About Us!

Phoenix resident and "Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter" founder, Nina Spitzer, was biopsy diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1996. As a result of her own struggle adjusting to the gluten-free lifestyle, Nina decided to begin a monthly support group in the Valley in order that others in the same situation could receive the help, support, and camaraderie they needed. Her goal was for the group to also provide community awareness of Celiac Disease.

The first meeting of the new support group was March of 2000. Nina met Mindy Collier at the onset of the group. Together, the two women worked diligently to create an effective and diversified support system providing Celiac-related information and events for the Greater Phoenix area. Elaine Monarch, executive director of the Celiac Disease Foundation, took the group under her wing and the new CDF Connections Group, "Celiac Support of Greater Phoenix," was born. A few years later, the group became an actual CDF chapter.

The group has grown steadily, keeping its commitment to support and awareness of Celiac Disease. In fact, on January 3rd, 2010, the group made an official name change to Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter in order to proudly wear the name of a national Celiac organization. Meetings continue to be on the first Wednesday of each month led by a well-organized group of officers and hard working and dedicated members who all strive to serve the community. The group has sponsored Celiac Disease community awareness events including the May Celiac Disease Awareness Month and medical community outreach endeavors through doctors and mass mailings in the Valley and the state.

Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter has also been involved with gluten-free restaurant menu projects, a Celiac Disease blood screening, and numerous gluten free dinner and picnic outings and events for members to enjoy. CDF: Greater Phoenix Chapter also prides itself as a source of information for both local Celiacs and out-of-town visitors alike. The group maintains a local Internet listserve called 'PhoenixCeliac.' Members on this Internet mailing list are encouraged to share information pertaining to gluten-free lifestyle topics such as foods, restaurants and gluten-free shopping in the Phoenix area.

Many out of town visitors also turn to our group and our website for assistance when visiting The Valley of the Sun area. For all of these reasons, Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter remains dedicated to its mission statement and Nina's Spitzer's original goals of support, camaraderie and Celiac Disease awareness in the greater Phoenix area.