“As someone who has managed pain my whole life, but not understood that as political, Ma'ayan has helped me understand and narrate my own experience of pain and disability.

Their work around how pain is stigmatized and our collective narratives around pain has helped me to understand and have grace for the ways that I ignored my pain for many years, and to feel more grounded in asking for what I need now.”

- Claire Haas, Director, The Sibling Transformation Project

“Through personal consultations with Ma’ayan, I have been able to uncover some of my internalized ableism which has prevented me from seeking the treatments and services that I need. Ma’ayan has given me the courage to advocate for myself with doctors, in education, and in the world as a whole. I truly cannot overstate how much she has given me.”

- Sarah Young

“Ma'ayan Simon is one of the foremost (and my favorite) thinkers and activists changing how our society and culture shame pain and seek to destroy those in pain rather than address its origins in our history and present-day structures. I am so in love with Ma'ayan's healing, embracing, wise, intelligent, and joyfully creative work. I do all I can to ensure it radiates widely.”

- Beth G. Raps, Ph.D, Raising Clarity

“Not just a thought leader in the world of chronic pain studies, Ma'ayan offers such deep wisdom and compassion for what it is to be human and struggling with having a body. Her work blends rigor, research and humor, offering access and understanding to those who live with chronic pain, and those committed to undoing systemic ableism.”

- Pavini Moray PhD, Founder, Wellcellium