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
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.