Who We Are

  • Helene Walisever — Chairperson
  • Wendy Gottlieb — Treasurer
  • Julie Sylvester — Secretary
  • Kerry Fleischman — Director
  • Anisi Roman — Director
  • Christine Brykowytch — Director
  • Brian Mittman — Director
  • Jennifer Brick — Director
  • Maura Carlin — Director
  • Christy Kim — Director
  • Richard Yannetti — Executive Director

Our Mission

  • To provide service, information and support to people with TS and their families.
  • To educate medical and education professionals in order to increase their understanding of TS.
  • To promote a greater understanding of TS in the community at large.

Our Services

Chapter Helpline

Call and speak with a volunteer who can answer questions and offer guidance to help those with TS and other TS-related issues.

Chapter Meetings

Expert speakers are invited to present on topics such as medical updates, advocacy, school-related issues, behavioral concerns and other important areas.

Support Groups

These meetings provide the opportunity to connect with other families, to share ideas, resources and strategies, and to give and receive support. Support Group Meetings are held at various locations around our chapter area.

Chapter Newsletter

Our newsletter keeps you updated about current information, articles about TS, and events happening in your area.

Education/Advocacy

  • In-service workshops for school staff and teachers are provided by trained volunteers to educate them on the symptoms of TS and associated disorders, as well as suggest possible accommodations, modifications and teaching strategies.
  • Youth Ambassadors (teens with TS) are trained to speak about TS to their peers at schools, health fairs and other venues. They serve as mentors to other children with TS.

Buddy Program

The Buddy Program is a peer mentoring program that facilitates support, companionship and friendship between kids with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Big Buddies are teens ages 12-18 with TS who serve as role models to 5-11 year olds with TS.

Other Services

  • Community Awareness and Outreach
  • Resource Guide of local providers
  • Family Events
  • TS Literature