His personal connection to FND fuels his dedication to the mission of FNDcourage.  His child, El, was diagnosed with functional seizures in 2020 and FND in 2021.  Witnessing firsthand the lack of services and support for FND, James committed himself to serving the community and advocating for greater education and awareness.  In 2025, James created Fit-Function, an organization to provide access to research and educational resources to help people manage and live well with FND.

The post James Hopper first appeared on FNDcourage.

When my daughter was diagnosed with FND in 2020, our lives were turned upside down.  Despite many years working in healthcare, firsthand experience taught me the relentless advocacy needed to navigate broken systems.  Through a stroke of luck, we found Dr. Moenter and temporarily relocated from Seattle to Boulder, CO.  It was the best decision we ever made.

I am forever grateful to have found Dr. Moenter and the FNDcourage community.  Quality FND treatment shouldn’t be left to the chance of living in Colorado or the privilege of being able to travel for care.  I want to be part of helping Dr. Moenter spread her approach so we can improve FND care for all!

The post Karen Zeribi first appeared on FNDcourage.

Before I got the FND diagnosis, I was diagnosed with a stroke and MS. In 2019 they officially gave me the FND diagnosis. Things were looking bleak for me until I met Dr. Moenter and started the FNDcourage course. I was working 40-60 hours a week and holding down three work positions. I was placed on disability and I am now on SSDI. Dr. Moenter taught me how to slow down and enjoy life. I have met wonderful FND friends and made priceless friendships. I am committed to helping find ways to make it easier for us to live with FND. I am always trying new things and providers to help with the daily struggles we have with FND. If it was not for my drive to get better, I would not be in the place that I am right now.

The post Jim first appeared on FNDcourage.

Amanda has a heart for service and creative problem-solving which she has used to guide youth and adult programming, fundraising efforts, grant management, marketing plans, and strategic planning.  She has focused much of her career on serving children, families, and community organizations.

Amanda’s passion for FND began when her daughter was diagnosed in early 2020.  As a result, Amanda and her husband, James, have become increasingly involved in the advocacy and support of FND research, awareness, and patient support.  Amanda also served as the COO and Executive Director of FND Hope.

The post Amanda Hopper first appeared on FNDcourage.

Dr. Moenter’s special interest in FND started in 2002 while conducting research for her doctoral dissertation on complex partial epilepsy and PTSD.  Over the years, her curiosity and commitment to helping individuals with FND led to a polyvagal theory-informed treatment protocol that has helped many to self-regulate the FND nervous system.

The use of this body-based approach has become more refined and sophisticated during Dr. Moenter’s daily dedication to helping those with FND, her practice of relational mindfulness, her 30 years of extensive training and experience in working with symptoms of chronic stress and trauma, and her everlasting curiosity about how to end unnecessary suffering.

The post Dr. Afra Moenter first appeared on FNDcourage.