The FAC Founder & CEO |
Personal Statement:
"I saw the demand for psychosocial content and resources within the allergy community, so I developed The FAC to fill this unmet need. Simply put, rather than "minding the gap", I try and fill the gap!" |
Tamara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with an undergraduate degree in Education, a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, and over 18 years experience in a variety of clinical settings.
She is a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and is listed as an allergy counseling expert on PsychWire. She is also an Allied Health Professional member of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). Additionally, Tamara is a founding Community Advisory Board Member for the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR), part of the Institute for Public Health/Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Learn more here. |
Dr. Paige Freeman is a psychologist who has navigated her child's food allergy for the last 15 years. She provides telehealth services in 30 states to support adults, children (10+) and parents navigating food allergies. Dr. Freeman is passionate about educating food allergic individuals (and their families and friends) about the very real psychosocial stressors of managing food allergies. She enjoys writing articles and participating in interviews and podcasts as a way to elevate the discussion of the effect of food allergies on mental health. Dr. Freeman is a frequent contributor to FARE, and is one of only a few alpha-gal informed mental health providers in the United States. Learn more about Dr. Freeman and connect with her here.
Personal Statement:
"As I was in the early stages of navigating my child’s food allergy as a mom and psychologist, I recognized a glaring lack of psychosocial support for those navigating this journey. This gap became even more apparent as my family navigated school, social events, food challenges and OIT. The Food Allergy Counselor offers the most comprehensive tools that I know of to help guide families and individuals in the management of food allergies from a psychosocial perspective. It is such an honor to be an advisor and work with Tamara to further this patient education and food allergy-informed professional collaboration." Javier is the Founder & CEO of digital health drug delivery company Alerje, where they create and deliver innovation that transforms the lives of over 220M families worldwide living with food allergies to help make every moment count. In addition to being a founding team member of MedTech Color, he currently sits on the boards of the Accelerate Blue Fund at the University of Michigan, MATTER Health, AdvaMed Accel, and the 'Case for Investment' Advisory Committee at Rock Health. Previously, he was named as an awardee of the inaugural Black Founders Fund by Google for Startups, made the 2019 Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 list, served as the 2017 Google x CODE2040 Detroit EIR, and served as a Millennial Advisory Board Member at First Independence Bank. Prior to these endeavors, Javier led in the development of mobile app projects for a multi-billion dollar health insurance company/pharmacy benefit manager, was a founding team member of an independent insurance agency where he led in sales and management. Originally from Broadview (Chicago), IL, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. Connect with Javier and learn more about Alerje and MedTech Color here.
Personal Statement:
COMING SOON! |
Olga Kagan, PhD, RN is a registered nurse, researcher, and educator with experiences across different healthcare settings inside and outside of the United States. Dr. Kagan have been serving on boards, committees and taskforces within New York state, national and international organizations, including the NYAM, SONSIEL, AAAAI and HIMSS. Dr. Kagan has been invited to contribute to textbooks, articles, and presentations in areas of healthcare informatics and innovation, health policy, and anaphylaxis education, and to serve as a mentor and judge at healthcare innovation events. Dr. Kagan was recognized for her work with elected officials on legislative initiatives in improving the health and welfare of vulnerable individuals and received several awards for her contributions to research and leadership. Learn more about Dr. Kagan and connect with her here.
Personal Statement:
"I look forward to serving in the advisor capacity to The Food Allergy Counselor organization as it continues to expand, carry forward its mission and make a profound impact on patients and their families." Lori Moussapour is a therapist, coach, consultant and educator, who has decades of experience working with individuals, families and institutions in a variety of fields related to mental health and wellness, culture and language, and belonging and inclusion. In the last 10 years, one of her primary focuses is helping people with the social and emotional burdens of living with food allergies. Lori has both a Master’s Degree in Education and a Master of Social Work, as well as years of advanced training in areas such as Emotional Literacy (Yale University Center for Emotional Intelligence), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. She has a private practice, To Empower U, and also is the Director of Learning and Organizational Development at The Therapy Collective, an integrative psychotherapy group practice. Lori serves as an advisor to Equal Eats, whose mission is to support eating out safely, despite dietary restrictions, and she leads a peer consultation group through the Food Allergy Behavioral Health Network.
Personal Statement:
"Helping individuals and families navigate the world fully with food allergies is something so near and dear to my heart. My child has food allergies and I felt, first hand, its inherent challenges and burdens. As my family developed skills to live more empowered and engaged despite food allergies, I found myself often coaching and supporting those newer to the journey. I had been a therapist for many years already, so it was only natural that I eventually started serving the food allergy community professionally. It's my pleasure to serve as an advisor to The Food Allergy Counselor, Tamara, whose efforts pioneer psychosocial support, education, advocacy and resources." |
Personal Statement:
"FAC is a valuable resource for food allergic families to help them live with their food allergy in healthier ways and I want to support that!" |
Francesca Rose has served as President of the Utah Food Allergy Network (UFAN) since May 2021, after having served as board secretary from 2018-2021. Her food allergy advocacy journey began 18 years ago when her youngest daughter was born with a food allergy to all milk proteins. Francesca is an active volunteer in her community and church, and cares deeply about helping the world be a better place for everyone. In addition to advocating for safe inclusivity for those with food allergies, she has advocated for women, families, and children at the United Nations and other venues. She is motivated by the belief that serving others through education and advocacy creates positive change in the world. Francesca has a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Music. As a freelance cellist and cello instructor, she has taught private cello lessons for 30+ years and currently maintains a private cello studio. Francesca enjoys reading and learning new things, gardening, kayaking, appreciating great art, and hanging out with her family and dog. Learn more about the Utah Food Allergy Network (UFAN) and connect with Francesca here.
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Navigating Allergy TragediesHelpful tips and reminders for dealing with tragic allergy-related stories shared within the community.
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The 6 Stages of Allergy ParentingThis parent-focused framework guides parents through their allergic child's stages of development.
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Post-Anaphylaxis TipsThis post-anaphylaxis tool is a compass to guide you back to balance after an allergic reaction.
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