Find A Youth Mentor

Hello! My name is Mohana Chakrabarti, I’m 23 years old, and I’m a social worker focused in children’s behavioral health. I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2017 with my bachelor’s in social work and currently reside in the Kansas City area. I have a passion for working with kids, teaching them coping and life skills, and learning and growing with them as they live day to day and work to reach their goals. I developed alopecia areata when I was 8 years old that, over the course of two years, became alopecia universalis. I have tried countless remedies such as wigs, topical treatments (both homeopathic and prescription), hats, and headscarves. Through experimentation I have found that wearing headscarves is what makes me feel most comfortable and confident. I’m genuinely looking forward to connecting with other young people with alopecia and being able to use the knowledge gained from my experience to help kids process and cope with their hair loss. Over the years I have had the incredible support of my friends, family, coworkers, and mentors to guide me along my journey and assist me in recognizing my own worth and potential, and I hope to help other kids with alopecia be able to do the same. Alopecia is a confusing and difficult journey, but I believe the youth mentor program can be a hugely supportive resource for kids who’ve joined our wonderful community. My life experiences have given some insight into subjects such as school life, dating/relationships, meeting new people, and professional life and I’m happy to discuss any of these subjects with mentees. Some of my favorite activities/interests are talking about/listening to music, taking walks and adventuring around my city, spending time with my loved ones, and makeup/beauty, but I love trying new things too!