Mission Statement

The Look. Foundation supports children and young adults impacted by infection triggered neuroinflammatory disorders (e.g., PANS/PANDAS) through personal support, community-wide education, professional training, advocacy and grants. We strive to improve access to proper diagnosis and treatment, bringing hope and healing to struggling families.

Vision Statement

The Look. Foundation envisions a future where every child and young adult affected by infection-triggered neuroinflammation (PANS and PANDAS) have equal access to:

  • Swift and appropriate diagnosis, treatment and care

  • Essential support from schools, communities and medical providers

Team

Board of Directors

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a black top, standing outdoors near a marina with boats in the background.

    Cathy Witkos

    President

    Bio
  • A woman with shoulder-length hair, glasses, and earrings smiling at the camera, wearing a blazer and a pearl necklace in a professional setting.

    Monica Elliott, MSF

    Treasurer

    Bio
  • A woman with long hair smiling at the camera, wearing a scarf and a sweater, in a black and white portrait.

    Michelle Pinto, MSN, RN, CNE

    Clerk

    Bio
  • Black and white professional headshot of a man with glasses, wearing a suit and collared shirt, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

    David Hyman

    Bio
  • A woman with long hair smiling, wearing a turtleneck sweater.

    Ali McLean

    Bio
  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a black top, against a plain background.

    Lisa Grisolia

    Bio
  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long hair, wearing a necklace with a large pendant, outdoors.

    Brandi Dean

    Bio
  • Black and white photo of a smiling woman with wavy hair, wearing a white shirt and hoop earrings, in an indoor setting.

    Melissa Glynn-Hyman, LICSW

    Bio

  • Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, MEd

    Bio

  • Kelly Newton

    Bio

  • Adam Noska

    Bio
Bio
Logo of the Look Foundation featuring the word 'LOOK' with a stylized hummingbird next to it and the word 'FOUNDATION' underneath.

Our Story

A group of eight women posing together indoors, with a large board in the background displaying

2013

In 2013, the New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS) was founded by parents whose children were directly affected by these disorders. Unlike larger, more established disease-focused nonprofits, NEPANS emerged from a grassroots need—driven by personal urgency and firsthand experience. Early on, NEPANS hosted the first provider/patient conference, drawing over 350 attendees from across the country and even internationally. As the organization grew, it continued to offer school trainings, support groups, advocacy, and other vital resources to PANS/PANDAS families.

Several packets with a logo of a bird, and four books titled 'De Mystifying Pans/Pandas,' 'Super Sam! Pans / Pandas,' 'Brain Infected,' and 'How Can I Get Better,' are arranged on a table. A badge on the top right reads 'It's Grant mailing day!' and the date '2.15.2024' is at the bottom right.

2017

In 2017, another family whose children had been diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS started the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation (JBC). Confronted by the immense expense of care—often not covered by insurance—they recognized that many families were unable to afford proper treatment. While existing PANS/PANDAS foundations focused primarily on funding research and raising awareness, JBC made it a priority to financially support medical treatment as well.

Look. Foundation Pandas/Pans walk in Boston Massachusetts in 2024.

2024

On June, 15, 2024 the leadership from the JBC PANS & PANDAS Foundation and the New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS) announced they would be joining forces to create the Look. Foundation. They recognize that to enact widespread change in how infectious triggered neuroinflammation can cause mental health symptoms are addressed, diagnosed, treated, funded, and researched, collaboration is key.
Together, under the newly named Foundation, they are dedicated to redefining the course of mental health by ensuring no child or young adult with PANS/PANDAS is missed. Their goal is to serve as a catalyst for change in how infectious-triggered neuropsychiatric disorders are approached, treated, researched, and financially supported.  It is crucial for healthcare providers to Look. for potential infectious and inflammatory triggers as potential causes for mental health and behavioral symptoms in children and young adults.

Why the hummingbird?

The hummingbird is one of the most fascinating birds because of its ability to move its body swiftly, change direction quickly yet smoothly and seemingly gliding from one place to another. 

When the hummingbird shows up in your life, it may be an invitation to flex your path, perhaps even bending backward or forward, in order to accommodate life’s circumstances. You may be required to adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual. 

The wisdom carried by this spirit animal emphasizes flexibility and lightness in your approach to the unexpected.

Believe.

Minimalist watercolor illustration of a hummingbird with teal and blue shades.