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.

Nancy is a devoted mother of three wonderful children who have grown into resilient PANS PANDAS warriors. Over the past decade, her family has faced a complex journey to secure the right care and support. With accurate diagnoses and effective treatment, her children have experienced substantial healing, though the road was difficult, frightening, and emotionally taxing.

Having endured the isolation and confusion that often accompany the search for answers, Nancy understands the struggles many families face in their pursuit of diagnosis and treatment. As the National Lead of Peer Support for the Inflamed Brain Alliance, she is committed to building supportive online and in-person communities across Canada. These spaces provide opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences, and find comfort in mutual understanding. Nancy draws ongoing inspiration from meeting new families and witnessing the collective strength and resilience that defines the PANS PANDAS community.

Nancy Lawrynowicz
National Lead of Peer Support

Interested in becoming a Peer Supporter?
Contact: nancy@inflamedbrain.org

Let’s do this together!

Alexandra brings her experience as an elementary school teacher, school counselor, and now clinical counselor to her work with individuals and families affected by PANS PANDAS. She’s deeply committed to helping them feel more connected and supported, believing that connection—with others and with oneself—is a key part of the healing journey. For Alexandra, there’s always hope for recovery, and she’s here to encourage and support every step of the way.

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 dedicated to supporting PANS PANDAS families for many years and cares deeply about helping others navigate the isolation and challenges that can accompany the condition. With her calm presence and warm smile, Moira creates a space where everyone feels truly heard and valued. As a PANDAS parent warrior herself, she’s traveled this difficult road alongside her son, and now brings her compassion and understanding to guide and support other families on their own journeys.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: moira@inflamedbrain.org
Moira
Peer Supporter
(Western Canada)

This road is not an easy one, but hand in hand, we will walk it together. You are not alone.

Jessica is a yoga therapist, elementary teacher, and caregiver to two PANS children. She understands firsthand how traumatizing, isolating and disorienting this journey can be. Jessica is eternally grateful for the families who reached out and helped her family find their way, and is dedicated to being that light in the dark for others going through the same thing.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: jessica@inflamedbrain.org
Jessica
Peer Supporter
(Eastern Canada)

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

Tracy lives in Kitchener with her husband and daughter, Mary Lou. Inspired by her daughter’s journey with PANS, she is dedicated to supporting others navigating this path. Tracy believes that sharing challenges and celebrating victories with those who truly understand is a vital part of healing. She’s grateful for the opportunity to be here, helping families find strength and connection along the way.

Group: Caregivers
RSVP: tracy@inflamedbrain.org
Tracy
Peer Supporter
(Eastern Canada)

Join a Support Group Today!