Find A Youth Mentor

My name is Kristy Li and I’m a sophomore at UCSD majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. When I was one year old, I became infected with the chickenpox virus. Unlike other kids who break out in itchy sores, my immune system went haywire. My hair started falling out and soon stopped growing in patches. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata, a condition I only became aware of when I was about five or six years old, and my peers began to bully me. This was really hard on me since I was so little and thought that I didn’t look pretty or cute, like my peers. I started figure skating a few years later, and learned that beauty is within, and when I figure skated, it made me feel beautiful. I love reading and doing arts and craft because it took my mind away from reality. It took me a long time to be comfortable and confident in who I am. I would be more than happy to share my experience with you and support you on your journey!

I’m a designer, artist, and educator living in Western Queens. I teach dance and visual art. Other interests of mine are: storytelling, acting, learning languages, spirituality, cooking, nature, feminism, and science. I get very nerdy about games of all kinds, and Harry Potter! My journey with alopecia started at age 10 (in 1999). I developed bald patches that came and went. My parents sought out all kinds of remedies for me, but none seemed to help. Middle school was rough — I was bullied, I had few confidants and no role models for living with alopecia, and on top of it my father died suddenly. Eventually I tried a wig. It helped me blend in, but was also burdensome and I was always afraid of being outed. I found other things to focus on, but I was relieved when my hair grew back in high school. Then many years later, when it started falling out again and I could no longer hide it, I shaved my head. It was liberating. Now I'm completely bald with very little body hair and no eyebrows or lashes. I draw eyebrows on daily, and often wear eyeliner. I’ve learned to separate my ever-changing hair from my sense of self. So nowadays I hardly think about it (except when random strangers tell me how great I look), and I can focus on the things I care about in life. I can't wait to meet you, hang out, and support you in your journey. I bet we could learn a lot from one another.

Hi, I'm Trisha! I am a junior in high school and was diagnosed with alopecia when I was 6. Throughout middle school, I struggled with bald patches constantly appearing, however, now in high school my hair has grown back. My goal as a mentor is to help my mentee deal with and process alopecia and the emotions/feelings that come along with it. In my free time, I play lacrosse, hang out with friends and my dog, and travel. I am on my school's lacrosse team and am also a news editor for my school's newspaper. I also run a summer book club for kids and spend time coaching younger kids in lacrosse. I am looking forward to becoming your mentor and can't wait to meet you!

Hey! My name is Ryan Sterling and I live in Batavia, Illinois. I’m 23 and currently work as a financial analyst. Some of things I enjoy doing are being active whether it be hiking, playing sports, walking around going bird watching, or just enjoying nature. I am also super into video games, really into Pokemon and Minecraft right now, but if you name it, I’ve probably played it. I also enjoy being creative by crafting, making silly videos with my friends, or singing alone to Adele in my car driving down the highway lol. My journey with Alopecia started as Alopecia Areata in middle school, which then went away during high school and part of college, then I was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis after graduating school. I like to think that I am confident in myself and who I am and I hope to give this confidence to someone else in need of figuring out who they are and what they can be after losing their hair! I definitely still have bad days just like anyone else so I know exactly what you or your child is going through. Really excited to have just a fantastic time getting to know you and helping guide you through such a different path in life! I’m down to answer any and all questions that may arise. I am an open book!"

Hi, my name is Cara Puccini and I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, where I am studying Dietetics and Nutrition. At UC, I attend almost all the football and basketball games, and I love going the rec to workout. I have had alopecia universalis since I was 3 years old. Since I don’t remember ever having hair, I have never felt the need to wear a wig, although I do own some. After my second NAAF conference, I began drawing my eyebrows on and last summer I got them tattooed, and recently went back to get them micro-bladed. My twin sister, who has hair, and I went to a small catholic grade school and high school where we were cheerleaders and played golf. Since it was so small almost everyone knew who I was and I was never bullied for my alopecia. I have been attending NAAF conferences for 8 years now, and I look forward to them every summer. Although I never truly struggled with my alopecia, becoming part of the NAAF community changed my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having alopecia and the opportunities I have had through NAAF.

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Gregoire, and I am from Buffalo, NY. I went to Michigan State University to study Neuroscience and am currently a medical student at the University at Buffalo! I love dogs, running, skiing, Taylor Swift, and football (Go Bills!).   I was diagnosed with patchy alopecia areata when I was 19 years old. My hair has grown back since then, but this experience truly left a great impact on me. I understand how having alopecia can be confusing, frustrating, and emotional all at the same time, and I would love to support others going through this experience in any way I can. I’m very excited to get to know you and support each other on this journey!  

Hi, my name is Hayley! I am 29 years old and living in Phoenix, AZ. I currently work as a registered nurse in the E.R. at a children’s hospital. Some of my interests include being outdoors such as, going hiking, biking, and paddle boarding. I LOVE animals and volunteer at an animal shelter for cats and dogs, as well as a horse rescue. I was diagnosed with alopecia in the 1st grade and it was not long before it all fell out, so I’ve been bald most of my life! I love to share my experiences with other people, and hear the experiences of those who are going through the same journey.

Hello, my name is Hiatt Holman! I am 22 years old, and a senior at the University of Iowa. I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, and have lived there throughout my life. I was diagnosed with Alopecia at the age of six and have been rocking the bald head ever since! Throughout my life, I have tried to be open-minded and interested in everything. I love to play sports and music (I am a very sub-par guitar player), I really enjoy video games, I watch a ton of shows and movies in my free-time, I love to talk about fashion and shoes, and I am a geek about astronomy. Nevertheless, I would be more than happy to discuss anything or participate in any activity. I love to learn and try new things every day! I am so excited to meet my mentee and their family soon, and build a strong, loving connection together!

Hi! My name is Kim Tan, and I’m from Austin, Texas. I enjoy playing the piano, baking, and playing with my dog, Diesel. I was diagnosed with Alopecia in September 2020, but I began my hair loss journey in April 2020. Initially, I had overall thinning which was diagnosed as Telogen Effluvium. After a few months, I began to notice multiple spots around my whole head. I progressed from Alopecia Areata to Totalis, and then to Universalis, all within a few months. During this time, I went through many ups and downs. I was devastated that my long, thick hair was gone, but with the support of my family and friends, I grew to embrace it. In fact, it led me to my current career path. I had always wanted to be a doctor, but my experience with Alopecia and many dermatologists have inspired me to pursue a path of Dermatology with a specialization in hair. My experience with Alopecia also drove me to create an Instagram account (@Baldacious._) to raise awareness for Alopecia and inform the community about all things Alopecia.

Hello All! My name is Sarah Seward and I’ve had alopecia areata going on 9 years now. I was first diagnosed at the age of 21 and lost all of my hair within two weeks. I am a grower and a shedder which means there is no consistency to be able to grasp. I currently work within the cosmetic industry. It is very rewarding to help people feel good and enhance their natural beauty. In my downtime I love sports! I am originally from KC, so the Royals and the Chiefs are my diehard teams! I look forward to getting to know you!