A Day of Education, Connection, and Hope for Families Living with Migraine, Headache Disorders, and Chronic Pain
Living with migraine or chronic pain can feel overwhelming—not just for children, but for the entire family. You don't have to navigate it alone.
Join Phoenix Children's and Miles for Migraine for a free, interactive Family Day designed specifically for children, teens, and their caregivers. This unique experience brings together leading pediatric headache experts, engaging wellness activities, and families who truly understand what you're going through.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing migraine or chronic pain for years, you'll leave feeling empowered with practical tools, trusted resources, meaningful connections, and renewed hope.
Why Attend?
- Learn directly from pediatric headache and pain specialists.
- Gain practical strategies you can start using right away to better manage migraine and chronic pain.
- Ask questions in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
- Connect with other children, teens, and families who truly understand the challenges of living with migraine and chronic pain.
- Build a local support network that extends beyond the event.
- Receive take-home resources, educational materials, and tools for ongoing success.
- Learn how to advocate for your child at school, with healthcare providers, and in everyday life.
- Discover that your family is not alone.
Educational Sessions
Experts will share the latest information and practical guidance on:
- Understanding Pediatric Migraine – symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment options
- The Science Behind Migraine – how migraine affects the brain, nervous system, and the body
- Mental Health & Migraine – coping strategies for anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and emotional wellness
- Family & School Advocacy – navigating school accommodations, 504 Plans, IEPs, communication with teachers, and helping children succeed academically
- Comprehensive Treatment Approaches – medications, lifestyle changes, nutrition, sleep, movement, complementary therapies, and self-care
Interactive Experiences for Kids & Teens
Children and teens will enjoy engaging activities that promote healing, confidence, and connection, including:
- Healing art activities
- Gentle yoga and relaxation techniques
- Interactive discussions
- Opportunities to build friendships with peers who truly "get it"
Dedicated Caregiver Support
Parents and caregivers will participate in their own sessions, creating space to:
- Ask questions directly to experts
- Share experiences with other families
- Learn practical caregiving and advocacy strategies
- Discover community resources and ongoing support opportunities
Youth and caregivers will participate in separate sessions throughout the day before coming together for shared experiences, allowing everyone to benefit from age-appropriate discussions and meaningful conversation.
Event Details
- Suitable for children and teens ages 11+ with a parent or caregiver.
- Free to attend with registration.
- Lunch and snacks will be provided.
- Please contact sarah@milesformigraine.org with any dietary accommodations or food allergies.
- Respite care is not available.
Come for the education. Leave with practical tools, expert guidance, new friendships, and the reassurance that your family is part of a community that understands.
Meet the Speakers
Dhana Angappan, MD
Dhana Angappan, MD, is a pediatric neurologist at Phoenix Children’s. She is board-certified in neurology and treats children and teens with a wide range of neurological conditions, including headaches, seizures, fainting, developmental delays, and neuroimmunologic and demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Dr. Angappan is passionate about providing collaborative, family-centered care and helping children and families better understand and manage their neurological conditions. Outside the hospital, she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her children.
Tava Arnold, PhD
Tava Arnold, Ph.D., serves as the psychologist for several interdisciplinary teams at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and licensed by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners. Dr. Arnold’s expertise includes helping children and their families navigate medical treatments, surgeries, and other challenges associated with complex health conditions. She is trained in psychosocial interventions and pre-surgical evaluations as well as medical psychotherapy and medical team consultation. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Pediatric Psychology, and American Cochlear Implant Alliance. Dr. Arnold earned her doctoral degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in health psychology from Georgia State University. Dr. Arnold completed her pre doctoral internship at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange, CA, and a post–doctoral fellowship at the Rocky Mountain Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program in Denver, CO.
Eric Vance Hastriter, MD
Dr. Eric Hastriter, a distinguished pediatric neurologist, is at the forefront of pediatric migraine treatment. With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving children’s lives, Dr. Hastriter has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of pediatric migraines. Holding
dual expertise in pediatric neurology as well as headache medicine, he combines a compassionate approach with cutting-edge research. His work has not only enhanced diagnostic precision but has also used innovative treatment modalities, offering new hope for young patients and their families. Join us as Dr. Hastriter shares insights and advancements in pediatric migraine care, bringing relief to those in need.
Carolyn Hickman, CPNP, PhD
Carolyn Hickman, PhD, PNP-PC, is a Nurse Practitioner and has over 26 years of experience as an advanced practice provider. She has practiced in pediatric neurology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since 2002. Dr. Hickman earned a post-master’s certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Arizona State University in 1998 and earned her Doctorate in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation at Arizona State University in 2012. Dr. Hickman excelled as a student, which is shown through the numerous honors that she was awarded, including Hearst Foundation Fellow Award for two academic years and Johnson and Johnson Nurse Faculty Award. Dr. Hickman is the recipient of the 2008 Phoenix Children’s Hospital Advance Practice Excellence Award and was nominated again in 2018. She was one of the 3 APP Finalist for the Phoenix Children’s Heart & Hand Clinical Excellence Award in 2023.
Kara S. Lewis, MD
Kara Stuart Lewis, MD, FAAN, FAHS, is a child neurologist at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's. She is the Medical Director of Fetal Neurology and the Director of Education for Barrow Neurosciences at Phoenix Children’s. She serves on the national Medical Advisory Committee (nMAC) for Make-A-Wish America. Dr. Lewis has a BA in anthropology from Pomona
College and received her MD from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, Arizona. She did her pediatrics training at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and completed her Child Neurology residency at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Lewis’s clinical specialty interests include
headaches and migraines in young children and adolescents, fetal neurology, and the long-term care of children across their lives with cerebral palsy and other congenital neurological conditions. She is committed to the education and mentoring of the next generation of child neurologists.
Robert D. Little, MD
Robert Little, MD, earned his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine in
Indianapolis, Indiana. He went on to a residency in pediatrics at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Little rounded out his training with a child neurology fellowship at Northwestern University Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and certified in Headache Medicine by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties
Reena Rastogi, MD, FAHSÂ
Reena Gogia Rastogi, MD, FAHS, is the director of the Concussion Program and clinical director of the Pediatric Headache Program at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's. She is board certified in child neurology and headache medicine. As a child neurologist, Dr. Rastogi treats
children and teens with conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. She has a special interest in treating migraines, concussions, and post-traumatic headaches. Dr. Rastogi believes collaboration is important in patient care. "It's important the physician, patient, and family
members work together to choose the best treatment option," she says. Her passion for her work comes from "helping patients and improving their quality of life." Outside the hospital, Dr. Rastogi values spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys traveling and photography.
Dr. Josh So
Dr. Josh So is a current Headache Fellow at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Originally from San Diego, he completed medical school and his Child Neurology residency at Saint Louis University in St. Louis before coming to Arizona. Dr. So chose to pursue headache medicine because he enjoys speaking with and educating patients and their families about headaches, as well as developing a plan to work together toward improving their quality of life. In his free time, he enjoys reading and creating art.
Sarah Rathsack, Patient Advocate
Sarah aworks for Miles for Migraine as the Director of the ACT Now: Advocacy Training Program, Director of Family Programs, and Blog Manager.
She enjoys educating people about migraine, bringing community together and making it a better world for migraine.
Sarah has received awards as the top fundraiser (in Cleveland and nationally), been the team captain for the largest team, and was awarded the Warrior Advocate trophy.
Stacey Toben, CPNP-PC, DBSM
Stacey Toben is a pediatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience caring for children across Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University in 1998 and launched her career at Maricopa Medical Center before spending more than 20 years in pediatric primary care. In January 2025, she joined Phoenix Children's Hospital, working with the sleep neurology and concussion/headache teams, and earned her board certification in behavioral sleep medicine that same year. She's particularly passionate about helping fellow migraine sufferers, bringing personal understanding to her headache care.