The MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine is a pioneer of the multidisciplinary approach, in which professionals from many disciplines coordinate to provide an integrated care plan for each individual. Read more about the role of each specialty and meet our clinic staff below!

Medical Staff

The medical staff consists of neurologists who are experts in the field of neuromuscular diseases. Their first goal is to determine the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This will be done by performing a throrough neurological exam, requesting a variety of diagnostic tests, and reviewing your clinical history. During your visits, they will respond to your questions, provide symptomatic treatments, discuss clinical trials, and communicate with the other team members to ensure all recommendations are being incorporated into the treatment plan.

Terry Heiman-Patterson, MD

After completing a six-year BS/MD program from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Albany Medical College, Dr. Heiman-Patterson received her residency training in Neurology from Albany Medical College and was awarded a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) clinical and research postdoctoral fellowship in Neuromuscular Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania. She started her medical practice at Hahnemann University in 1982 and became the first Medical Director of the MDA Clinic at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, PA. In 1984, she founded and was Co-Director of the ALS Center at Hahnemann University, one of the first multidisciplinary ALS clinics in the country and the standard of excellence against which ALS clinics are judged today. This was one of the first ALS clinic officially certified by a national organization (ALS Society). After serving as an Associate Professor of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University from 1988-1996, she returned to Hahnemann University/Drexel University College of Medicine in 1996. In December 2016, the clinic relocated to Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine where it continues to be at the forefront of multi-disciplinary care.

Dr. Heiman-Patterson has conducted over 24 clinical trials in ALS, helped to establish the standard of care in noninvasive ventilation of ALS patients, and has received several grants to study the cause of ALS in animal models of motor neuron disease. She has authored over 50 papers, abstracts, and correspondence on motor neuron diseases. She is a member of the Northeast ALS Consortium of researchers and physicians (NEALS), and leads the biorepository subcommittee. In 2014, she was elected the Co-Chair of the NEALS Executive Committee. Dr. Heiman-Patterson served on the Medical Advisory Boards of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, the Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association, and the National ALS C.A.R.E. Program. In 2000, the Muscular Dystrophy Association honored Dr. Heiman-Patterson with the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for outstanding service as a clinician and researcher on ALS. In 2015, she received the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations Forbes Norris Award, an award given yearly to a neurologist “dedicated to helping people with ALS/MND.”

In 1999, Dr. Heiman-Patterson co-founded the ALS Hope Foundation with Dr. Jeffrey Deitch, and currently serves as President of the Board. 

Anahita Deboo, MD

Dr. Anahita Deboo received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She went on to the University of Pennsylvania where she completed her residency training in Neurology followed by a fellowship in Neuromuscular Disease and Electromyography. She then joined the faculty at Drexel University College of Medicine where she served as director of the Electromyography Laboratory at Hahnemann Hospital as well as co-director of the MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Drexel University.  She moved with the Center of Hope to Temple University in 2017 in order to continue her role co-directing a team that provides comprehensive and compassionate care for people with ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. She is co-investigator of numerous clinical trial and research studies in motor neuron disease and other neuromuscular conditions.  Dr. Deboo is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Lewis Katz School of Medicine and also the director of the Electromyography Laboratory in the Department of Neurology at Temple University Hospital. 

He also attended on the Neurology Inpatient Ward and Consult services at Johns Hopkins Hospital, supervised Neurology Residents’ and Neuromuscular Fellows’ Clinics, performed open muscle and nerve biopsies, and interpreted and taught nerve and muscle pathology as Assistant Director of the Clinical Neuromuscular Pathology Lab, and was Director of the Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship.

In 2012, he founded an ALS Postmortem Research Core at Johns Hopkins, which integrates de-identified clinical, pathological, and genomic data with autopsy tissue samples and slides – all made broadly available to academic and industry ALS researchers around the world. Since 2021, the ALS Postmortem Core has been supported by a collaboration with the CDC National ALS Registry, and is now located at Temple University.

Dr. Ostrow also is Chair of the Programmatic Panel for the Department of Defense ALS Research Program (ALSRP), presently the largest dedicated annual funder of ALS therapeutic discovery and validation. He led recent ALSRP efforts to develop and refine funding mechanisms to help novel treatments move though the drug development pipeline, emphasize biomarker development, and encourage open data and resource sharing. He serves on several ALS steering committees and review panels, and has given 30+ invited talks, grand rounds, and keynote lectures on ALS research, biomarker development, postmortem tissue biobanking, and harmonizing multicenter research efforts and core resources.

Dr. Ostrow is a member of the ALS Hope Foundation Board of Directors.

Mental Health Specialist

The role of the Mental Health Specialist is to provide counseling to you and your family. She is also available to other healthcare providers as a consultant on the psycho-social dynamics of ALS and can recommend strategies for the identified concerns. She works to develop and initiate special programs and groups to educate and support families. Finally, the Mental Health Specialist is involved in research investigating the psychological and social effects of ALS on individuals and families, which helps the medical community at large to better understand the emotional challenges of the illness and develop new approaches to care. 

Clinical Nurse Coordinator

The Clinical Nurse Coordinator will help to ensure that your questions and needs are addressed during your visit to the center. She is also available to assist with questions or concerns you may have between appointments.

Mary continued her education with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College which has enabled her to remain present and supportive with her patients during difficult times. She states that her “life has been greatly enriched by her work at the Center of Hope” and considers it a

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is concerned with ensuring you remain as independent and safe as possible while performing your activities of daily living. He will evaluate your arm strength and your ability to use your hands. His recommendations will then be made based on his findings and the information you provide. You will be instructed on exercises to do to help maintain flexibility and range of motion. He will often recommend adaptive devices or techniques to help you continue to do the activities you enjoy. 

Jennifer Doto, OTD, OTR/L, ATP

Jennifer (Jen) Doto, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in 2020. She brings valuable experience from her previous role working for people with neurological diagnoses, where she specialized in enhancing accessibility for power wheelchair users through creation of custom assistive technology systems. Jen's work there not only fueled her passion for innovation but also led her to obtain certification as an Assistive Technology Professional. Her dedication lies in problem-solving and tailoring solutions to meet individual needs, with the goal of fostering independence in alignment with each person’s aspirations. Jen is committed to advocating for others, working collaboratively within her professional team, and making sure each patient feels empowered in their own way.

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist will see you at each visit for ongoing evaluation of your strength and mobility. She will address moving in bed, getting in and out of chairs, walking, or using a walker or wheelchair. Two of the main areas that will be addressed are exercise and equipment. Exercise guidelines based on your strength and energy level will be made. Stretching exercises will be encouraged to help maintain your flexibility and decrease muscle cramping. Equipment recommendations will be made to help in maintaining mobility and independence. They may include a MAFO (molded ankle foot orthosic), an assistive device for walking, a wheelchair, or other items for use during transfers. The main goal of the Physical Therapist is to keep you at your highest level of functioning for as long as possible. Recommendations will be made to ensure your safety and independence.

Sara Feldman, PT, DPT, ATP

Sara Feldman, PT, DPT, ATP has been the Physical Therapist at the center since 1994. She received her Bachelors in Physical Therapy in 1987 from Temple University, her Masters in Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Drexel University in 2012. Prior to coming to Temple, she was a Senior Physical Therapist on the Spinal Cord Injury team at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. She moved to Hahnemann Hospital to be on the acute neurotrauma and neurology teams. Sara works full time for the MDA/ALS Center of Hope and in addition to clinical care she is involved in clinical trials and the use of assistive technology.

Sara served as the Clinical Evaluator representative on the NEALS Executive Committee from 2013 to 2018 and co-founded the NEALS Physical Therapy Committee with Peggy Allred, PT, DPT, co-chairing from 2012 to 2018. She was on the Board of Directors of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations from 2013 to 2019 and remains co-chair of the Allied Professionals Forum and chair of the PALS and CALS Advisory Council. In 2018, she received the inaugural International Alliance’s Allied Professionals Award and in 2022 she received the Temple University Physical Therapy Alumnus Award.

She looks forward to the day there is a cure for ALS, but until that time, will continue to be an advocate for better care

Speech Language Pathologist

The Speech Language Pathologist will monitor any difficulty you are having speaking or swallowing. She will assess your ability to communicate effectively and make recommendations to address communication deficits if necessary. These recommendations may include assistive devices or alternate means of communicating. Possible swallowing problems will be discussed as well as the anatomy and physiology of the swallowing process. Suggestions will be given for diet modifications and safe swallowing techniques as needed.

Donna Harris, MA, CCC

Donna Harris, MA, CCC is a licensed and certified speech language pathologist and has been involved with the MDA/ALS Center of Hope since 2000. She received her Masters from Temple University in 1991. Donna has worked in a variety of settings, including special needs classrooms, acute care hospitals, and rehab centers. Donna is committed to the ALS cause and loves working with each and every family.

Dietician/Nutritionist

The Dietitian/Nutritionist will meet with you to discuss your weight and nutritional status. One of her primary considerations will be to ensure you are maintaining safe and adequate nutrition and hydration. Her evaluation will begin with a nutritional assessment which includes changes in body weight, current nutritional status, and present intake. Suggestions on dietary changes, recommendations on alternate routes of feeding, and education on tube feedings will be given as needed. It is her goal to assist you in preventing nutritional deficits while maintaining your quality of life.

Social Worker

The Social Worker is here to assist you in navigating the way through different agencies and your insurance company. She can act as a liaison between you and your insurance company or case manager. She will work with you and your insurance agency to help you obtain services or medical equipment ordered by the physician. She can also help you with understanding and completing the many forms and paperwork you will encounter. These may include letters of medical necessity, short- and long-term disability forms, and transportation needs. The Social Worker's purpose is to advocate on your behalf to assist you in meeting your medical and insurance needs.

Luisa Enriquez, MSW

Luisa Enriquez, MSW, is a dedicated social worker who received her BSW from La Salle University and master's degree in May of 2024. She joined the Temple University staff in November 2023 where she focuses on supporting individuals facing neurodegenerative diseases. Engaging with patients and their families is not just a task for her, it is a source of motivation. “Since starting with the ALS Hope Foundation, I have witnessed resilience and patients who maintain their sense of self-worth which keeps me inspired. My role as a Social Worker extends beyond administrative tasks; it's about offering genuine support, alleviating some of the burdens they carry. I find immense gratitude in building meaningful relationships with patients and their families, and I look forward to continuing this aspect of my work, fostering connections that truly matter.”

Clinical Trials Study Coordinator

There are several ongoing clinical studies at the center. The clinical research staff is available to disseminate information about these current ALS studies and provide further information to interested individuals. They will screen prospective participants, conduct the study sessions with those individuals who meet the criteria, organize data and medical records, and attend conferences with other research staff throughout the country as indicated.

Kathleen Hatala, RN, BSN

Kathleen Hatala, RN, BSN, graduated from Holy Family College in 1987, and brings her experience of working in neuro-intensive care to the team.  She has been a Clinical Research Nurse at Temple University since 2001 and is passionate about ensuring the research and the people volunteering to be involved are both taken care of.  Her compassion shows in all of her interactions.

Respiratory Therapist

The respiratory therapist is another important member of the team that you will meet. The respiratory therapist will monitor your breathing by performing several tests. The therapist will then offer suggestions to help maintain your current respiratory status. As ALS can often affect your respiratory system it is very important to understand what the respiratory system is and how it functions.

Donna Sickles, RRT

Donna Sickles, RRT, started her respiratory career at James Martin where she earned her CRT. She began working at Temple Hospital in April 1993 and Temple became her home away from home. She returned to school, attending Bucks County Community College, to obtain credits toward her her RRT. In February of 2024, she became a member of the ALS team and has been impressed by the “most amazing team” and the incredible care we provide for the people with ALS that we see. “It’s heartwarming to see the care and compassion this group provides.”