About Us

The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) is an umbrella organization uniting headache advocates nationwide. Our ongoing mission is to make life better for the millions of Americans living with headache disorders in our country. Founded in 2008, the AHDA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit supported by member contributions and individual donors. Members include organizations, medical providers, scientists, caregivers, and people living with headache disorders. 

AHDA works alongside a sister organization, The Headache Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2023 to broaden our shared impact. While AHDA continues its pivotal legislative advocacy work, The Headache Alliance engages in year-round patient and provider education, public awareness campaigns, and support for early-stage research. Learn more at headachealliance.org.

Staff

Julienne Verdi

Executive Director

Executive Board

Annika Ehrlich, DNP, FNP-C, CNRN, AQH

President

Barbara L. Nye, MD

Vice President

Brandi Underwood

Secretary

Scott B. Turner, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Treasurer

Board of Directors

Susan Doughty

CHAMP

Nancy Harris Bonk

CMA

Nicole Hemmenway

US Pain Foundation

Amaal Starling, MD

American Headache Society

Bob Wold

Clusterbusters

William Young, MD

Member-At-Large

Christopher Gottschalk, MD

Immediate Past President & Headache Cooperative of the Northeast

Fred Cohen, MD

National Headache Foundation

Jennifer Schoon, PT, DPT

Spinal CSF Leak Foundation

Andrew Kenney

American Academy of Neurology

Hallie Koch

American College of Surgeons

Melissa Baumbick

Facial Pain Association

Carrie Howell

America Migraine Foundation

Carrie (Beth) Robertson, MD, FAHS, FAAN

Great Lakes Regional Headache Society

Nina Riggins, MD, PhD, FAAN, FAHS, FANA

Miles for Migraine

Our Alliance Members