Nominated by Dawn Bryan and her son, Tommy, Dr. Chris Leuper was chosen as this year’s winner by the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome
ALLENTOWN, N.J. – When Dr. Chris Leuper was first introduced to Tommy Bryan, it was by Tommy’s mother, Dawn Bryan, who let Leuper know that Tommy was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and, as a result, had special educational needs. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics that affects as many as 1 in 100 children.
Leuper, a psychologist, not only paid attention to those needs, he went above and beyond to ensure Tommy received a personal aide and assistive technology – as well as paved the way for other teachers to be educated about TS. For his incredible efforts, the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) has named Leuper the 2011 Educator of the Year.
Leuper has provided Tommy with a laptop that features special software that helps Tommy deal with his dyslexia, books on tape from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic and personal aides who regularly work with Tommy. Leuper also has maintained an open-door policy, allowing Tommy someone to whom he can speak when needed.
“My son feels safe knowing that Dr. Leuper is in his corner,” says Dawn Bryan, who nominated Leuper to NJCTS and adds that Leuper holds meetings twice a year with Tommy and his new teachers so that everyone understands Tommy’s needs and how best to assist him. “Dr. Leuper helps him think through issues that arise socially at school. When he has a problem with being harassed, Dr. Leuper has taken care of it. … I wish to applaud Dr. Leuper and his staff for the success my son is experiencing at school for the first time in his life.”
Since 2003, NJCTS has awarded 11 Educator of the Year awards and nearly 200 NJCTS scholarships to graduating high school seniors with TS.
“We are delighted to present Dr. Leuper with this award and sincerely thank him for his work with Tommy Bryan,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice says, “which is helping spread positive awareness of Tourette Syndrome.”
Nominations for the 2012 Educator of the Year, Scholarships and the Healthcare Provider of the Year will take place in early 2012. More information is available by calling 908-575-7350 or by visiting www.njcts.org.
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New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, Inc.
Collaborative partnerships for the TS community.