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Peer Coach Gessie Perez is passionate about working with children, and is a dedicated BFRB advocate. She has had trichotillomania since the age of 11 and has made it her life's mission to give back to the BFRB community.

Gessie currently works as a caregiver for children with developmental disabilities. In 2019, she started her “Trichster Sisters” program, in which she sends care packages to young girls with trichotillomania and acts as a mentor to them. She is also the author of a memoir, Triumphant Trichster, and A Trichy Situation, a picture book for kids. She serves as the Programs Director for The Lyder Foundation, a non-profit focused on supporting those with BFRBs in communities of color. As a long time part of the Keen family, Gessie is excited to now join HabitAware as a team member!