Find A Youth Mentor

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 18 years old. I live in upstate New York and am attending college at Purdue University in Indiana. 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. Four 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 loving college. In school, I am currently studying to be an engineer, and am a part of the Purdue Spikeball and Grand Prix clubs. 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 Anshini! I am a senior at the University of the Pacific majoring in Biology and pursuing the accelerated pre-dental track. I grew up in Northern California. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, visiting theme parks (Disney!), playing tennis/pickleball/ping pong (I love racquet sports), and watching shows with friends. During school, I was on the tennis team and played the flute/piccolo. I’ve faced undiagnosed hair loss since I was 11 and was diagnosed with alopecia areata when I was 14 years old. I struggled with extensive, diffused hair loss as well. Over the past years, my hair has gone through many stages of regrowth and relapse. Currently, I have regrown my hair, but alopecia has been a constant struggle, especially through middle school. I spent a lot of my time staying active through tennis and dance as an outlet whenever I was down. It helped me accept myself as who I was instead of shying away from the public. I have truly learned a lot about myself and would like to think that I am confident in my skin. I still have bad days like anyone else, but with the support of my friends and family, I have become comfortable in myself. I’m excited to share my experiences, meet you, and help you with your journey just as my peers helped me!

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I’m a junior at Saint Rose High School, and I grew up in different parts of New Jersey. I currently live in a tiny beach town called Mantoloking. I was diagnosed with alopecia at the age of 2, and my granda, uncle, and dad all have it as well. I am a triplet, but I’m the only only with alopecia. My journey with alopecia has been a rollercoaster. In 8th grade, I lost all the hair on my entire head. Over the years, my hair has grown back, fallen out again, and regrown several times. Since February, I’ve been taking the new FDA-approved medication, Litfulo. Support has been crucial throughout my life! At first, I tried to hide my hair loss, but with support, I’ve learned to embrace it, as it is what makes me, me! It’s important to have someone to turn to, and I want to be that person for others, offering hope to kids facing their own challenges! I’m passionate about helping others accept their alopecia and advocating for coverage of medication/wigs, as having options is essential. I have a lot of experience with wigs, fake eyelashes, and eyebrows, and I'm happy to offer help! My hobbies include babysitting, playing lacrosse, cheerleading, tennis, going to the beach, watching sunsets, baking, spending time with friends/family, shopping, crafting, traveling, and volunteering! I hope to bring smiles and laughter through my role as a mentor!

Ever since my alopecia journey began, I've encountered numerous challenges that have profoundly shaped my character and perspective on life. Diagnosed at a young age, the sudden and unpredictable hair loss brought about waves of insecurity and self-doubt. Navigating school and social interactions became a daily struggle as I contended with the physical and emotional toll of alopecia. Over time, I learned to embrace my unique appearance, fostering a sense of self-love and resilience. My determination to thrive despite these challenges empowered me to transform adversity into a source of strength. Inspired by my experiences, I sought to support others facing similar challenges. This led me to become a youth mentor, dedicated to guiding and empowering young individuals on their alopecia journeys. As a mentor, I want to share my story of overcoming insecurities, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and inner strength. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where mentees feel understood and encouraged. Through this role, I've want the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that empathy and shared experiences can have. Supporting another person through their alopecia journey has reinforced my belief in the power of community and connection. By offering guidance and reassurance, I hope to inspire confidence and resilience in those I mentor, helping them navigate their paths with courage and optimism. Together, let's transform our shared struggles into a source of empowerment, embracing our uniqueness and celebrating our strength.