Meet the Organizers
Welcome
Welcome to Long COVID Awareness Week 2026. This week is a powerful demonstration of collaboration, advocacy and community, bringing together leading researchers, dedicated clinicians and those living with Long COVID to push forward understanding, care and research.
About Us
The Long COVID programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are partnering for the 2nd year to bring you a week of programming and resources. This week reflects our shared commitment to provide education, foster connection and advocate for those affected by Long COVID.
Our Shared Mission
Long COVID Awareness Week is more than a series of events. It is a testament to resilience, determination and the demand for answers. With over 9,000 patients referred to The BWH and BIDMC programs and thousands more in Massachusetts living with Long COVID, the need for continued research, care and policy change remains urgent. This week is an opportunity to amplify patient voices, foster meaningful connections and push for a future where Long COVID is better understood and treated.
Our Team
Jaclyn French, LICSW
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Jackie is a Social Worker at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Program. She became involved with Covid survivors after working in Covid ICUs during the initial phases of the pandemic and quickly realized that survivors would need support managing the major impacts of Covid t
Jackie is a Social Worker at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Program. She became involved with Covid survivors after working in Covid ICUs during the initial phases of the pandemic and quickly realized that survivors would need support managing the major impacts of Covid to their lives. She has been involved with the BIDMC program since its inception and is passionate about supporting patients in navigating life with a chronic illness. When she is not working in the Long Covid program, she provides trauma therapy and stabilization services in the Center for Violence Prevention & Recovery located within the hospital.
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Neia has over a decade of experience in local public health, including working as a public health nurse throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Patient Representative from BIDMC’s COVID-19 Survivorship Program, Neia is grateful to be able to help with and also participate in this year’s Long COVID Awareness Week. Her insight as both a cli
Neia has over a decade of experience in local public health, including working as a public health nurse throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Patient Representative from BIDMC’s COVID-19 Survivorship Program, Neia is grateful to be able to help with and also participate in this year’s Long COVID Awareness Week. Her insight as both a clinician and someone engaged with the patient community has been invaluable in helping shape the programming and ensure it reflects the needs and experiences of people living with Long COVID
Julie Sullivan, MS
Neia Illingworth, RN, MSN, MPH
Amberly Ticotsky, MPH, BSN, RN
Julie Sullivan is the Program Manager of the COVID Recovery Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), where she leads program development, patient education, and community engagement for individuals living with Long COVID. The program was established in early 2021 and expanded to meet the evolving needs of this community. Julie has de
Julie Sullivan is the Program Manager of the COVID Recovery Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), where she leads program development, patient education, and community engagement for individuals living with Long COVID. The program was established in early 2021 and expanded to meet the evolving needs of this community. Julie has developed support groups, educational initiatives, and resource networks that help individuals better understand and manage the condition. With a background in rehabilitation and program management, she brings experience coordinating multidisciplinary care and designing systems that support patients with complex, chronic conditions.
Amberly Ticotsky, MPH, BSN, RN
Amberly Ticotsky, MPH, BSN, RN
Amberly Ticotsky, MPH, BSN, RN
Amberly is the nurse coordinator working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). During the height of the pandemic, Amberly worked in an outpatient COVID clinic. Three years ago, Amberly transitioned to the BIDMC Long COVID Collaborative, where she has continued to make a si
Amberly is the nurse coordinator working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). During the height of the pandemic, Amberly worked in an outpatient COVID clinic. Three years ago, Amberly transitioned to the BIDMC Long COVID Collaborative, where she has continued to make a significant impact on patients living with the long-term effects of the virus. Amberly strives to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals navigating the complex landscape of Long COVID.
Sarah Flaherty, MSW Intern
Amberly Ticotsky, MPH, BSN, RN
Sarah Flaherty, MSW Intern
Sarah is a graduate social work student working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) this year. Sarah has provided direct patient support, helped to facilitate group offerings, and provided ideas for improving the programs workflows. She has used her knowledge around advoca
Sarah is a graduate social work student working in the Post Covid & Critical Illness Recovery Programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) this year. Sarah has provided direct patient support, helped to facilitate group offerings, and provided ideas for improving the programs workflows. She has used her knowledge around advocacy to gather useful materials for this year's Awareness Week, and is passionate about care for patients with chronic illness.