Join us for an informative live webinar on understanding the connection between MCAS, POTS, hEDS, and endometriosis with board-certified OB/GYN and endometriosis specialists Dr. E.

When: Friday, September 18th, 12-1:30pm

Where: This webinar will take place on Zoom. Be sure to sign up to receive the link!

About this webinar: Endometriosis often shows up alongside other conditions — Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, POTS, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Join Dr. Rayan Elkattah as he explains how each condition is diagnosed and treated, why they tend to occur together, and what the research says about using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-body practices alongside standard care.

About Dr. E.: Dr. Rayan Elkattah (referred to as “Dr. E”) is a board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon who specializes in excision of endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, fibroids, and complex gynecologic conditions. He joins Iris Wings Sanctuary alongside Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch with a shared commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for those navigating endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. His practice focuses on advanced minimally invasive surgery with a whole-body, multidisciplinary approach to healing and long-term wellness.

Dr. E completed his advanced minimally invasive fellowship training. He has performed more than 3,000 surgeries specializing in endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic pain, and complex gynecologic conditions. His surgical expertise, combined with his calm and compassionate bedside manner, has made him one of the most trusted and respected practitioners in the women’s health and endometriosis space.

Dr. E also understands the importance of emotional support throughout the healing process and welcomes patients to bring loved ones to appointments so they can feel informed and involved every step of the way. From the initial consultation through surgery and post-operative recovery, he remains committed to walking alongside his patients with warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. He is so much more than a surgeon. He delivers a true concierge experience — guiding each patient with personalized attention from their initial consultation through surgery and into post-operative recovery. His mission is not only to provide exceptional surgical care, but to help patients reclaim their quality of life and experience true healing physically, emotionally, and mentally through the compassionate sanctuary model at Iris Wings Sanctuary.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, September 17th, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Interested in applying for a 2026 Healthcare Access Grant?

Attend our Grant Application Workshop to learn about how to apply on Tuesday, September 15th, 1-2pm on Zoom!

(This workshop will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.)

We’ll be covering:

• general information about the 2026 healthcare access grant program

• grant eligibility requirements

• eligible dysautonomia care expenses

• how to apply, including the application and required documentation

• selection process

… And we’ll hopefully have some time left at the end for questions!

Grant applications are open from September 1st to October 12th, 2026!

Sign ups: If you are already on our member email list, there is no need to sign up for this event! We will email out the Zoom link a few days beforehand. If you’re not currently on our member email list and would like to attend, please send us a message at LADN@la-dn.org!

Important note about confidentiality:This workshop will be recorded and made public on LADN’s YouTube page. If you wish for your attendance at this workshop to be confidential, we recommend you turn your camera off, mute yourself, and remove your name from your Zoom profile.

Join us for LADN's Friends & Family Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy! 

We welcome all dysautonomia caregivers (parents, spouses, friends, family, etc.) living in California to attend. The friends & family group is a space for open and supportive discussion related to caring for an individual with dysautonomia. We ask that patients please utilize our other offerings instead of attending this group. Patients are welcome at the monthly support group that typically occurs on the 4th Saturday of the month.

Date: Monday, September 14th, 2026

Time: 1:00-2:00pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up through the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for a virtual Mindful Movement Workshop on Thursday, September 10th, 2:00-3:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

Theme:

This class start with a discussion around the theme: managing mornings with dysautonomia (part 2!) Lian will lead us in a discussion around this theme for the first 15-20 minutes, and then we will spend the remainder of the hour practicing mindful movement. 

About mindful movement:

The intention of this class is to provide a safe space for people to explore gentle movement, breath work, and mindfulness while in the comfort of their own homes! This class will utilize both a yoga mat (or any cushion/carpet/rug you may have at home!) and chair to provide various adaptations to fit individuals physical needs. Beginners are welcome! 

Optional Donation: 

This workshop is free for LADN members! However, if you are in a position to make a small donation to help cover the instructor fee for this workshop, we would greatly appreciate it! Donations can be made here!

Suggested items to bring to this workshop: (It’s ok if you don’t have everything!)

• Water/beverage as needed

• Yoga mat (or towel/rug/carpet/cushion)

• Yoga blocks (or throw pillows)

• Yoga blanket (or towel)

• Yoga strap (or towel/belt)

• Chair that doesn’t move -- preferably something light, like a folding chair you can move easily

Other tips: It may be beneficial to position your camera so Lian can see your whole body to be able to provide better individual guidance during the practice! (It is also totally fine if you prefer to have your camera off!)

About Lian:
Lian is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor and occupational therapist giving compassionate, inclusive, and holistic care to people of all ages, genders, and physical / cognitive abilities. Lian trained In Boston at Down Under School of Yoga. 

Lian specializes in lifestyle certified sensory enhanced trauma-informed yoga training and specializes in working with people with dysautonomia and related health conditions. Her goal is to meet others where they are in their journey of self-discovery. She is passionate about teaching the nourishing benefits of yoga to be applied on & off the mat!  

Reach Lian at Lian@jiaholistics.com or on her website, jiaholistics.com

Disclaimer: By attending this workshop, you understand and acknowledge that the stretches and movements in this class may cause personal injury or exacerbation of symptoms, and you agree not to hold LADN liable for any harm caused by performing the recommended positions/stretches/movements.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Wednesday, September 9th

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, September 3rd, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for a beginner-friendly mat Pilates class in the new LADN community space! Physical therapist and Pilates instructor Arielle Levy will be leading us in this class.

Class Description:

Pilates has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with dysautonomia and hypermobility build autonomic support, tolerance to activity, decreased pain, proprioceptive awareness, strength, and coordination. This class will serve as an introduction to mat Pilates with a focus on building body awareness, gentle core activation, and autonomic regulation. Various modifications for pain and challenge level will be provided as we emphasize pacing, body connection, and progressive strengthening.

When: Wednesday, September 2nd, 11:00am - 12:00pm

Where: 696 E Colorado Blvd, Suite 220, Pasadena, CA 91101. You can find the elevator to level 2 next to El Portal Restaurant. There is also a staircase in the courtyard leading to the second floor.

Parking: There is a parking lot at 695 E Green St. Please bring your ticket from the lot, so that we can validate it for you. With validation, parking is free for the first hour and then $2 each 30 minutes for the second and third hour. There is also street parking available on Green Street, Colorado Boulevard, El Molino Ave., etc.

 Suggested materials: (It’s also ok to just bring a blanket & pillow!)

-yoga mat

-loop resistance band

-long resistance band

-yoga block

-pillow to support your head and neck 

About Arielle:

Arielle Levy is a local physical therapist with 8 years of experience working with a diverse subset of individuals across various clinical settings. In 2021 she became certified as a neurologic clinical specialist and has been working with the zebra population at Re-active Physical Therapy as well as offering private services in the community. She has been practicing, studying, and teaching Pilates with an emphasis on taking a graded and sensory forward approach with individuals with neurologic conditions and specifically those with zebra conditions. In her free time Arielle enjoys cooking, traveling, being in nature, crafting, and cuddling with her cats.

Website: https://www.ariellelevypt.com/

Optional Donation:

This workshop is free for LADN members! However, if you are in a position to make a small donation to help cover the instructor fee for this workshop, we would greatly appreciate it! Donations can be made here!

Disclaimer: By attending this workshop, you understand and acknowledge that the stretches and movements in this class may cause personal injury or exacerbation of symptoms, and you agree not to hold LADN liable for any harm caused by performing the recommended positions/stretches/movements.

Join us for an webinar on Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in partnership with LeLand Law!

Description: 

Join us for a free webinar that will walk you through the basics of applying for social security disability benefits. Whether you are just starting to explore your options, ready to apply, or simply gathering information for a loved one, we welcome you to join this informative talk. Experienced Social Security Disability lawyers Moselle Leland and Alexis Leland, of Leland Law, will lead this talk, with the goal of helping patients and families better understand the disability benefits application process and feel more prepared to take the next steps. 

We'll cover: 

- The basics of SSDI and SSI -- and which one may be right for you

- Qualifications

- Information and documents to gather before applying

- The application process

- Denials & appeals

- How a disability lawyer can help (and how to work with Leland Law)

- Q&A

About Leland Law: Leland Law is a family-run law practice founded in 1974 by Judith S. Leland, a former Social Security Administrative Law Judge. Since its founding, the firm has been dedicated to representing individuals seeking disability benefits. With decades of focused experience in this area, the practice has developed a deep understanding of the disability system and remains committed to advocating for claimants at every stage of the process.

About Moselle Leland Bohorquez: Moselle Leland Bohorquez, Esq. is Managing Attorney of Leland Law, where she focuses her practice on Social Security disability. She regularly represents individuals with complex and often poorly understood illnesses, including dysautonomia, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, Long COVID, chronic pain syndromes, and autoimmune disorders. Ms. Bohorquez has handled disability cases at every level of the adjudicative process, including hearings before Administrative Law Judges, Appeals Council review, federal district court litigation, and appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Ms. Leland Bohorquez is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives and a past Chair of the Orange County Bar Association Social Security Section. She has presented educational programs for patient advocacy organizations and support groups, including MS Views and News, Solve ME/CFS Initiative, and Long COVID communities, helping patients better understand the disability benefits process and how to document disabling symptoms.

About Alexis Leland: Alexis Leland is a Social Security Disability attorney who represents individuals navigating the SSDI and SSI process, including those with complex and often misunderstood conditions such as dysautonomia. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, and began her work in disability advocacy as a volunteer with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, assisting on Social Security Disability cases. She earned her Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, where she served as a Notes Editor for the Stanford Law Review, and later clerked for a federal district court judge. Ms. Leland represents individuals at all stages of the disability process, from initial applications through administrative hearings and federal court appeals, and focuses on helping individuals present clear, well-supported cases in a system that can be especially challenging for conditions that fluctuate or are not always well understood.

Kick back, relax, and watch a movie with the LADN community!

Join us for our very first community gathering at our new location! Since we’ll be in the new office space, we, of course, will be showing Office Space! No, we don’t have much in our space in terms of seating yet, so bring your blankets, camping chairs, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. to get cozy on the floor slumber party-style! We’ll be providing popcorn and light refreshments, but you are welcome to bring a snack for yourself — or to share!

When: Sunday, August 23rd, 4-6pm

Where: The office’s mailing address is: 696 E Colorado St, Suite 220, Pasadena, CA 91101. However, the parking lot is at El Portal Restaurant, at 695 E Green St. You can find the elevator to level 2 next to El Portal Restaurant. There is also a staircase in the arcade courtyard leading to the second floor.

What: A cozy movie night in our new office and community space! We’ll be showing the comedy classic Office Space (rated R).

What to bring: We don’t have furniture yet, but that won’t stop us from creating a cozy space! Please bring whatever you need to be comfy on the floor — sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, and/or camping chair. If you’d like to bring your favorite movie snack, you’re welcome to do so, but we’ll also have popcorn and water available.

Parking: There is a parking lot at El Portal Restaurant (695 E Green St.) Please bring your ticket from the lot, so that we can validate it for you. With validation, parking is free for the first hour and then $2 each 30 minutes for the second and third hour. There is also street parking available on Green Street, Colorado Boulevard, El Molino Ave., etc.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Saturday, August 22nd

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, August 20th, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for a virtual Mindful Movement Workshop on Thursday, August 13th, 2:00-3:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

Theme:

This class start with a discussion around the theme: managing mornings with dysautonomia (part 2!) Lian will lead us in a discussion around this theme for the first 15-20 minutes, and then we will spend the remainder of the hour practicing mindful movement. 

About mindful movement:

The intention of this class is to provide a safe space for people to explore gentle movement, breath work, and mindfulness while in the comfort of their own homes! This class will utilize both a yoga mat (or any cushion/carpet/rug you may have at home!) and chair to provide various adaptations to fit individuals physical needs. Beginners are welcome! 

Optional Donation: 

This workshop is free for LADN members! However, if you are in a position to make a small donation to help cover the instructor fee for this workshop, we would greatly appreciate it! Donations can be made here!

Suggested items to bring to this workshop: (It’s ok if you don’t have everything!)

• Water/beverage as needed

• Yoga mat (or towel/rug/carpet/cushion)

• Yoga blocks (or throw pillows)

• Yoga blanket (or towel)

• Yoga strap (or towel/belt)

• Chair that doesn’t move -- preferably something light, like a folding chair you can move easily

Other tips: It may be beneficial to position your camera so Lian can see your whole body to be able to provide better individual guidance during the practice! (It is also totally fine if you prefer to have your camera off!)

About Lian:
Lian is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor and occupational therapist giving compassionate, inclusive, and holistic care to people of all ages, genders, and physical / cognitive abilities. Lian trained In Boston at Down Under School of Yoga. 

Lian specializes in lifestyle certified sensory enhanced trauma-informed yoga training and specializes in working with people with dysautonomia and related health conditions. Her goal is to meet others where they are in their journey of self-discovery. She is passionate about teaching the nourishing benefits of yoga to be applied on & off the mat!  

Reach Lian at Lian@jiaholistics.com or on her website, jiaholistics.com

Disclaimer: By attending this workshop, you understand and acknowledge that the stretches and movements in this class may cause personal injury or exacerbation of symptoms, and you agree not to hold LADN liable for any harm caused by performing the recommended positions/stretches/movements.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, August 6th, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Wednesday, August 5th

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Caregiver Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy! 

We welcome all dysautonomia caregivers (parents, spouses, friends, family, etc.) living in California to attend. The caregiver group is a space for open and supportive discussion related to caring for an individual with dysautonomia. We ask that patients please utilize our other offerings instead of attending this group. Patients are welcome at the monthly support group that typically occurs on the 4th Saturday of the month.

Date: Monday, August 3rd, 2026

Time: 1:00-2:00pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up through the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Saturday, July 25th

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, July 16th, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

The LADN SickLit Book Club meets quarterly to discuss books that are either written by authors who have experience with chronic illness and disability or deal with those themes in their writing. By celebrating SickLit, our aim is to see shared experiences reflected in literature - both the challenges and the triumphs of life with illness. 

On Tuesday, July 14th, 12:30-1:30pm, we will meet to discuss Famesick: A Memoir by Lena Dunham. You are welcome to attend whether you've read the book or not! We will send out a Zoom link to LADN members that week (please email us if you’d like to join LADN!).

The book is available in paperback, audible, and kindle from Amazon or your local bookseller (such as Book Soup) and hopefully at your local library too! If you are unable to find it to lend and cannot afford a copy, please email us, and we'll help you get a copy!

Famesick Description:

“In this rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between, the remarkable mind behind the hit series Girls and the bestselling author of Not That Kind of Girl asks whether fulfilling her creative ambitions has been worth the pain.

For the last decade, as she’s spent countless hours in doctor’s waiting rooms searching for diagnoses, treatments, and relief, being the owner and operator of Lena Dunham’s body has felt, as she puts it, 'like towing a wrecked car across town at midnight.' It’s not easy dragging a wrecked car anywhere, much less to the Met Gala while sewn into a gold lamé corset. Or to the set of the hit show that you – as a twenty-five-year-old – are writing, directing, producing, and starring in. Or to the White House, the Golden Globes, or your publicist’s office to discuss the latest internet disaster. But Dunham does it – even if it means interminable hospital stays, vomiting in the bathroom when she’s meant to be meeting Oprah, or terrifying those closest to her – because she can no longer tell the difference between fighting to do what she loves and being a servant to her own ambition. All the while, she is holding out for a love that can withstand her personal and public challenges and, more than anything, yearning to feel like herself again – if only she could remember who that self was.

As Dunham takes us through her journey, tracking her rise to fame – from selling the pilot of Girls to the present – in three acts, it becomes clear that the spotlight casts long shadows, distorting the relationships she once held dear and isolating everyone in its glare. When an endless supply of drugs can’t protect you from pain – and begins to control your every move – being famous doesn’t stand a chance against the darker corners of the human experience.

In Famesick, Dunham asks herself what the cost of fulfilling her dreams has really been, and whether it was worth it. What she finds is deeper than physical relief, and more lasting, as she learns to live with what she can’t change and turn her regrets into wisdom that can carry her forward, as she reconnects to what, and who, she loves.”

In honor of July’s Disability Pride Month, LADN co-founders Emily & Sally will be leading an awareness talk at Pasadena’s Santa Catalina Library — the place where the LADN community began! We invite you to attend and share with your friends/family who may want to better understand dysautonomia.

When: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm

Where: Pasadena’s Santa Catalina Library, 999 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, 91104

About this talk:

Join disability advocates Emily Suñez and Sally Krueger-Wyman for an honest conversation about living with dysautonomia, an invisible disability affecting over 70 million people worldwide. They’ll share their personal experiences with this chronic condition, break down what dysautonomia is, and explore the common barriers to care that patients often experience. Learn how they came to co-found the nonprofit Los Angeles Dysautonomia Network (LADN) – and how communities like it can transform and empower the lives of those with disabilities. Leave with resources to help you or a loved one navigate life with dysautonomia.

There will be a giveaway drawing of two copies of The Healing Journal: Guided Prompts & Inspiration for Life with Illness! 

Join us for a virtual Mindful Movement Workshop on Thursday, July 9th, 2:00-3:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

Theme:

This class start with a discussion around the theme: managing mornings with dysautonomia. Lian will lead us in a discussion around this theme for the first 15-20 minutes, and then we will spend the remainder of the hour practicing mindful movement. 

About mindful movement:

The intention of this class is to provide a safe space for people to explore gentle movement, breath work, and mindfulness while in the comfort of their own homes! This class will utilize both a yoga mat (or any cushion/carpet/rug you may have at home!) and chair to provide various adaptations to fit individuals physical needs. Beginners are welcome! 

Optional Donation: 

This workshop is free for LADN members! However, if you are in a position to make a small donation to help cover the instructor fee for this workshop, we would greatly appreciate it! Donations can be made here!

Suggested items to bring to this workshop: (It’s ok if you don’t have everything!)

• Water/beverage as needed

• Yoga mat (or towel/rug/carpet/cushion)

• Yoga blocks (or throw pillows)

• Yoga blanket (or towel)

• Yoga strap (or towel/belt)

• Chair that doesn’t move -- preferably something light, like a folding chair you can move easily

Other tips: It may be beneficial to position your camera so Lian can see your whole body to be able to provide better individual guidance during the practice! (It is also totally fine if you prefer to have your camera off!)

About Lian:
Lian is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor and occupational therapist giving compassionate, inclusive, and holistic care to people of all ages, genders, and physical / cognitive abilities. Lian trained In Boston at Down Under School of Yoga. 

Lian specializes in lifestyle certified sensory enhanced trauma-informed yoga training and specializes in working with people with dysautonomia and related health conditions. Her goal is to meet others where they are in their journey of self-discovery. She is passionate about teaching the nourishing benefits of yoga to be applied on & off the mat!  

Reach Lian at youcanyogala@gmail.com or on her website, www.youcanyogala.com.

Disclaimer: By attending this workshop, you understand and acknowledge that the stretches and movements in this class may cause personal injury or exacerbation of symptoms, and you agree not to hold LADN liable for any harm caused by performing the recommended positions/stretches/movements.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Wednesday, July 8

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Caregiver Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy! 

We welcome all dysautonomia caregivers (parents, spouses, friends, family, etc.) living in California to attend. The caregiver group is a space for open and supportive discussion related to caring for an individual with dysautonomia. We ask that patients please utilize our other offerings instead of attending this group. Patients are welcome at the monthly support group that typically occurs on the 4th Saturday of the month.

Date: Monday, July 6, 2026

Time: 1:00-2:00pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up through the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, July 2nd, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

Join us for an informative webinar on Physical Therapy Strategies for Managing Dysautonomia with Ava Cicio, P.T., D.P.T.

Description: 

Physical therapy can be a helpful tool for managing dysautonomia. In this webinar, Ava Cicio, PT, DPT will break down how PT fits into a dysautonomia management plan and give you practical, actionable strategies you can use at home or throughout your day.

We'll cover:
• What physical therapy is and how it can support dysautonomia management
• PT tips and demonstrations for everyday activities
• Common PT protocols for POTS and how to adapt them to your needs
• Special considerations for hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
• Q&A

About Ava Cicio, PT, DPT:

Hello! I’m Ava, originally from the East Coast, currently living in Los Angeles!

I have a passion for working with clients with neurologic disorders. My treatment philosophy is to provide my clients with the tools to regain independence and rediscover joy in their lives. My aim is to understand what success means to my clients, and create a collaborative atmosphere during my treatment sessions. I received my doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Southern California and completed the Schmidt Movement Disorders Physical Therapy Fellowship here at Re+Active. At re+active, I am the FND program director and lead our membership to expand access to educational resources for patients across the country. I have a commitment to holistic care and personalized treatment plans, which I am to reflect in my approach to physical therapy by focusing on providing autonomy and goals to increase quality of life for each patient.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Saturday, June 27th

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.

Join us for LADN's Teen Support Group facilitated by clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Levy!  We welcome all teens (13-19) with dysautonomia who live in California to attend this group.

Date: Thursday, June 18th, 2025

Time: 4:15-5:15pm 

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Sign-ups are required for this meeting - please click the button below. If you have any questions, please email us at LADN@la-dn.org.

About Dr. Samantha Levy:

Samantha Levy, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who received her Ph.D. from Georgia State University in the Child and Family specialty track. During her clinical, child centered internship at UCLA, she became involved with the Pediatric Pain Program. Subsequently, she obtained her postdoctoral training there. Depending on the specific situation, Dr. Levy works either with whole families, individual children/teens/young adults, or parents. She employs an array of psychological orientations (e.g. CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, ACT, IFS), to help the children/teens with their pain and any accompanying emotional issues. She helps the families understand the connection between the physical pain and emotional difficulties (mind/body connection). She teaches parenting skills and helps parents facilitate their child’s difficult, courageous journey back to functioning more fully in the world again. Dr. Levy runs multiple parent groups at the nonprofit Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP). She is also a contributor to the CHYP parent blog.

📞 Volunteer Event: Rec List Phone Bank — Help Us Update Our Healthcare Practitioner Recommendation List!

When:Friday, June 12th, 9:30-11:30am (on Zoom)

Description: 

Our provider list is a valuable resource to patients and caregivers navigating dysautonomia and related conditions — but we need your help to update it.

Join us for a virtual phone banking event! Sign on to Zoom, and we'll provide everything you need: instructions, a list of offices to contact, and support along the way. Volunteers will call healthcare offices to find out whether they're accepting new patients, if they knowledgeable/specialized in treating dysautonomia/EDS/MCAS, and which insurance plans they accept.

Your help with these phone calls can really make a difference for other patients trying to find care!

If you want to help but can't attend on June 12th, please reach out us by email: LADN@la-dn.org. Thank you so much!

Join us for a virtual Mindful Movement Workshop on Thursday, June 11th, 2:00-3:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

Theme:

This class start with a discussion around the theme: navigating routines. Lian will lead us in a discussion around this theme for the first 15-20 minutes, and then we will spend the remainder of the hour practicing mindful movement. 

About mindful movement:

The intention of this class is to provide a safe space for people to explore gentle movement, breath work, and mindfulness while in the comfort of their own homes! This class will utilize both a yoga mat (or any cushion/carpet/rug you may have at home!) and chair to provide various adaptations to fit individuals physical needs. Beginners are welcome! 

Optional Donation: 

This workshop is free for LADN members! However, if you are in a position to make a small donation to help cover the instructor fee for this workshop, we would greatly appreciate it! Donations can be made here!

Suggested items to bring to this workshop: (It’s ok if you don’t have everything!)

• Water/beverage as needed

• Yoga mat (or towel/rug/carpet/cushion)

• Yoga blocks (or throw pillows)

• Yoga blanket (or towel)

• Yoga strap (or towel/belt)

• Chair that doesn’t move -- preferably something light, like a folding chair you can move easily

Other tips: It may be beneficial to position your camera so Lian can see your whole body to be able to provide better individual guidance during the practice! (It is also totally fine if you prefer to have your camera off!)

About Lian:
Lian is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor and occupational therapist giving compassionate, inclusive, and holistic care to people of all ages, genders, and physical / cognitive abilities. Lian trained In Boston at Down Under School of Yoga. 

Lian specializes in lifestyle certified sensory enhanced trauma-informed yoga training and specializes in working with people with dysautonomia and related health conditions. Her goal is to meet others where they are in their journey of self-discovery. She is passionate about teaching the nourishing benefits of yoga to be applied on & off the mat!  

Reach Lian at youcanyogala@gmail.com or on her website, www.youcanyogala.com.

Disclaimer: By attending this workshop, you understand and acknowledge that the stretches and movements in this class may cause personal injury or exacerbation of symptoms, and you agree not to hold LADN liable for any harm caused by performing the recommended positions/stretches/movements.

Join us for our monthly support group for dysautonomia patients living in California. Our support group provides a space for patients to share their experiences related to dysautonomia, as well as an opportunity to provide and receive support from others living with this condition. This meeting will take place in a virtual format via Zoom.

Date: Wednesday, June 10th

Time: 1:00-2:00pm

Location: Zoom

Sign up: Please sign up at the link below. Please email us with any questions at LADN@la-dn.org.

Support Group Disclaimer:

Please note this is a patient-run support group. It is not facilitated by a licensed medical or mental health professional. Talk with your doctor before implementing any advice from the group.