About Chronic Migraine Awareness
Chronic Migraine Awareness, Inc. (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Holtsville, NY, committed to shining a light on chronic migraine and championing the needs of those living with this complex neurological disease.
Our website is a central resource for education, coping strategies, and community support—designed to help people navigate life with chronic migraine. CMA’s vision is to build understanding and empathy, while driving public awareness and action.
Through our online platforms, we connect people to resources, events, and outreach programs that empower individuals, foster community, and improve quality of life for everyone affected by chronic migraine.
CMA Board
Catherine Charrett-Dykes
⎯ Chief Executive Officer ⎯
Catherine Charrett-Dykes is a dynamic advocate and influential leader driving change within the sphere of chronic migraine awareness and support. With an inspiring journey marked by personal struggles and unwavering determination, she has pioneered a community focused on empowerment, education, and advocacy. This journey took root when Catherine's own battle with chronic migraine began to shape her purpose, spurred by her daughter's early encounter with the condition. Her commitment led to the founding of Chronic Migraine Awareness, Inc. (CMA) through a humble Facebook support page in 2009, which has since grown into a global movement supporting over 45,000 members across five countries. As the CEO of CMA, Catherine has left an indelible mark, earning accolades and partnerships with prestigious organizations like the American Migraine Foundation and U.S. Pain Foundation. Her deeply personal journey, rooted in resilience and transformation, continues to drive her unwavering dedication to advocacy and empowerment.
Christopher Charrett
⎯ Secretary ⎯
Christopher Charrett, Secretary Board Member, brings his engineering expertise as a member of the Local 94 International Operating Union of Engineers. With a 30-year marriage to Catherine Charrett-Dykes and two adult children, he's also an Advocate for Removing Migraine Stigma through his involvement in ARMS. Chris actively raises awareness about chronic migraine disease, leveraging his platform to amplify the message of understanding and support.
Julie Tazzia
Julie Tazzia's journey with migraine began at 14 years old, but her diagnosis didn't come until over 15 years later. Starting with episodic migraine, her condition evolved into chronic two decades ago. Engaging with the migraine community, Julie's advocacy blossomed after attending her first migraine conference in 2014. Over the last six years, she's been active in migraine-related website design, Miles for Migraine, Headache on the Hill events, ECHOmmunity's educational program, and Chronic Migraine Awareness volunteering. Currently, she serves as the Director of Donor Development for CMA's Aware Care Triage Kit committee, and she's also a board member. Julie resides in West Bloomfield, MI, with her husband and daughter, having shifted from a career as a sign language interpreter due to migraine symptoms. As the co-owner of Sycamore and Company, she balances her advocacy with passions like glass fusing, flamework, ceramics, photography, and philanthropic work with Zimkids Orphan Trust and Zimkids Orphan Foundation, which supports over 300 orphans in Zimbabwe.
Volunteer With Us!
CMA is always looking for volunteers to further our mission in whatever capacity. For more information click below