A New Chapter for AMD: Letters from Our Co-Executive Directors Designate
From Kylie Gagan, Executive Director of Education
Kylie Gagan
Dear AMD Community,
As many of you know, migraine can change the course of your life and, for many people, even your career. I never could have predicted that my career as a Registered Nurse would lead me to the Association of Migraine Disorders, or that I would one day have the privilege of stepping into a leadership role as the Executive Director of Education alongside my colleague, Melissa Calise, who will serve as Executive Director of Operations.
Kylie Gagan presenting at the 2026 National Nurse Practitioner Symposium in Keystone, CO.
For those meeting me for the first time, I’ve spent the past six years at AMD, starting as a contractor in research and advancing through several roles, ultimately leading our education efforts. During that time, with the support of the AMD team, I’ve led our marketing and communications, managed our social media, shaped and expanded our content, developed educational programs and resources, such as our Migraine Comorbidity Library, expanded our reach among healthcare providers and patients, and grown our fundraising efforts and partnerships.
It’s been incredibly meaningful to grow at AMD, especially because this work is deeply personal to me. Shortly after I started at AMD, I was diagnosed with chronic migraine and had debilitating vestibular symptoms. I’m now fortunately episodic, and that experience has strengthened my commitment to educating others about a disease that has profoundly affected my life. My desire to better understand migraine eventually led me to apply to the Master of Headache Disorders program at the University of Copenhagen, and I became one of only two people in the United States to ever graduate from the program.
Kylie Gagan tabling at the 2026 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National Conference
Looking back, I feel fortunate to have found work that is so meaningful and fulfilling. It is a privilege to contribute to a mission I care deeply about, and I look forward to advancing it each day. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue this work with all of you, and I am excited about what lies ahead and everything we will accomplish together.
Warmly,
Kylie Gagan, MHD, BSN, RN
Executive Director of Education
From Melissa Calise, Executive Director of Operations
Dear AMD Community,
Melissa Calise
I’m so happy to have the opportunity to write this letter and, even more so, to come back to the Association of Migraine Disorders as the Executive Director of Operations. Coming back feels a little like returning to a place that has always been familiar, meaningful, and close to my heart.
About 10 years ago, my own experience with migraine first drew me here when I saw the incredible potential social media had to connect people, grow a community, and amplify our mission. What began with expanding AMD’s social presence grew into a larger role as Director of Communications, where, over five years, I helped launch and expand programs many of you may recognize today, including Shades for Migraine, Spotlight on Migraine and more. Having lived with migraine for as long as I can remember, and experiencing its many different forms throughout my life, I’ve always felt a personal connection to this work and the people we serve.
Melissa Calise, Kylie Gagan and SFM Team
Over the last four years, I’ve been fortunate to grow in the corporate world, leading teams, building brands, and learning from incredibly talented people. But throughout that time, I always felt something was missing: seeing the impact my work had on improving people’s lives. I’ve come to realize that a career can and should bring purpose, fulfillment, connection, and the opportunity to give back. That realization is what is bringing me back to this space.
Recent experiences with family health matters have given me renewed perspective on how complex our healthcare systems can be, how incredible and frequent advancements in medicine are becoming, and how critical research is to making those advancements possible. I’ve also been reminded how important it is to stay informed, advocate for our own health, and help empower others to do the same.
I’m coming back to AMD with much of what I’ve learned over the last several years both personally and professionally. While we will certainly miss Alicia’s knack for bringing people together and turning ideas into action, I’m grateful we will have time together during this transition to pick up where she leaves off. I wish her all the best in her next chapter and am grateful for everything she has brought to AMD.
I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization into its next chapter alongside Kylie, who is immensely talented and passionate, as well as our incredible team, and all of you who make this organization what it is. I know there is so much important work ahead, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, reconnect with this community, and help AMD continue to grow its impact.
Leigh Serth, Melissa Calise and Alicia Torborg
To those who have been part of AMD for years: it is wonderful to be back. To those I haven’t had the chance to meet yet: I can’t wait to get to know you.
With gratitude and excitement,
Melissa Calise
Executive Director of Operations
