Taking Action
for Change
Dedicated to endometriosis patients, encouraging change to legislation and education
About Us
Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts
is dedicated to improving the lives of those with endometriosis through education and advocacy. We work to increase awareness about endometriosis, promote early diagnosis and access to effective treatment options, and advance research. Our members are people with endometriosis and their loved ones, health care providers, researchers, and other stakeholders. Together, we advocate for policy changes that recognize endometriosis as a serious health condition that impacts the whole person, requiring appropriate attention and care in Massachusetts.
Our Initiatives
We strive to make the lives of endometriosis patients better, by hosting screenings of documentaries, visiting legislators at the statehouse, and participating in patient support groups. Our hope is to enforce quicker and more accurate diagnosis, have more effective treatment options offered, and to encourage policy changes that will ensure community understanding, medical know-how, and financial support.
Screenings
We have hosted documentary screenings at University of New Hampshire, Harvard Medical School, Boston University School of Medicine, and also in communities such as Lexington, Burlington and Winchester to increase awareness about endometriosis and inspire more support at home, at work, at school, and within the community.
Youth Advocacy
We are speaking with school districts in Massachusetts to continue to educate school nurses on initial symptoms, to ensure patients are diagnosed sooner, get help quicker and limit debilitating affects on other body systems outside reproductive organs.
Legislator Meetings
We visit the statehouse, meet with legislators, present at briefings, appear at hearings, all to advocate for bills that will improve the systemic issues that delay diagnosis, treatment, and financial support.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team comprises dedicated individuals who are committed to driving positive change and improving the lives of those affected by endometriosis. Together, we work tirelessly to advocate for better care, raise awareness, and provide valuable support to the community.
Dr. Malcolm Mackenzie - "Kip" - Co-founder
Amanda is a dedicated advocacy specialist with a strong focus on driving policy changes and raising awareness about endometriosis. Her strategic approach and unwavering determination make her a valuable asset in our advocacy efforts.
Kate Weldon LeBlanc - Co-founder
Michael is a passionate community outreach coordinator who is dedicated to building a strong and supportive network for individuals and advocates impacted by endometriosis. His empathetic approach and proactive initiatives have made a meaningful impact within the community.
Nicole Tanionos - High school Student - Co-founder
Sarah is a compassionate patient support advisor who is committed to providing valuable resources and emotional support to individuals living with endometriosis. Her empathetic nature and dedication make her a trusted source of support for the community.
Melanie Tanionos - Marketing Professional and School Teacher
Co-founder
After spending three decades in Caribbean hospitality, Melanie pivoted during COVID and offered pro bono crises management services to local businesses in Belmont, Bedford, Lexington, and Waltham. Post COVID she decided to focus on her second passion, teaching. Her teaching experience spans age groups, subject matter, and the globe, including English as a Second Language in Greece and Japan, Travel Marketing at New York University and the New School for Social Research, and Travel Tips at the Learning Annex in New York City. Today, she is a health teacher at Lexington Public Schools and also works in Falmouth Public Schools. As Nicole’s mom, she has experienced first-hand the debilitating affects of endometriosis, the lack of productivity and impact on the work/school place (for both parent and child), and the systemic issues related to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and suitable insurance coverage. She hopes to fuse her passion for education and concern for “endo” patients and influence change through her volunteer work with the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts.
Alena Curry - Critical Care Nurse - Contributor
Michael is a passionate community outreach coordinator who is dedicated to building a strong and supportive network for individuals and advocates impacted by endometriosis. His empathetic approach and proactive initiatives have made a meaningful impact within the community.
Testimonials
I don't get to be a mother because of what this disease has done to me. What y'all are doing matters so much.
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K.S. - Arlington
I’ve worked in women's health for over 2 decades but still learned so much. It is incredibly sobering to realize how much further we still need to go to ensure that women are being cared for appropriately, that their pain is believed, and that access to care is not exclusively available to those that have racial and/or financial privilege. Highly recommend this event. Bring your daughter, best friend, niece, neighbor, etc. It gave me great hope to see so many supportive fathers and partners also in attendance.
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D.S. – Marshfield
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Great to … learn about endometriosis from such a powerful film and speaker, and …thank you for educating all of us.
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A.G. - Lexington
Amazing work!
The Lexington event was excellent.
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R.S. – Greater Boston