Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)
Providing Support & Resources about Connective Tissues Disorders:
Meet The Team
April D Torres, RN
Founder
April is a Registered Nurse who graduated in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College in 2001. She was a hospice nurse but now volunteers her time supporting persons affected by EDS, Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and other related disorders. She wants to do everything she can to help others feel supported. She is committed to helping ensure a better Louisiana where EDS and related conditions are better understood, treated, and supported.
Angelle W. Painter, M.Ed
Vice President
Angelle is a dedicated elementary school teacher, earning a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a 4.0 GPA. Angelle was born and raised in the New Orleans area, and lives with her husband Eddie, and daughters Eliza and Tayla in Jean Lafitte. Angelle created a Facebook group for those in Louisiana to share their stories and information about all forms of EDS. The Louisiana EDS Zebras group now boasts over 1000 members.
Mona S. Herbert, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Mona is a pillar in her community. She is a school teacher with an undergraduate degree in psychology and elementary education (K-8th grade). She has a Masters Degree in Education, with a gifted certification in administration and supervision of Early Childhood/Special Education. During her 40 year career, she has taught from the ages of birth through 21 years of age in varied settings of public, private and parochial schools as well as a children’s hospital, an adolescent psychiatric facility and homebound students.
Mary Ann Joffray
Volunteer Coordinator
Mary Ann worked as the Assistant Director of Volunteer Services at Children's Hospital in New Orleans for 25 years where she was responsible for interviewing potential volunteers, managing the database, and coordinating volunteer schedules/placement. Her department recruited and managed large groups of volunteers for special events/fundraisers.
Stephanie Dixon Lambert
Support Group Leader
Stephanie loves being active in her community and helping comes naturally to her. She was finally diagnosed with EDS at almost thirty years of age as well as hyperandernergic POTS, immune deficiency, and other hEDS issues over the years after feeling defeated with the lack understanding by her local medical professionals. Stephanie serves as our Covington Support Group leader and is looking forward to helping us start our Tween Support Group.
Sammy Jo Price
Executive Assistant
Sammy Jo graduated with a degree in Applied Sciences, as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. She was also an active member within the bodybuilding and fitness communities before her symptoms progressed to a point that made her unable to continue to actively participate. Sammy Jo was diagnosed with Dysautonomia shortly after suffering a stroke in 2018. Since then, she has been diagnosed with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) with underlying bradycardic disease, Orthostatic Hypotension (OH), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Stacey M. Vizinat
Volunteer
Stacey is 44 years old and is married to her husband, Kirk. She says he is a very patient and endearing man who makes her laugh just about every day! They have two intelligent and well-mannered teenage boys, Evan & Adam. Evan is 17 years old and enjoys powerlifting and is fascinated by science! Adam is 14 and is a computer tech/gamer who aspires to become a programmer! They live in Ville Platte with their Australian Shepherd named Indy. Stacey has worked full time for Schlumberger for the past 15 years, and has held positions in Quotes, Inside Sales and Shipping.