Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Alisa Brownlee’s 30 Years with ALS United Mid-Atlantic

At ALS United Mid-Atlantic, we are thrilled to honor a remarkable milestone! Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CLIPP, CAPS, WSP, CEAC/Mastery has dedicated 30 incredible years to supporting people living with ALS and their families. Her passion, expertise, and compassionate approach have touched countless lives, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her journey. Over the course of her career, Alisa has supported thousands of people living with ALS and their families, helping them navigate complex challenges with deep expertise, genuine compassion, and a steadfast commitment to their care and well-being.

Alisa is a Home Accessibility and Assistive Technology Specialist and the founder of ALS AT Home. Over her 30 years in the field of assistive technology, she has become a trusted expert in augmentative and alternative communication, computer access, environmental controls, smart home technology, and home modifications. Her dedication ensures that people living with ALS can live safely and independently in their homes, no matter the challenges they face.

Throughout her time with ALS United Mid-Atlantic, Alisa has brought her expertise directly into families’ homes, conducting thorough assessments that empower them to make informed decisions about accessibility and safety. Over the years, her work has grown to include both in-person and virtual visits, allowing her to support even more families with personalized guidance. When the pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual consultations, Alisa adapted seamlessly, and the results have been outstanding. Families consistently share that her insights help them uncover practical, cost-effective solutions they never realized were possible, making a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

In 2018, Alisa was honored at ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s Annual Celebration as a recipient of the Flame of Hope Award for Research and Innovation. This recognition reflected not only Alisa’s deep expertise, but also her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people living with ALS through thoughtful, innovative approaches. The moment was made even more special as the award was presented by Ellyn Phillips, the very person who first hired Alisa, bringing her remarkable journey full circle in a truly meaningful way.

From May 2022 to September 2023, Alisa expanded her impact nationally, completing 252 virtual home assessments across the country in just 14 months. Her dedication and vision inspired the creation of ALS AT Home in September 2023, a virtual service focused on making homes safe and accessible for people with ALS and other progressive neuromuscular diseases. Today, Alisa manages ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s Accessibility Program. Empowering families to plan for both current and future needs, helping make daily life safer, more comfortable, and more manageable.

Alisa’s commitment to continued education demonstrates her dedication to providing the very best for people living with ALS and their families. She earned her Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology from California State University, Northridge, and holds certifications as a Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and Wheelchair Service Provider (WPS) and Certified Environmental Access Specialist (CEAC/Mastery). This pursuit of excellence ensures that the solutions she recommends are both innovative and effective.

Beyond her direct work with families, Alisa is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about ALS and assistive technology. She shares her expertise at conferences across the country and internationally; and leverages social media to educate and inspire others. Helping families and professionals alike discover new ways to enhance accessibility and quality of life.

Alisa’s dedication, warmth, and expertise have left an indelible mark on ALS United Mid-Atlantic and the broader ALS community. Her work reminds us that accessibility is not just about tools and modifications, it’s about dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Thank you, Alisa, for 30 years of unwavering commitment and for making a real difference in the lives of so many. Your passion and compassion inspire us all.

Get to Know Alisa:
• Favorite ALS United Mid-Atlantic event: ALS Family Holiday Party
• Favorite activity: Spending time with my family
• Favorite thing to read: My goal in life is to learn something new every day, both personally and professionally. I will read anything and everything available.
• Favorite TV Show: Tie: Gilmore Girls and The West Wing