Find A Youth Mentor

Erika was diagnosed with Alopecia at just 2 years old and represents Philly, where she was born and raised. She has lived with alopecia for 93% of her life, and she owns it! With her diagnosis at such a young age, she has always been interested in science and understanding “why” things happen. She has seen success through science. She earned my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and minored in mathematics at Notre Dame of Maryland University (Baltimore, MD, 2017). While in undergrad, she was a 4-year member of the field hockey team, 2-year member of the swim team, 1 year member of the basketball team. Immediately after undergrad, she went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology from Stony Brook University School of Medicine (Stony Brook, NY, 2022). She now works as a Life Science Strategy Consultant for Ernst & Young, based out of Philly. She is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and has a beautiful wife, Rachel. Together, they have two fur-babies Mogley and Shady. Erika has always had a passion for mentorship (e.g., career, alopecia, science) where her goal is to make sure you feel welcome, heard, appreciated, and supported on your journey. She is here for you and wants to remind you that, no matter what your journey looks like, you are not alone! When not mentoring, Erika enjoys traveling, live music, going to the beach, and having Harry Potter marathons!

Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa Polster, and I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I am currently a college student at Miami University in Ohio, studying Microbiology and Pre-medical studies with a Spanish minor. My alopecia journey started at age 16 amidst the already dreadful teenage years. I grew up with my fluffy, voluminous curls being a staple of my identity and confidence. So, when I felt a smooth patch on my head where my curls once rested, I felt my femininity and sense of self crumble. I endured nightmares about losing more hair and anxiety that my peers would view me differently. Although I had a fantastic team of dermatologists providing steroid injections and sharing promising developments, I found it hard to believe I would still be myself without my hair. Long story short, this condition has come with waves of emotions, but with a great support system, it has become a point of pride more than a source of shame. It would be nothing short of an honor to be part of someone else’s support system as they experience the same scary, yet empowering, chapter of life. In my free time, I love cooking (and eating), going to baseball games, hiking, writing, watching movies, and laughing with my friends and family! As we tackle the road ahead, I will be there to make you laugh, help you grow, and support you however I can. What an amazing way to make a new friend :)

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!