Meet the Hope Companions Peer Supporters

Peer Supporters provide caring support and guidance to their peers.

Support Group Schedule Become a Peer Supporter

Hope Companions Peer Supporters convene bi-annually with the National Lead of Peer Support and IBA leadership to ensure the needs of the PANS PANDAS community are met. These meetings offer ample opportunities for leadership to share updates on new procedures, developments, IBA initiatives, and our latest findings, enabling us to continually grow and enhance our services for peer support members.

I’m hoping you’ll come out and make the most of the opportunity to feel connected to people who understand what you’re going through.

Hello, my name is Nancy. I am a mother of three wonderful children who have grown up to be PANS PANDAS warriors. We had to overcome numerous challenges and complexities over the course of more than ten years in order to obtain the appropriate care and assistance. My children for the most part have healed when the underlying problem was identified and treated effectively, but the process was difficult, frightening, and emotionally taxing.

I know how many parents and adults feel as they attempt to navigate their own diagnosis and treatment plans since we felt misunderstood and alone for years, with no social networks or support groups to turn to.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: nancy@inflamedbrain.org

Nancy Lawrynowicz
National Lead of Peer Support &
Peer Supporter (Eastern Canada)

My goal as the National Lead of Peer Support for IBA is to connect people nationwide via online and in-person forums so they may engage, talk, and listen to one another in a safe and supportive environment. I love meeting new people and families, and I’m constantly amazed by how many people with PANS PANDAS share similar traits and health challenges.

Let’s do this together!

My name is Alexandra Myhill-Jones and I have been an elementary school teacher, school counsellor, and am now a clinical counsellor. I value providing support so that individuals and their families impacted by PANS PANDAS feel more connected. I believe that connection with others and with one’s self is very important in the healing process. There is hope of recovery!

Group: Self-care Parent Evening
Group: Young Adults (ages 18-29)
RSVP: alexandra@inflamedbrain.org

Peer Supporter - Alexandra — **Alexandra**
Peer Supporter
(Canada-wide)

Stay hopeful – you are not alone.

Moira has been involved in PANS PANDAS family care for many years. She would like to help support families who are facing the isolation and challenges that accompany this condition.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: moira@inflamedbrain.org

**Moira**
Peer Supporter
(Western Canada)

Everyone’s journey is different. Embracing this is half the battle.

Tracy lives in Kitchener with her husband and daughter Mary Lou. Her daughter’s PANS journey has given her passion and desire to help alongside others on their journey. Having others around us who understand our challenges and victories is such an important component of healing. I’m happy to be here.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: tracy@inflamedbrain.org