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About Me
Hi...I'm so glad you're here! I'm Amanda Cohen, Founder & Lead Support Coach. I’m an Occupational Therapist with a specialized background in cognitive research for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. Clinically, I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke. My training bridges neuroscience with real-world therapy.
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My degrees are in Psychology, and Occupational Therapy from New York University. As an OT, I‘m trained to help people navigate the emotional, social, and psychological challenges that come with long-term conditions. When illness disrupts your identity, routines, relationships, and sense of purpose, it takes a toll on your mental health. That’s where therapeutic health coaching bridges the gap. I'm committed to providing the best quality to our community members by staying up to date on the latest research and therapeutic advances.
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I started facilitating professional support groups bringing people together on a zoom screen since 2020. Something magical happens in a small group setting over time: people develop lifelong friendships through a sense of belonging and healing. We help each other build emotional resilience, reconnect with what matters most, and create routines that support both mind and body. This group work is rooted in evidence-based mental health approaches and the deep belief in small daily wins, connecting lives, meeting people where they are & empowering journeys.
Dr. Victoria Leavitt PhD, FAAN
Chief Scientific Advisor
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Dr. Vicky Leavitt is an associate professor of neuropsychology in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. She divides her time between clinical work in adult neurological populations (with a specialization in multiple sclerosis) and research. Dr. Leavitt’s research focuses on the beneficial health impacts of social support, and with grant funding, she had led targeted clinical trials employing group-based delivery of behavioral interventions: eSupport, support groups to reduce loneliness; eFIT support groups to increase physical activity; and the SUNLIGHT study, support groups to reduce anxiety and depression. Dr. Leavitt completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University and her PhD at the City University of New York. The Leavitt Lab has been continuously funded by grants from the National Institute of Health, the United States Department of Defense, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Leavitt Lab is also the recipient of several large gifts that have supported several high-risk high-reward research endeavors.
Advisory Board
Dr. Joanne Guo is a neurologist who specializes in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and similar disorders, providing comprehensive, individualized care for patients at all stages. Because MS is often a life altering diagnosis, she has dedicated her career to improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with this condition. She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University with a degree in biochemistry and psychology. She earned her medical degree at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, where she became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medal and Gold Humanism Honor Society. She completed a residency in neurology at Columbia University and a fellowship in neuroimmunology at UCSF, joining the faculty in 2019.
Dr. Chu-Yueh (Joanne) Guo
Scientific Advisor
Damian Washington
Patient Advisor
Damian Washington is a leading voice in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community, known for blending humor, heart, an health literacy and support patients to raise awareness. Diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS, Damian channels his lived experience into action, and the creation of his YouTube channel NoStressMS, reaches over 6,000 viewers with relatable, real-talk videos that help people with MS feel see, heard and understood. Beyond social media Damian regularly collaborates with neurologists, biotech firms, and MS organizations to shape patient-centered research and communications. He’s moderated global MS conferences, produced educational campaigns with Genentech and Bionews, and sits on multiple advisory councils. Damian vibrantly blends storytelling, strategy, and patient insights in every project to combine what truly matters to people with MS. He currently lives in Paris and continues to advocate on an international scale.
Dr. Andrew Akerman is a seasoned diagnostic neuroradiologist and author of “Abled: Follow Your Dreams and the Naysayers Will be Dammed. Nothing Great was ever Achieved by Allowing Others to Define Your Limits.” After becoming a quadriplegic at age 16, Dr. Akerman knows societal expectations can weigh heavily on individuals with disabilities. Often these expectations dictate what people believe they can achieve or not. This perception creates barriers, both mental and social. Relationships play a pivotal role in overcoming obstacles, showcasing how community can foster strength and inspire growth. Dr. Akerman works at EliteRad Radiology Services in Miami, Florida which he joined in 2010 and is an attending physician at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He received his medical degree from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has been practicing for more than 20 years.
Dr. Andrew Akerman, MD
Scientific Advisor