Find A Youth Mentor

Hi, my name is Jamil Wilkerson. I am originally from Indiana, but as a military brat also lived in Texas and Hawaii. I am currently a student at the University of Southern California studying sociology with hopes of attending law school after. Looking back, as a young kid I developed alopecia and never imagined still having it. Through it all, I have become a more sensitive and compassionate person. This is my first encounter with NAAF and I am thrilled for it!

Hi, I’m Caroline! I am currently in graduate school in Amherst, Massachusetts. I study geology and am getting my masters studying tsunami risk in Japan. Before this, I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and went to undergraduate at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. In terms of hobbies, I love to hike, rock climb, run, watch movies, cook new recipes, and learn new things. I was diagnosed with alopecia universalis about 4 years ago while at Lafayette, when I turned 20. It all happened pretty quickly for me: my hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes all went within a few months. I do own a wig, but don’t wear it very frequently. Even though my experience with alopecia was very recent, I know that without it I would be a very different person today. I have really become able to embrace and love who I am, no matter what that entails. Because of how alopecia has changed me, I feel inspired to talk to others about their experiences and especially work with children and younger people that are going through this. Alopecia is challenging for everyone, but with some help you can come out stronger and more confident on the other side.

I am a Arizona native living in Phoenix Arizona. I have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and have been working all over the country in the Solar industry the past 4 years and now work as an Engineer in Scottsdale. I grew up in Prescott Arizona and was one of two boys. My older brother has had Alopecia Universalis since he was 4 years old and in 2018 I lost all my hair as well. I am fortunate to have a brother who can relate to the situation I am in and it has helped me to keep a positive attitude and prioritize the important things in life. Watching my brother grow through his formative years, not looking like his peers, I can see how it helped him to become the resilient, successful, empathetic, kind man he is today. He has helped me to be confident in my new look and have the realization that I can be confident in who I am, with or without hair. My brother's impact on me over the last year is one of my main motivations for connecting with a mentee, as I can see how it can feel isolating and lonely going through this without someone who has shared the experience. Things I do for fun… playing sports (played football/basketball/baseball through high school), trying new/foreign foods, traveling when I can, watching movies/netflix, camping/exploring outdoors, mountain bike riding, listening to music, finding new/cool/fun things to do in town. I appreciate you taking the time to read my bio and look forward to meeting you.

Hi my name is Calvin! I am a UC Davis graduate and in my spare time I like to create new acquaintances and participate in sports such as tennis and basketball. I was diagnosed with alopecia areata during my Junior year of high school. Through a series of flares, I learned to better overcome negative intrapersonal thoughts and be comfortable living with alopecia. Alopecia has allowed me to become truly understanding of the differences in people’s perception and approach others with integrity. As a mentor, I want to empower you in developing a healthy mindset and guide others to feel comfortable with one’s self. I look forward to learning about your experiences and supporting in the best way I can!

Hi! My name is Amber and I live in Clinton, Maryland. I’m a Psychology major and a soon to be graduate of my local community college. I will then transfer to either American University or University of Maryland Baltimore County. I’ve had alopecia ever since I was 3 years old. Being bald is all I’ve ever known! My alopecia journey has been an emotional experience, but it has ultimately made me who I am! I never had much of a support system growing up, and I’m the only individual in my family with alopecia, so I truly do want to make a difference in the lives of alopecian youth! I love to help people; it’s my calling in life! Bald IS beautiful!

Hey there! My name is Danielle, I'm 19 years old and I've had alopecia areata since I was 2 1/2 years old. When I was younger, I struggled with bullying and fitting in. I felt like no one understood me because no one else around me had alopecia. Despite being so young, I was in a very dark and unhappy place. It took years for me to accept my alopecia and learn to love myself. Attending the NAAF conferences as a camper/camp counselor and being involved with the alopecia community truly helped me accept my alopecia. I'm happy with myself now and don't let alopecia bring me down. If anything, I let it empower me. I’m currently a sophomore in college. My major is Music Education and I'm studying to be a music teacher. Besides music being one of my passions, I really love to travel/explore. I love going on hikes, going to different restaurants, and seeing new sights. I'm also a fan of arts and crafts. I love self-expression and creating new things! Looking forward to meeting you soon and helping in any way I can!

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and I have been attending the NAAF conferences since I was 4. I just concluded my sophomore year at New York University as an Education Studies major and am fortunate enough to be spending a semester studying in Washington D.C. for the fall semester. I was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis at 8 months old and have never let it keep me from pursuing my dreams. Nothing can prepare you for losing all of your hair, especially when society and the media make it seem like a necessary part of being beautiful. It’s easy to compare ourselves against the models in magazines and to see being bald as imperfect. However, with the right support system and great resources it’s also totally possible to push the negative thoughts aside and to instead focus on the power and beauty we each have thanks to Alopecia. In my opinion, being born with a unique condition made me more understanding of other forms of differences. It taught me to be kind, open, and most importantly to practice empathy. Being different is definitely not an easy challenge, especially when your difference is most likely the first thing people see—but there is an amazing world out there ready to embrace you for who you are. I’ve made it my goal to show people how proud they should be about who they are, in whatever shape or form they come. It might be an uphill battle filled with several obstacles, but discovering your strength and confidence through your unique beauty is possible.

Hi! My name is Sarah and I grew up in Holmdel, New Jersey. I studied exercise science at the University of Connecticut, and I graduated with my doctorate in physical therapy from George Washington University in Washington, DC. I am now a physical therapist in northern New Jersey. Just after turning 6 years old, all of my hair fell out within a month. I had a wig, but choose to go without it almost all of the time. As I got older, I realized that being different was difficult at times, but wasn't always a bad thing. I currently go without a wig everyday. I have been involved with NAAF since age 6, and I treasure the unparalleled friends and support system I have gained through this organization. I wish that I could tell my younger self that things would work out as planned, regardless of Alopecia. I am up to talk about school, dating, having fun, professional life, and anything else you want to chat about. I am looking forward to talking you, and hopefully giving some insight into what the future may look like.

Hey! I’m Carolyn Kinney and I live in Belgrade, Maine! I’m 18 and a senior in high school. I'm an upbeat and energetic person who loves sports, public speaking, Disney, board games, musical theater, Wonder Woman, and politics! I’ve had Alopecia since I was six years old. It originally began as Alopecia Areata – my parents thought my older sister shaved my head as the original patch identically matched the size of her leg razor – and is now Totalis!  Growing up as a gymnast with Alopecia was sometimes difficult. My team would have hair parties before big meets, and, because of my patchy hair, I was unable to participate. However, my coaches soon realized and brought in a henna specialist so I could be included in my own way. I still love walking into special events with brilliant henna designs on my head! There’s always positivity and light in a situation if you are willing to look deep enough to find it. Alopecia can most definitely bring hard times and sadness; I remember the failed treatments, stares/comments of people in public, and my wig falling off in front of my sixth-grade class. But, I also remember the strength that developed each time something happened, driving me to look in the mirror and say, “This is me; this is who I am. Nobody’s opinion matters but mine.” Had my wig stayed on, I wouldn’t have had the push to take back control and embrace my individuality. During my freshman year, I shaved my remaining patches, and felt absolutely liberated! I took my hair before Alopecia could. I’m very grateful for my supportive family who continually encouraged me to always move forward. It’s the outlook on adversity that determines its impact. From my experiences, I’ve gained confidence, inner strength, and learned the value of laughing. I cannot wait to walk alongside others as they discover themselves as an Alopecian!

Hi everyone! I’m Hilary and I live in the Piedmont of North Carolina. I was diagnosed with Alopecia Totalis at age 20. I've tried a bevy of treatments including drastic diet changes, multiple traditional medicines, and even Chinese techniques- none of which had an impact. Following my diagnosis, I found a great deal of comfort in the alopecia community, who have ultimately become my best resource for reassurance and self-acceptance. Connections through the group helped guide me as I made the decision to get my eyebrows micro-bladed and to shave off my remaining hair. After discovering the alopecia community, I have chosen not to wear wigs daily but still own a few to occasionally wear for fun. As time passed, the moments of self doubt became more and more fleeting, and now I feel that I have more confidence than I did with hair. Working in public-facing jobs has made me comfortable and confident in my ability to field questions from curious people of all ages. I've experienced my fair share of hard times and awkward moments, but have built a strong network of people that remind me who I am and how much stronger we are together. I love being outside with my dog and taking an active role in environmental conservation. I also enjoy exploring art and creativity through henna, painting, and reading poetry.