Sophia Davidson

Sophia Davidson is a freshman at the University of Michigan. In the summer of 2016, she fractured her leg and developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). As a part of her recovery, she spent time in a multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program, which included physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Sophia joined The Comfort Ability® Peer Advisory Board several years ago in order to be a voice of comfort, reason, and hope for those with chronic pain. She now leads The Comfort Ability® Peer Advisory Board board with the goal of making her story more accessible, spreading awareness on a larger level, and breaking down the stigma that comes with having an “invisible illness.” In the future, Sophia aspires to become a pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon and work both locally and abroad. In her free time, she enjoys writing, volunteering, and traveling.

Fiona Chace-Donahue

Fiona Chace Donahue graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in neuroscience and she currently works as a nursing assistant on a neurosurgery unit while applying to graduate school. She plans on pursuing a career in healthcare with a focus in traumatic brain injury. Fiona attended the Comfort Ability® Program workshop over eight years ago and joined The Comfort Ability® Advisory Board because she wants to help empower and support others while sharing what she’s learned about how to manage chronic (and often invisible) pain. In her free time, Fiona enjoys paddle boarding, knitting, and exploring new places.

Aryn Lee

Aryn Lee is a sophomore at Boston University studying Psychology on a pre-medical track, and currently works as a Clinical Assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital. In 2016, following a concussion, she developed Pain Amplification Syndrome, POTS, and a variety of other related conditions. Aryn attended the Comfort Ability® Program workshop at the beginning of her chronic pain journey, and joined The Comfort Ability® Peer Advisory Board in hopes of sharing her story to help and empower others. She is an advocate for cognitive behavioral therapy and physical therapy, and works hard to maintain an active, fulfilling, and functional lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to watch TV shows, crochet, create digital art, volunteer, and travel.

Ava Guleserian

Ava is a junior at Bates College where she studies Biology and Spanish. She was diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) in 2019 after several years of accruing symptoms and confusion over what was happening to her body. Later that same fall, she attended the Comfort Ability Program workshop and then began a journey of physical and cognitive behavioral therapies. In 2023, Ava began guest speaking and loved the newfound opportunity she had to connect with people early on in their own pain journeys. She is excited to join the Comfort Ability Peer Board and find deeper ways to create resources and provide support and hope to other people like her. In her free time, Ava leads running and environmental groups on her campus and loves reading, skiing, and oil pastels!

Bridget McPhillips

My name is Bridget McPhillips, I am 16 years old and a junior in high school. I developed complex regional pain syndrome in 2019, and spent around 7 months on crutches. I spent time in a pain rehabilitation program and learned strategies through physical therapy, occupational therapy and psychology to help me manage my pain the best way possible for me. After joining The Comfort Ability® Peer Advisory Board in 2021, my goal is to help motivate others with chronic pain to try new active coping strategies and learn how to manage their pain in the best possible way for them! I want everyone to be able to live their lives to the fullest, despite chronic pain.

Stephanie Frinsko

Stephanie attends Smith College where she studies History and Spanish, and is on a pre-nursing track. In 2016 she was diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) along with Juvenile Arthritis. Three years later in 2019 she was diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures and was at a loss for how to help improve her symptoms. She soon began participating in cognitive behavioral therapy which helped her gain back confidence and control over her symptoms. In 2023 her former doctor approached her about guest speaking at a Comfort Ability® Program workshop. She fell in love with guest speaking and the ability to be a part of a support network she did not have access to. She joined The Comfort Ability® Peer Advisory Board as a way to support others going through their discomfort journeys and help expand the program.