Enhancing Community Through Professional Support
For decades, NAF Support Groups have provided a welcoming place for people living with Ataxia, caregivers, family members, and loved ones to connect with others who understand their journey. Led by dedicated volunteer Support Group Leaders, these groups offer encouragement, shared experiences, and meaningful community.
Today, we’re excited to introduce the NAF Enhanced Support Program, an investment in expanding the support we provide to the Ataxia community. The program expands support for select groups by adding a licensed Social Worker to the facilitation team.
This new program reflects NAF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening support services and ensuring our community has access to the connections and resources they need.
The launch of the NAF Enhanced Support Program was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor whose transformational gift is helping expand support and resources for the Ataxia community. We’re grateful for their investment in a stronger future for everyone affected by Ataxia.
What Does This Mean for Support Groups
Support Groups will continue to be the welcoming, peer-driven communities they’ve always been. Groups who have opted into the Enhanced Support Program have a dedicated Social Worker who is familiar with their service area. The Social Worker’s role is to work alongside the Support Group Leader to add another layer of support, bringing professional experience that can help:
- Guide thoughtful group discussions
- Connect participants with helpful resources
- Offer insight into navigating challenges that often accompany life with Ataxia
- Help create welcoming, supportive environments for everyone involved
Together, Support Group Leaders and Social Workers create an even stronger support experience for our community.
Meet Our Enhanced Support Team
The following NAF Support Groups now include a licensed Social Worker as part of their team.
Treasure Coast Ataxia Support Group
Elizabeth Collazo
Elizabeth Collazo earned her Master of Social Work degree from Walden University and has more than 10 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals with disabilities in the fields of early intervention, healthcare, and community support services.
Elizabeth has a personal connection to Ataxia as the mother of a child living with Spinocerebellar Ataxia and autism.
She is deeply passionate about serving the Ataxia community because she understands firsthand the emotional, medical, educational, and social challenges families often face. Elizabeth believes every individual and family deserves compassionate support, access to meaningful resources, and a strong community that reminds them they are not alone.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leader Lisa Cole at lisacoleataxia@gmail.com.
Colorado Ataxia Support Group &
Colorado Springs Ataxia Support Group
Cheryl Turonis
Cheryl holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and has experience in behavioral health, oncology support services, vocational rehabilitation, and care coordination across healthcare and community settings.
Cheryl is passionate about ensuring that people facing complex medical conditions have access to compassionate support, meaningful resources, and advocacy that improves quality of life and reduces isolation.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact the Support Group Leader:
- Colorado – Allison Hilger, allison.hilger@colorado.edu; Michael Williams, mjnuggs@gmail.com; Becky Crowe, beckycrowe22@gmail.com.
- Colorado Springs – Brian Groben at bgroben@gmail.com.
South Carolina Ataxia Support Group
Katrina Robinson
Katrina Robinson has a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She has ample experience providing therapeutic support and services to a variety of populations ranging from those struggling with substance use disorders to those diagnosed with a host of mental health conditions.
Katrina understands that life presents a myriad of challenges; coping with a chronic condition comes with its own unique struggles. Katrina is passionate about helping individuals navigate through life’s challenges as painlessly and joyously as possible.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leaders Eunice Cosentino at eunie2ns@yahoo.com or Mary Grace at mghollingsworth1030@gmail.com.
Michigan Ataxia Support Group
Stephanie Forbes
Stephanie has a Master of Social Work in clinical social work and 9 years of experience working with movement disorders as a social worker.
Stephanie understands how neurological diseases affect every aspect of a person’s life. She feels honored to join the Ataxia community and help families navigate this journey.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leader Cyndi Gray at csgray2010@gmail.com.
55+ Years Old with Ataxia Support Group
Jennifer Horton
Jennifer is a licensed Master Social Worker, having earned her MSSW from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work. During the course of her social work career, she’s worked in a range of inpatient and outpatient settings, including a major medical hospital and a nonprofit community mental health clinic.
As a social worker, Jennifer recognizes that no one exists in a vacuum, and she’s passionate about addressing issues on both an individual and a systemic level. She’s also a firm believer in the idea that we heal in community, and she enjoys weaving each of these things together with the goal of building robust support systems to help lighten the loads of those navigating the challenges of living with Ataxia.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leaders Jeanne Harrington, jpharri39@gmail.com or Cindy Michul, michlecynt@gmail.com.
North Carolina Triangle Ataxia Support Group
Amy Fowler
Amy Fowler is a therapist focusing on grief in Asheville. Prior to her current role, Amy was the owner and care manager of an Aging Life Care company and assisted clients and families by providing advocacy, resource coordination and support. As a seasoned care manager and social worker, Amy has a deep passion for supporting individuals experiencing life transitions.
Amy has seen firsthand how bringing together individuals with similar experiences can facilitate a lasting and supportive community. She believes that creating a space to share struggles and successes with those who understand the uniqueness of their situation is the benefit of this Ataxia support group.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leader Kaitlyn Briggs at kebriggs@comcast.net.
Indianapolis Ataxia Support Group
Jenny Scott
Jenny has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 32 years of experience in schools, private practice, hospital and healthcare settings. Contracted social workers meet with peer-led support groups to deliver high-quality services that empower individuals and families to navigate complex medical, mental health, and daily living challenges. This position combines resource referral, short-term direct client support, educational presentations and group facilitation to improve quality of life for those living with Ataxia and their families. She enjoys the work that she does as she loves meeting new people and believes that all people need to feel a sense of belonging, should be heard, and that life is best lived with the support of a community.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leaders William (Bill) Pierce, biliapp35@gmail.com; Teresa Coccaro, tcoccaro12@gmail.com; Daniel Gavern, dkgarvin@gmail.com; or Don Fey, feydw@aol.com.
Minnesota Ataxia Support Group
Melissa Wilkes Donahue
Melissa Wilkes Donahue is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Mississippi College and her Master of Social Work from Jackson State University. As a contracted social worker, Melissa is excited to partner with peer-led support groups to provide high-quality services that empower individuals and families as they navigate complex medical, mental health, and daily living challenges. In this role, she offers resource navigation and referrals, short-term supportive services, educational presentations, and group facilitation aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Ataxia and their families. Throughout her career, Melissa has witnessed both personally and professionally the unique challenges that neurological conditions can create for individuals and their support systems. She is committed to fostering meaningful conversations, providing compassionate support, and helping individuals identify practical strategies to manage the impact of their condition. Her goal is to create a supportive environment where participants feel heard, connected, and empowered to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leader Lenore Healey Schultz at schultz.lenore@yahoo.com.
St. Louis Ataxia Support Group
Courteney Parry
Courteney Parry brings five years of case management experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and those from low-income communities. Courteney earned a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, developing advanced clinical skills and a strong foundation in person centered, strengths-based care. Courteney is passionate about helping individuals feel empowered, supported, and heard. While living with ataxia can present unique daily challenges, Courteney believes every person deserves the opportunity to build on their strengths, enhance their quality of life, and work toward the goals that matter most to them.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leader Shannon Dunphy Lazo at shan_d@hotmail.com.
Western Washington Ataxia Support Group
Adrian Bruton
Adrian Bruton is a therapist with a background in working with individuals diagnosed with cancer, providing counseling and leading support groups for many years. Adrian’s work has focused on helping people process the emotional impact of illness, build coping skills, and foster a sense of community. Adrian is committed to facilitating a supportive and respectful space where participants can share their experiences and support one another.
For more information about attending an upcoming meeting, contact Support Group Leaders Season Feldt, seasons1012@gmail.com; Jacqueline Ambur, jacambur@gmail.com; Victoria Oberley, voberley@comcast.net.
