Scolios-us Mentor Program
Navigating scoliosis is not always easy, but it sure is easier with someone cheering you on.
What is the Mentor Program?
The Scolios-us Mentor Program offers scoli warriors the opportunity to connect with a mentor who can help cheer them on as they navigate scoliosis. As a mentee, you are connected with one mentor who will help you through your good and bad days. However, another big benefit of the program is connecting with fellow Mentor Program participants through group chats (on the app Slack) and video calls. You are not going through this alone – you are part of a whole community that is rooting for you!
Whether you are beginning Schroth therapy or bracing or heading into surgery, you can connect with a mentor who knows exactly what you’re going through. Especially when you first find out about your scoliosis, talking with a fellow scoli warrior can be incredibly powerful and helpful as you adjust to a new normal.
IMPORTANT: Check Your Emails
When you sign up for the Mentor Program, the program coordinator, Megan Glahn, will reach out to you and your parents via email. Please make sure you check the email you listed in your application to ensure a swift sign-up process.
If you or your parents do not receive an email within one week of signing up, try checking your spam folders. If the email is not there, please email us at [email protected] so we can get you set up as soon as possible.
How does the Scolios-us Mentor Program work?
Whether you want to get matched with a mentor or become a mentor yourself, the first step is completing the 3-step sign-up process. Once the sign-up process is complete, new mentees (scoli warriors who want to get matched with a mentor) will be contacted by their specific mentor via phone, text, or video chat. All new Scolios-us Mentor Program members will be invited to join our group chat to begin connecting with fellow members, as well.
Sign-Up Process
All Scolios-us Mentor Program participants must complete all three steps in the sign-up process before being accepted into the Scolios-us Mentor Program:
1. Request to join MemberPlanet group and fill out information – note: in the “Family Information” section, please put your parent’s email if you are under 18 or your own email if you are over 18. MemberPlanet is where we house everyone’s contact information. Once you are in the program, the only thing you will need to do in MemberPlanet is update your contact information if it changes.
2. Receive parental consent from one of your parents or legal guardians if you are under 18
3. Mentees must complete a video call with our Mentee Coordinator, Jocie, and mentors must complete their Mentor Training session. Once you complete this step, you will be officially in the Mentor Program and invited to join our group chat.
The three-step process ensures that all participants are joining the Scolios-us Mentor Program for the right reasons.
IMPORTANT: If you or your parents do not receive an email within one week of signing up, be sure to check your spam folders. If the email is not there, please email us at [email protected] so we can get you set up asap.
Meet Our 2023 Scolios-us Mentor Program Team
JOCIE: Mentee Coordinator
My name is Jocelyn, but most people call me Jocie. I graduated from Baylor College of Medicine’s Orthotics & Prosthetics Program. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when in middle school and was braced for two years. I am here now to lend a helping hand to those going through this same experience. I am excited to be a part of this amazing resource!
EMILY: Advisor
My name is Emily, and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 8 and did Schroth for 3 years before getting a brace. I wore my brace until I was 13 and had spinal fusion surgery in 2018. Although it was very hard to go through, it made me a stronger and more resilient person.
SHIRLEY: Advisor
My name is Shirley, and I was diagnosed with scoliosis in 7th grade and wore a brace throughout my middle school years. It was definitely a struggle, but I eventually came to accept it as part of me. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything else and hope to help others going through similar experiences!
TEEK: Team Leader
My name is Prateek, but you can call me Teek! I was first diagnosed with scoliosis in 6th grade. My curve didn’t allow me to wear a brace and surgery wasn’t an option. There were a lot of scary moments throughout my journey, but it’s made me resilient. I’m here to share my experience and help anyone in need. We can be strong together!
LILY: Team Leader
Hi! My name is Lily, and I am 17 years old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13, and I have worn a Providence brace ever since. Although adjusting to wearing a brace was a challenge, the opportunity to connect with new people and make a difference in their lives far outweighs any of the struggles.
HANNAH: Team Leader
My name is Hannah and I’m 15 years old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12 with curves located at 56 and 53 degrees and braced for 2+ years to keep my curve in check. I am so proud of how far I have come and I am always there for anyone who needs advice or motivation for bracing! I enjoy scuba diving and marine biology and I’ll always be there for you!
NISHA: Team Leader
Hi! My name is Nisha! I was diagnosed with scoliosis in 5th grade and I got my brace in the summer before 6th grade. I completed Schroth Physical Therapy and am about 6 months away from graduating from my brace! There has definitely been some ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!
SARAH: Team Leader
Hi, my name is Sarah! I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 7 and wore a brace from ages 10-14. I’m now fully out of my brace and doing great. I play lacrosse and the bass guitar. In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing.
LILLY: Team Leader
Hi, my name is Lilly, and I am 15 years old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 8 years old and I started wearing a brace shortly after. I wore my brace for 5 years, then had a VBT surgery, and then wore a brace for another year until I was 14. With a long scoliosis journey in my past, I can’t wait to help others through their own journeys!
CAITLYN: Team Leader
LIZ: Team Leader
MOLLY: Team Leader
Hi, I’m Molly! I’m a freshman in high school and live in New York. I love the beach and skiing, and I play soccer and lacrosse. I’ve been bracing since I was in sixth grade. I decided to become a team leader because I know that when I was just starting, it seemed like I was the only one with scoliosis. Having a community to ask questions too seemed like a great idea and I couldn’t wait to help!
Give Us Feedback
We would love to hear your feedback about our Mentor Program! Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know what you think!
Flyers for Clinics
Download and print the flyers below for your scoli patients! From our experience, the best time for new bracers to get paired with mentors is actually before they receive their brace. We recommend handing out flyers during your evaluation appointments, so your patients are already matched and ready to go by the time they are fit with their brace.
Terms of Use Overview
Any information shared between individuals through the Scolios-us Bracing Mentor Program is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you were told by a mentor/mentee.
When communicating with other participants, you agree to be respectful and kind. You agree to use caution in all interactions with other participants, particularly if you decide to meet in person. If your behavior towards another participant is any time threatening or offensive, we reserve the right to immediately remove you from the Scolios-us Bracing Mentor Program. If you do not abide by our Code of Conduct, you have breached our terms of use agreement and are liable for your actions. Scolios-us should be notified immediately of negative or hateful behaviors in order to maintain the integrity and safety of the program.
Please visit our Scolios-us Bracing Mentor Program: Terms of Use page for additional information.
