Cali Lonardelli

Head of Interns and Social Media Education Intern

Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut

School: Quinnipiac University

Major: BS Health Sciences/Doctor of Physical Therapy

Minor: Nutrition

Special Interests: Neuroendocrine disorders after TBI and the relationship between Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and injury risk in female athletes.

Aveline Langmead

Outreach and Merchandise Intern

Hometown: San Diego, California

School: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Major: BS in Biological Sciences

Special Interests: Medical retirement from sports due to TBI/SRC and transition out of sports, post-concussive symptoms, and handling friendships with TBI.

Samantha Lukaskiewicz

Advocacy and Merchandise Intern

Hometown: Palmer, Massachussets

Graduated from: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Degree: BS in Political Science

Special Interests: Self-advocacy after TBI, school accomodations for TBI, and the relationship between mental health and concussion. 

Kate Altman

Hometown: Park City, Utah 

School: Rowland Hall, Utah

Future Goals: Plans to finish junior year of high school and begin the college process at the start of senior year. Hoping to major/minor in communications and sports management. 

Special Interests: Educating people about TBIs and sharing her personal story to inform others.

Carly Brummel

School: University of Maryland

Major: BS in Psychology

Special Interests: Passionate about spreading awareness and education for recognizing and treating prolonged concussion symptoms.

Melissa Martinez

Hometown: Miami, Florida

School: Florida International University

Major: BS in Political Science

Special Interests: Spreading awareness on the importance of TBI education as well as aiding with the recovery process for TBI patients who may be struggling. 

Aly Muir

Advocacy and TikTok Education Intern

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

School: American University

Major: Neuroscience

Special Interests: Sports related injuries and bringing awareness to the Sport’s Federations, as well as the comparison of helmets and concussion protocols between different sports based on impact and gender.

Noah Rose

Hometown: Ridgefield, Connecticut

School: Ridgefield High School

Future Goals: Plans to major in Biology and minor in Neuroscience

Special Interests: Neuroscience with a focus on post-traumatic epilepsy, spreading awareness of brain disorders and learning how to cope with them, and educating his fellow peers about the medical field. 

Christina Van Dyke

Educational TikTok Intern

Hometown: Long Beach, California

School: Connecticut College

Major: Government and Environmental Studies

Special Interests: Social injustices minority groups face within the healthcare system, particularly TBI care, treatment, and access to resources.

AVELINE 

Hey! My name is Aveline Langmead and I am an undergrad student from San Diego, California. I was fortunate enough to receive a division 1 scholarship to play soccer, but unfortunately while playing my freshman year of college I received my third and worst concussion which took over a year to recover from. After that recovery process and dealing with extreme post-concussive syndrome my doctors and family advised me to medically retire. I love going to the beach, doing art and traveling, but realistically spend most of my time doing school work. I am a biology major headed down the premed track. Although concussions took away my ability to play sports, I have learned hope to cope and accept the new route my life has taken. I hope that my experiences can serve as an outlet for other people dealing with similar circumstances, and that together we can promote awareness to aid in the recovery and wellbeing of others.

CALI

Hi! I’m in my first year at QU in the Entry Level Dual Degree Physical Therapy Program. Upon completion of my BS in Health Science Studies, I will go on to grad school to earn my DPT.  I grew up in competitive gymnastics and began pole vaulting in high school, but retired after a career ending injury. After my injury, my family began fostering sick rescue puppies, and we adopted our first four-legged family member, Mozi. I love going hiking with Mozi, spending time with friends, and doing art. I’m excited to join the PINK team and have a special interest in the correlation between female TBI and hormones, nutrition, psychology, and genetics.

SAMANTHA

I am a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. I want to combine my love for politics and my passion for brain injury advocacy as they are both important aspects of my life. I received my first round of concussions at 14 when I was a competitive cheerleader and I was kicked in the head too many times with no rest in between injuries. After another concussion a year later, it became clear I wasn’t going to recover. I really struggled throughout high school with the effects of my injury, but with the support of my mom who also has a brain injury, I was able to graduate high school and continue on to college. I am passionate about brain injury advocacy and making sure that girls have all the resources and support they need so they don’t have to experience the same struggles I did. I look forward to this opportunity to work with PINK Concussions to help create a lasting change. I also enjoy reading, dancing, and playing with my puppy, Kona.

NICOLE 

My name is Nicole LaVorgna and a rising senior at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, working towards my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. I am fortunate enough to not have any personal run-ins with concussions, yet. However, I do know the lasting effects that are severe to individuals, especially symptoms shown in women. My background is mainly in the arts (graphic design, drawing, and composition as well as psychology and spirituality). With the combination of my Human Services Minor, I’d like to shape my abilities towards working with young children and adults suffering from mental health issues and/or trauma.

SADIE

I am currently a high school junior in Connecticut. I have played lacrosse, soccer, and ice hockey for most of my life. I've seen teammates and friends sustain concussions and have become interested in bringing awareness to brain injuries and educating others in any way I can. When I'm not playing sports or doing school work, I volunteer with organizations like Filling in the Blanks, Feed My Starving Children, and Waveney Cares to help out around my community.

SAMMI

I am currently a junior in high school in New York City, and I have suffered from three athletic-related concussions. I had two concussions from playing competitive soccer and one concussion from playing basketball. I have always loved playing sports, and it was difficult for me to miss seasons because of them. My concussions have affected not only my athletic teams but my academics at school. During my recoveries, I had to miss a lot of school and it was very stressful for me to catch up on all the work that I had missed. I am very excited to be a part of PINK Concussions to meet others who went through similar experiences and to help spread concussion awareness.

MK

Hello, My name is MK Braun. I am going to be a junior next year at Berkshire school (high school). I suffered from a concussion this year and had a very hard time getting back into school and daily activities. I’m looking to work with PINK in fundraising, social media, and anywhere else I can chime in and help!! Looking forward to an awesome summer!

JILL

I am a high school senior from Georgia.  During my freshman year, I sustained three separate serious non-sports-related concussions, significantly impacting me throughout the year, academically, socially, and of course medically.   I think that because I am female and my injuries were sustained outside a sports arena, my concussions were not identified as quickly or treated as aggressively as they would have been otherwise.  Through interning with PINK Concussions, I hope to increase awareness and understanding of this condition and support concussion education and research.   I spend my free time practicing yoga, reading, and playing on the beach with my labradoodle Toby.

Emily is a college senior who lost her D1 ice hockey scholarship after she sustained a third concussion in a traffic accident. She will graduate with honors from GCU this December with a double BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine and BS Psychology. She plans to attend a Master's program next fall before pursuing an MD/Ph.D. Emily discovered her love of the human brain while working in the back office in a women’s health clinic during high school. Alongside her current research job in neurogenomics and serving as an EMT in Phoenix, she aspires to center her career around helping women affected by TBI and concussion in clinical practice while seeking to better understand the pathology of brain disease through research. Emily is fully committed to the mission of PINK as the PINK Concussions College Team Lead Intern, and she is humbled to learn from inspirational women like Katherine Snedaker. When her nose is not in a book, Emily enjoys ice hockey, martial arts, swimming, painting, watching Harry Potter marathons, spending time with friends, and going on long walks with her husky. 

Larken - I am currently a high school junior from California. I enjoy surfing, backpacking, and whitewater rafting. I have sustained multiple concussions from playing competitive soccer. Through my personal experience, I have become increasingly interested in and dedicated to supporting and educating fellow student-athletes on the risks of brain injuries, the healing process, and life post-concussion. In the summer of 2020, I will be working with a multidisciplinary team to research the cognitive effects of concussive brain injury and potential treatments. 

Aanya - Currently I am a sophomore in high school.  In January 2018, I sustained a non-athletic concussion. As a result, I suffer from Post-Concussion Syndrome and lasting neurological conditions. I joined PINK Concussion because I am passionate about research and advocacy surrounding the lack of awareness around female TBI.   I hope to help others on their road to recovery and healing.  In my free time I enjoy yoga, cooking, and playing recreational tennis.

Lilly - I am currently a freshman at Darien High School with a passion for neuroscience and an interest in concussions. I experienced my first concussion this year which lasted for 5 months. It seriously impacted my academic abilities as well as forcing me to take time off from diving. My concussion lasted way longer than it should have due to doctors underestimating the severity of the case and the lack of information on female concussions which I hope to change. Through interning with PINK Concussions, I want to bring awareness to female brain injuries and inform other young girls on the topic. 

Jacob - I am currently a high school junior in New York City. This last fall, I received two concussions from football within the span of a month, putting an end to the possibility of collegiate athletics and forcing me to repeat junior year. Given all the struggles that have resulted, whether cognitive, academic, or social, I hope to educate and promote awareness of traumatic brain injuries. In particular, interning at PINK has really exposed me to the gender differences that arise from concussions and how important it is to advocate for an approach that is specific to women.

Riley - I am a high school freshman in Connecticut. When not in school I enjoy volunteering at a local animal rescue, spending time outdoors, and making jewelry. I first became interested in this cause when I had a concussion in 2017 during swim practice. My concussion lasted several months and impacted me socially, academically, and athletically. I am still experiencing symptoms today, but with the support of my doctors, friends, and family I continue to make progress. When one of my doctors brought up this group to me, I was immediately interested. The impact my concussion had on me motivates me to spread awareness and support research. 

Hannah

I am currently a freshman in college studying psychology and business admin. I have dreams of one day start up my own concussion rehab clinic. When I am not studying I love to hike, ski, play the violin and do yoga.

Anna

I graduated from high school last spring, and I’m now embarking on the beginning of my gap year. I received three concussions from playing basketball, which ultimately led me to give up contact sports for good. I am dedicating my gap year to concussion research, specifically looking at new technologies that can be used to better treat and diagnose concussions. Following my third concussion, I struggled with post-concussion syndrome for more than four months. During this time, I discovered that running alleviated my headaches and provided me with mental clarity. I am now training for the 2019 NYC Marathon! In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors with friends, read new books, and write.

Hillary

My name is Hillary and I'm currently in my first year in college. I am planning on majoring in Education and possibly minor in either Exercise Science or Psychology. In high school, I was a competitive swimmer and during the fall of my sophomore year, I sustained my first concussion when I collided head on with a swimmer one day. Since this first concussion, I have had a total of 5 concussions and have dealt with lasting effects from them each day. Being a swimmer I never thought that I would have to worry about concussions, figuring that it wasn't exactly a "contact sport". However, I have now seen firsthand how you don't need a sport with a helmet to hit your head. As I have continued to make tremendous progress, as well as continue my first year in college, I have become increasingly interested in sharing my story and finding ways to raise awareness and increase concussion education as much as possible. Interning at PINK Concussions has given me the chance to learn more about the concussion field as well as give me a great group of people to get to know and work with! 

Sarah

Sarah is a recent high school graduate from Bethesda, MD who lost her ice hockey career to concussions. She is currently taking a gap year to work in advocacy and complete recovery before starting at the University of Michigan's Honors College. 

Alicia

Alicia is four years post-concussion, but continuing to fight. She is a junior in college studying Communications Studies and Mass Communications. She is hoping to help make lives easier for those who are fighting the Post-Concussion Syndrome journey. 

Tabatha

I am a recent high school graduate who is currently taking a gap year to try and manage some health issues. I have been struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome for four years now. I like to make art in various forms and like to use my art to help cope with the chronic pain and to also connect with others who are going through the same thing!

Raelyn

I am 21 and am studying Political Science at Catholic University. I enjoy spinning, hiking, exploring DC, being involved in campus activities, making jewelry, and traveling. I hope to move on to law school and advocate for disability and human rights.

Jesse

I graduated from college in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, as well as, Social Sciences and Medicine. Since I can remember, sports have been a central part of my life and focus for the last 15 years. So much so, that I devoted the remaining four years of my career to play Division I soccer in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, I sustained two significant concussions in my last two seasons and was advised following my senior season to resign from the sport I loved. While my collegiate soccer career and future professional endeavors came to an abrupt halt, I have now joined a different team. A team that perhaps works on a bigger field and whose goal may me bigger than any soccer goal. I am beyond thrilled to have joined PINK Concussions and look forward to sharing my own personal journey with concussions to empower women and help change the way we deal with concussions from the inside out. 

 Natalie

I am currently a high school senior in Manhattan with a passion for digital media and entrepreneurship. I lost my lacrosse career to a brain injury during the spring of my Sophomore year from a lacrosse check to the head. My concussion lasted over 6 months and I continue to struggle with Post Concussion Syndrome. I hope to spread information and awareness about females with concussions and to help enact change in the sports and academic world. When I am not working, I love to take pictures, listen to music, and travel. 

Sam

I'm a junior in high school in New York City, and I have suffered from four concussions. I have been an athlete my whole entire life and sports have always meant the world to me. Ever since I could remember, my greatest dream was to play college basketball. February of my freshmen year this all changed when I got my third concussion. This brain injury took me out of school for nearly the whole second half of the school year and forced me to give up my hopes of ever playing basketball in college. Although I am still allowed to play, everything is different: my position, my limitations, my aggression, etc. My brain injuries have also really posed academic obstacles that I've had to overcome. However, I do believe that I have taken much of the negative and turned it into positive. I have learned so much about myself after sustaining my four brain injuries and am very excited to be a part of pink concussions and help others get through the same exact thing I went through. 

Claire

I'm 18 and a senior in high school.  I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.  I think I've had 17 concussions but there could be more.  I got my first concussion when I was 10 and have had a headache ever since.  I was an elite soccer player for 13 years but after my 13th concussion, I was forced to retire from contact sports.  Unfortunately, I sustained my 14th concussion just 3 months later and was forced to miss my junior year of high school.  While all my friends were preparing for the SAT, I was sitting in a dark room or going to 10 doctor's appointments a week.  I still suffer from pretty much every symptom post-concussion but I have seen small improvements and hope to continue to see more.  I am excited to intern at PINK and help spread my story and awareness of the need to speak up if you think you or a teammate could have a concussion.  

Brooklyn

I am currently a junior majoring in Psychology at Fordham University. In addition to being a Division 1 athlete, I have an interest in the brain and learning how it is affected by traumatic brain injuries. In the past couple of years I have sustained numerous concussions while playing soccer, increasing my curiosity on the subject and my want to spread awareness. As I get older I feel a growing sense of responsibility to educate other female athletes on the topic and PINK Concussions provides a great platform to do just that as well as reach out to a broader audience. I hope to be able to share my story and provide information for future research.

Megan

I am currently a high school senior in Rutland, Vermont.  As well as being an avid learner, I enjoy playing many sports throughout the year including soccer, golf and ice hockey. Next year I hope to pursue Health Sciences in college so that I can one day assist people in need within the medical field.  I am overjoyed to be interning at PINK Concussions so that I can help the expansion of female concussion knowledge all over the world.

Saya

I am currently a high school junior in Los Angeles. My academic and extracurricular goals came to a halt after sustaining an accidental head injury in January of my sophomore year of high school. My post-concussive syndrome lasted over seven months. I enjoy volunteer work, Indian classical dance, musical theatre, and student government.  I hope to increase awareness about gender differences in post-concussive syndromes, return-to-learn strategies, and non-athletic traumatic brain injuries.