Find A Youth Mentor

I am 17 years old, a junior in high school and I was diagnosed with alopecia totalis when I was 13 years old going into eighth grade. It started out very slow and by the summer, I was nearly bald. I wore a baseball hat, my entire ninth grade year. As you can imagine, it was extremely difficult. I had amazing support from my family and a few friends, and it is what got me through this. I ended up with a brilliant and caring doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and he put me on a drug called Xeljanz. This has allowed me to grow my hair back fully. I have also participated in research with the NIH and I feel very strongly in supporting research for alopecia, as I know firsthand how this has affected my life. Because of the risk of blood clots with this drug and a health condition that I have, I am also on a blood thinner, which puts me out of all contact sports, which were a big part of my life before this diagnosis. So now I’ve turned my focus to Golf, which has been a blessing in disguise. I have been very open and honest about my health issues and my diagnosis of alopecia with all of my friends, and they have been so unbelievably supportive and let me know that they are always there for me. It made me realize how important it is to support someone going through something like this. I would love to be able to have the opportunity to mentor someone with this diagnosis and just be there to offer them support and for them to have someone to talk to about how they’re dealing with this. Thank you so much for Letting me share my story, and I hope to hear some of yours soon!

My name is Yasmin Youssefieh, and I am a 16-year-old sophomore at The Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. I have experienced hair loss since I was 10 and was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata at 15. Growing up with this condition made me feel different, but it also sparked my passion for supporting others who face similar challenges. Through this program, I hope to connect with others, provide meaningful support, and ensure no one feels as isolated as I once did. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, working out at the gym, and playing with my dogs. I believe everything happens for a reason, and although my journey has had its challenges, I view them as opportunities for growth. My ultimate goal is to use my experiences to help others feel seen, heard, and supported so that no one has to feel alone in their journey. Growing up, I’ve always loved working with kids. In the summer, I teach swim lessons and babysit, where I’ve learned that everyone is unique, and each child deserves love and care, no matter their differences. I have two older brothers, 20 and 18, and through them, I’ve seen that with the right people in your corner, you can achieve anything you set your mind to — and I want to be in your corner.

I am Amelia Johns, a 17-year-old junior who tackles life with energy and enthusiasm! I have Alopecia Areata and I was diagnosed when I was about a year old. Apart from that small part about me, I love doing many things! When I am not hitting the books, you'll find me pounding the pavement as a varsity cross-country and track athlete. I love the challenge of pushing my limits and the camaraderie of my team. I also have a creative side too, diving into arts and crafts whenever I have the chance. From painting and drawing to building and creating, I find joy in making things with my own hands. I enjoy playing board games and video games, I love being competitive! Whether it's running a race, crafting a masterpiece, or simply playing with my cute dogs, I am always on the move. I have a passion for anything physical, always ready for a new adventure or challenge!

Hello, my name is Cole Farrar and I’m 29 years old. I live in Tampa, FL but born and raised in Louisville, KY and lived there most my life (go cards!) I’m married to my beautiful wife Taylor. I'm a commercial airline pilot and have been flying for 10 years. I was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis when I was 27 years old. Within 6 months I went from having all my hair to complete hair loss. This was a very challenging time in life and I learned a lot about myself throughout the process. I want to help those who are going through similar situations to learn to accept and embrace everything that comes with alopecia. In my free time I enjoy working out, watching sports, playing fetch with my dog, and spending time with my friends/family.

Hi, my name is Connor, and I’m 16 years old. I live in upstate New York and I’m a Junior in high school. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata when I was in 5th grade. Then it progressed quickly into alopecia universalis when I got into middle school. As I was losing all of my hair, my family also moved. So I did get to experience being the “new kid” in middle school while bald and wearing a face mask (during COVID). However, I adapted and always kept a positive attitude! I learned how to navigate the social aspect of school and made some great new friends. Two years ago I started to take JAK’s and this treatment has been amazing for me. I currently have a full head of hair and am having a blast in high school. In school, I love science and math classes. I am on the cross country team and track team. Outside of school I enjoy supporting the Buffalo Bills, running, camping, reading and playing video games. I am excited to have this opportunity to be a mentor. I am ready to give back to the alopecia community and to help others navigate their alopecia journey. Everyone’s experience is different but I know the importance of making positive connections with peers, and look forward to connecting with mentees.

Diagnosed with alopecia in 7th grade, I lost all my hair within six months. However, I strongly believe everything happens for a reason. Alopecia is one of the best things to ever happen to me. Not from an appearance point of view (even though it looks awesome), or even a confidence point of view (even though I’m more confident than I was with hair). It was life changing because my alopecia-related challenges helped me connect on a deeper level with friends, classmates and current mentees. Very few experience Alopecia. However, everyone faces some sort of challenge that results in having to mature in significant ways. Understanding that life will unfold in extremely positive ways despite any challenge was the cure for me. Even though I have a very serious first half of my bio, I am just like any one of my mentees. I have hobbies (piano/music, hockey, school, running and good conversations), interests and unlimited things I would love to talk to anyone about. The only thing that is different is age and therefore lived experiences. I look forward to joining this wonderful community.

Hi! My name is Liam Simmons and I’m 16 years old. I’m from Waxhaw, North Carolina and I’m currently a junior in high school. I’ve got an older and younger brother and both of my parents are from a small island called Barbados. During my free time I love watching sports (major NBA/Premier League fan), playing basketball, and playing video games. I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata when I was 2 years old and it’s been pretty consistent since then. At this point in my life, I feel extremely comfortable with myself and I’d like to help others feel the same way.

Hi! My name is Morgan and I am a freshman at the University of San Diego majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and moved to St. Louis, Missouri as a teenager. In my free time, I love to read, play games, bake, go to local coffee shops, travel, go to the gym, hang out with friends and family, play with my dogs, and listen to music. I’ve faced hair loss since I was 13 years old and got diagnosed about a couple months after noticing the hair line in the back of my head was unlike the usual persons hairline. Over the last couple of years, I have had countless spots appear. It has taken a lot of experimenting with different treatment options but I have found one that works for me right now! Even though I have had some great growth, alopecia areata has been a constant struggle for me and my mental health, especially in the early stages during middle school. I found that staying busy with all my hobbies and talking to loved ones about my condition has helped me a lot. That is why I am so happy to be a support system and a shoulder to lean on because I know what it is like the feel alone dealing with alopecia. I have learned to really accept myself and I feel confident in my own skin! Even though I have my days of feeling insecure and upset about my hair, I remember how far I have come and that everyone has their flaws. I cannot wait to meet you, share my experiences, give advice, and be the best buddy I can possibly be!

My name is Nicole, I’m 25 years old from southern California and I’ve had alopecia since I was 9 months old. My hair has ranged from completely bald to having a good amount of hair so I’ve experienced the full range of alopecia. Alopecia has been such an integral part of my identity and gives me a unique perspective in life. Outside of grad school I’m training for a marathon, love to dog walk, watch movies, hang with friends and listen to music ◡̈ I’m also learning to knit and am a croissant addict!

Hi, I’m Bri! I’m 20 and go to the University of Miami studying artist development and music business while being pre med. I also am in the process of getting my real estate license. I have had Alopecia for about 15 years and have dealt with the entire range of hair loss. In middle school I rocked a bald head and, as I got older, experimented with new ways to build my confidence and style. I have had periods where my hair has grown back completely and, as it fell out again, transitioned from extensions to wigs. It has shaped me in becoming confident and secure with myself no matter what. Throughout my journey, I found that there was a lack of community, which left me with no knowledge or guidance and a lot of experimenting by myself. I’ve had to learn tips and tricks that have helped me deal with Alopecia and keep myself healthy and on the path to hair growth. I’ve tried everything from injections, topical treatments, red light, and teas and supplements. When I discovered NAAF, I was eager to become part of it and give kids what I was searching for when I was young and dealing with Alopecia, a friend who they could relate to and learn from. I have 5 younger siblings ranging from ages 1-14 and am able to connect with children well. In my free time, I like to travel, put outfits together, write music, teach voice and piano lessons, be outside, and experience new things with people I love. I’d love the opportunity to get to know you and become friends :)