuals who make up our staff! While each has a unique set of duties, together we have one goal: to serve Hoosiers living with ALS and connect them to quality information, resources and support as they navigate life with this devastating disease.
Where I grew up: Knox, IN
Where I live now: Macy, IN
Joined the Chapter: March 2022
Motivation for working at the Association: Being part of a greater group focusing on providing medical social work to patients and families who need it most. Being able to make a direct impact on the ALS community through my knowledge and experience.
Hobbies: Loving my 3 dogs, motorcycle rides with my husband, drinking coffee, and planning vacations.
Brian Rothenberger, Major Gift Officer
Where I grew up: I was born and raised on the west side of Indianapolis. My early years were spent in Speedway, and we moved to Brownsburg as I entered middle school. Summers involved lots of baseball and hanging with my cousins on the family farm and small towns east of Lafayette.
Where I live now: My wife and our two dogs now live on the near west side of Indianapolis, near the Zoo and across the river from the IUPUI campus.
Joined the Chapter: June 2021
Motivation for working at the Association: My only brother, Mark, was diagnosed with ALS in his late 40’s and passed away in August 2018. Having witnessed the devastation that this disease wreaks on its victims and their loved ones, I was drawn to this opportunity to join those who are fighting to end ALS and support Hoosier families who are struggling with its effects.
Hobbies: I love to read and ride my road bike. Music is a lifetime passion of mine, and I like to experience it live whenever I can. I am also involved in a local non-profit as a volunteer chaplain. Finally, I am a novice homebrewer and enjoy spending time with close friends on the golf course.
Connie Simpson, MSW, LCSW, Care Services Director
Where I grew up: Kokomo, Indiana
Where I live now: Westfield, Indiana
Joined the Chapter: October 2017
Motivation for working at the Association: I pursued a career at the ALS Association because I was looking to make a change. I was ready to move away from an in-patient acute care setting to a place where I could still maintain a supportive relationship with patients and families, but really enjoy an out-patient/community. I am excited to provide a connection between those affected by ALS, their loved ones and the Association as 'wrap around' support!
Hobbies: Bike riding, spending time with my family and three children (Elaine who is a seond grader, Julia who is a Nurse at Methodist Labor and Delivery and Michael who is a Senior at Westfield High School), and traveling. FUN FACT - I am a twin! We do not have twin names (her name is Jackie) but we are identical!
Avery Smith, Development Manager
Where you grew up: Louisville, KY for 2 years then Indianapolis, IN
Where you live now: Indianapolis, Indiana
Joined the Chapter: May 2021
Motivation for working at the Association: I decided about halfway through college that it was my dream to dedicate my professional career to working in the nonprofit sector. What makes me the happiest is connecting with others and feeling like I am truly making a difference in their lives. After losing both my uncle and grandfather to ALS, my passion for this type of work grew even further. I spent most of my life in Indianapolis thus far, and I am overjoyed to have been given this opportunity to serve both my city and the ALS community.
Hobbies: After work you can find me spending time with friends, reading a good book, going on a hike, or singing and playing my piano or ukulele. Fun fact: I am a newly retired collegiate acapella singer, and yes for a little while my life was a lot like Pitch Perfect. When I can find the time (and money) I love to travel and explore new places. My favorite destinations I have been to so far are Copenhagen, Denmark where I spent a month studying abroad, and Yosemite National Park.
Shauna Smith, BS, Care Services Coordinator
Where I Grew Up: I was born in Charleston, SC
Where I currently Live: Galveston, Indiana
Joined the chapter: September 2020
Motivation for working with Chapter: I have always had a strong ability in connecting individuals to things they may need. I am motivated to help those during some of their most vulnerable times, sometimes that just offering an ear to listen or connecting them to a resource they may need and taking some of the burdens off their plate for them. At the end of the day this is what puts a smile on my face knowing I may have given a moment of relief to someone else during a difficult time for them. I am honored to be a part of an association that will allow me to continue this line of work in helping others.
Hobbies: I enjoy meeting new people, gathering for events (sporting ones as well – Go Cubs!) I am a mother two twin daughters that often keep me entertained and busy. I am a boxer mom to two lovely pups named Renegade and Clover (Florida State and Notre Dame fans in this house). When I am not running around and have the time you will find me at our local gym.
Chelsea Richards, MSW, LSW