Jennifer Vitelli
Jennifer transformed her personal struggle into broader advocacy by co-founding the New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS), organizing the nation’s first PANS/PANDAS medical conference.
Visit WebsiteAbout Jennifer Vitelli
Executive Director, Look. Foundation
Professions: Advocate, Nonprofit Leader
Specialties: Medical conference organization, PANS/PANDAS advocacy
For nearly three decades, Jennifer served the Town of Scituate as Recreation Director. In 2011, however, her world changed when three of her four sons were diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS. Determined to secure the best treatment, she crisscrossed the country in search of answers.
In 2013, Jennifer transformed her personal struggle into broader advocacy by co-founding the New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS), organizing the nation’s first PANS/PANDAS medical conference for families and providers. She then co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Legislation, where her leadership helped pass an insurance mandate for treatment and establish a permanent Massachusetts Department of Public Health PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council—an entity she now co-facilitates.
Her pioneering work earned her the 2021 Commonwealth Heroine Award and recognition as a leader in PANS/PANDAS advocacy. Today, Jennifer continues her mission as Executive Director of the Look. Foundation, a national nonprofit devoted to shaping a future in which every child and young adult affected by PANS/PANDAS can turn to a nurturing and accessible network of medical care and community support.