Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.
– Khalil Gibran
Lauren Connelly, President
Lauren came across Kathy’s podcast after being diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosus in January 2021. This began their journey to co-founding the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network.
Lauren serves as Executive Board President, as well as Fundraising and Development Committee Chair.
Driven by her passion for serving others, while going through her own Lichen Sclerosus journey, Lauren is committed to spreading awareness for LS via evidence-based resources in hopes of empowering others.
Lauren's experience serving non-profit organizations in various roles and skills as a CFP® professional help define and evolve the mission and vision of LSSN.
Kathy Ruiz-Carter, VP and Treasurer
An LS advocate since February 2020, Kathy partnered with Lauren to co-found Lichen Sclerosus Support Network. On top of her duties as Executive Board Vice President and Treasurer, Kathy volunteers as Executive Director.
Her podcast, Lichen Sclerosus Podcast, and her company, LS Warrior LLC, where she provides support services to vulva owners with LS, are further evidence of her passion for helping people with LS.
By bringing all the right people together to get the mission accomplished, Kathy brings big ideas to life.
Jaclyn Lanthier, Secretary
As one of LSSN's Executive Board members, Jaclyn brings her love of research and evidence-based information. She uses her admin, research, and organizational skills to keep meetings streamlined and on track.
A Ph.D. in philosophy of neuroscience at Western University with a focus on the role of systematic review and meta-analyses for corroborating information about the mind-brain, she likewise brings her love of research and evidence-based information.
Jaclyn is thrilled to be a part of an organization that shares her passion for education and empowering folks with Lichen Sclerosus.
She is also the face behind The Lost Labia Chronicles, which include a blog, a YouTube channel, as well as an eBook centering around vulvar Lichen Sclerosus.
Christine Myers, LSSN Board
A board member, committee chair, and volunteer at LSSN, Christine knew she wanted to serve after hearing its mission.
As a patient with lichen sclerosus and other chronic illnesses, she wants to expand patient and provider awareness and education in hopes others will be diagnosed quickly and be provided proper treatment.
Christine is currently in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. She plans to help people with their nutrition and lifestyle to minimize their manifestations of symptoms so they can live a healthy life!
Pam Cobb, LSSN Board
Pam is a board member, as well as Member Outreach Committee Chair. She has over 25 years of experience in various marketing disciplines, including digital marketing, content creation, campaign management, and data-based decision-making.
She brings lots of practical knowledge from her service as a leader and board member of several other non-profit organizations.
Using her skills as well as her experience with a childhood diagnosis of Lichen Sclerosus, Pam will further the organization's mission of bringing evidence-based education to practitioners and other patients.
Jill Krapf, MD, Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Kraft is a Lichen Sclerosus Specialist and researcher. She practices out of the Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders in Washington, DC.
Lichen Sclerosus has a special place in her heart. As a result of treating hundreds of Lichen Sclerosus patients, Dr. Krapf is familiar with every aspect of the condition.
Her unique skills and knowledge ensure LSSN provides factual education and information to the public.