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 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.

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 Monday, September 8th (5-6:30pm), we will meet to discuss The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe. 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 Chevalier’s Books) 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!

The Girls I’ve Been Description:

“Nora O'Malley's been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother's protégé. But when her mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape.

For five years Nora's been playing at normal. But she needs to dust off the skills she ditched because she has three problems:

#1: Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend. Even though they're all friends, Wes didn't know about her and Iris.

#2: The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It's a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly, because:

#3: Right after they enter the bank, two guys start robbing it.

The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora's something else entirely. They have no idea who they're really holding hostage . . .”

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, September 8th, 2025

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, September 4th, 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: Saturday, August 23rd

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 21st, 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 Friday, August 8th, 5:00-6:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

About this workshop:

Lian will be teaching a 1 hr “mindful movement” class for the LADN community! 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!)

Sign up for this workshop here! Do you have specific body pain or tightness you’d like to address, positions you’d like to do, or general questions for Lian? Shoot us an email before August 8th, and we’ll let Lian know ahead of time!

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!  

Sign up for this workshop here to receive the Zoom link!

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 informative webinar on Managing Fatigue with Dysautonomia with occupational therapist & yoga teacher Lian Norris!

Date: Friday, August 8th

Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm PST

Location: Zoom

Description: 

Fatigue is one of the most common—and most frustrating—symptoms for individuals living with dysautonomia and other chronic neurological conditions. It can interfere with basic daily activities like bathing, dressing, cooking, grocery shopping, working, or even doing the things that bring you joy.

Join Lian, a yoga teacher and occupational therapist who specializes in supporting people with dysautonomia, for a practical and empowering 1-hour online workshop.

In this workshop, you’ll explore:
-Where fatigue comes from and how it affects your brain and body

-Nervous system regulation techniques to help calm and re-energize

-Sensory strategies and environmental adjustments to reduce energy drain

-Routine and pacing tips to make daily life more manageable and sustainable

 
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing chronic fatigue for years, this workshop offers useful tools to help you live with more clarity, calm, and capacity.

About Lian Norris, M.S. OTR/L:
Lian is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor and neurological 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!  

You can learn more about Lian at her website: www.youcanyogala.com and Instagram: @youcanyogala

Lian teaches LADN's Mindful Movement class, so join us after the webinar at 5pm on August 8th for a 1-hour Mindful Movement class on Zoom! Sign up here.

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 7th, 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 6th

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 4th, 2025

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 26th

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 24th, 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, July 10th, 5:00-6:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

About this workshop:

Lian will be teaching a 1 hr “mindful movement” class for the LADN community! 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!)

Sign up for this workshop here! Do you have specific body pain or tightness you’d like to address, positions you’d like to do, or general questions for Lian? Shoot us an email before July 10th, and we’ll let Lian know ahead of time!

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!  

Sign up for this workshop here to receive the Zoom link!

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 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 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 7th, 2025

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, June 28th

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 26th, 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 Friday, June 13th, 5:00-6:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

About this workshop:

Lian will be teaching a 1 hr “mindful movement” class for the LADN community! 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!)

Sign up for this workshop here! Do you have specific body pain or tightness you’d like to address, positions you’d like to do, or general questions for Lian? Shoot us an email before May 9th, and we’ll let Lian know ahead of time!

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!  

Sign up for this workshop here to receive the Zoom link!

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 11th

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, June 2nd, 2025

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.

Save the date! LADN’s 2025 Unity in Community fundraiser event is Sunday, June 1st, 12-3pm in Pasadena! (Postponed from March 30th due to the wildfires.)

Come celebrate connection, empowerment, and hope at Unity in Community, Los Angeles Dysautonomia Network's annual fundraising event that brings together supporters, patients, and caregivers in support of LADN’s life-changing work for Californians affected by dysautonomia. Last year was an unforgettable gathering, and this year will be even more special! Reserve your free tickets now!

🌟 Highlights include 🌟

• Silent Auction: Bid on incredible items donated by local businesses and artisans. Our auction will open online on May 18th

• Raffle: Try your luck at winning a variety of fun items and experiences!

• Guest Speakers: Inspiring talks from advocates, patients, medical experts, and community supporters.

• Entertainment for the Whole Family: Enjoy live music, tarot readings, and kids' activities!

• Tasty Burgers & Beverages: Savor delicious food from Pie 'n Burger's food truck! (Thank you Pie 'n Burger for donating 100% of sales to LADN!)

• LADN Canvas Tote Swag Bags are available for purchase with your ticket or at the event! 

• LADN Merch will be for sale at the event!

Together, we can ensure that those living with dysautonomia have the support and resources they need to best manage their health. Your presence supports LADN’s mission to provide community, education, and financial support to Californians impacted by this challenging and disabling health condition. The money raised helps to sustain LADN's operating costs associated with it's many programs, including support groups, patient education programs, wellness workshops, SickLit book club, LADN Links peer support program, and healthcare access grants to help low-income patients with medical expenses.

Let’s make June 1st an afternoon of hope, joy, and unity! Reserve your free tickets now! We can't wait to see you there!

Event Accessibility: 

While we provide a brief overview of our event accessibility below, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions! We are committed to making this event accessible and are happy to work with guests to make attendance a success.

Event Access: Entrance is through a large driveway with a nearly flat slope and no steps to the festivities. Attendees are welcome to explore the gardens, which are only accessible via one to three steps depending on the direction. Unfortunately wheelchair access to the restroom requires exiting to the street and entering via a separate driveway. We regret that it is not as close as we would wish; volunteers are happy to escort anyone who asks. 

Parking: There will be valet parking available at the entrance.

Seating & Shade: There will be a large number of seats available in shade provided by a large tent.

Noise: Live music will be performed from approximately 12:20-1 and 2:10-2:50. We have chosen music with a softer sound with sensory issues in mind. It will not be amplified. Speeches will be reasonably amplified via microphone from about 1-1:40. We will be in a large outdoor space, so there should be quieter areas available as well.

Food: We are very pleased to have the Pie ‘N Burger food truck available! You can view their menu here. Their veggie patty is gluten-free and can be ordered with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. If you are unable to enjoy Pie ‘N Burger’s offerings due to dietary needs, you may bring your own lunch.

Immunity: We ask that anyone experiencing contagious symptoms please refrain from attending our event, especially given the health of our LADN community. Thank you.

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, May 24th

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 new 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, May 22nd, 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 Training Service Dogs for Dysautonomia with Cat Gentile & Heather Mickelson!

Date: Wednesday, May 21st (Rescheduled from April 16th)

Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm

Location: Zoom

**Submit your questions in advance on the registration form by Wednesday, May 14th!**

Description: We will discuss the important highlights when raising a dog to best prepare for a job in service work!

For 11 years, Cat has helped people around the world by training dogs to assist with all different symptoms ranging from scent training for rising heart rate or even retrieving water from the fridge on those days when we find ourselves unable to get out of bed. Service dogs have not only helped Cat in her own personal life through years of medical journeys that never seem to end but it led to a type of assistance that not even a human caretaker or home nurse could provide: a true sense of independence. Heather has been training dogs for over 20 years. Over the course of those years, she has been able to formulate a behavior based training approach focused on building balanced relationships centered around a healthy and happy lifestyle.

The two trainers met while working on a TV show for NatGeo, as Heather was the consulting behaviorist producer while Cat was taking undesirable behaviors and turning them into activities or “jobs,” and two of those cast members’ dogs became a service dog. With the combined specialties of service work and behaviorist, we discovered a whole new world when it comes to collaborating. Not only do we ensure the dog has our core training foundations before starting task work but we call ourselves “lifestyle based trainers.” We understand that most people, especially those with chronic illnesses, do not have the ability to carve time out of their day for training with their dog. In this case, we create individualized training plans for every person we work with to ensure that training can occur during times in your day that would not involve additional work/time (like during a POTS flare up or if you have a hectic work schedule). We make positive associations, creating new neruo-pathways in the dog’s brain, whenever we build a strong foundation that will make it simple when transitioning to more complex work and task training. Anyone who struggles with dysautonomia can relate to this zoom even if you are not looking into a task trained service dog because we constantly adapt to our symptoms on a moment-to-moment basis, just as dogs live in the present moment whether training or not.  

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 Saturday, May 17th (3-4:30pm), we will meet to discuss Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. 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 Skylight Books) 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!

Fourth Wing Description:

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Join us for a virtual Mindful Movement Workshop on Friday, May 9th, 5:00-6:00pm, with instructor Lian Norris!

About this workshop:

Lian will be teaching a 1 hr “mindful movement” class for the LADN community! 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!)

Sign up for this workshop here! Do you have specific body pain or tightness you’d like to address, positions you’d like to do, or general questions for Lian? Shoot us an email before May 9th, and we’ll let Lian know ahead of time!

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!  

Sign up for this workshop here to receive the Zoom link!

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, May 7th

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, May 5th, 2025

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, April 26th

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.