Emily Suñez 

Emily Suñez is a disability advocate, educator, and artist based in Pasadena, California, whose work is rooted in community-building, literacy education, and supporting individuals with chronic and invisible illnesses. Emily began her career in education after earning a BA in Psychology from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s in Teaching English from New York University, working as a classroom ESL teacher before a personal health journey reshaped her professional path. 

After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and an autonomic nervous system disorder, Emily stepped away from the classroom to focus on managing her health and supporting others facing similar challenges. In 2018, she founded the Pasadena POTS Support Group, a grassroots effort to foster community among individuals living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other forms of dysautonomia. The growth of the support group led to Emily co-founding the nonprofit organization Los Angeles Dysautonomia Network (LADN). As Co-Executive Director, Emily helped expand LADN’s reach to include adult, teen, and caregiver support groups, patient education initiatives, community-building events, and a grant program that assists low-income patients with medical expenses. In recognition of her advocacy, Emily received the Robert Gorski Access Award from the City of Pasadena in 2024 for her contributions to improving accessibility and quality of life for people with disabilities. 

Emily now serves as Outreach Director for LADN and has returned to education as a K–8 literacy teacher and certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist, supporting students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. She is also an accomplished artist and author whose oil paintings have been featured in magazines and galleries, including a solo exhibition at Crowell Public Library in San Marino. In 2022, Emily wrote and illustrated The Healing Journal: Guided Prompts & Inspiration for Life with Illness, a reflective resource for individuals navigating chronic illness. 

Emily’s volunteer service includes nearly a decade as a literacy tutor with Reading Partners at Pasadena’s Longfellow Elementary School and active membership in the Junior League of Pasadena, CA, where she serves on the operations and DEIB committees. Through advocacy, education, and creative expression, Emily remains committed to building inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities can thrive.