Academy designed to boost resilience and self-empowerment
Somerville, NJ- The first class of the Tim Howard NJCTS Leadership Academy now has a heavy responsibility. Each of the participants took part in an innovative three-day intensive training designed to raise self-empowerment, self-leadership and resilience- all important skills to succeed while living with Tourette Syndrome.
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements known as tics. TS is often accompanied by associated conditions including mental health disorders and learning disabilities. The Leadership Academy took place at Rutgers University with emphasis on imparting an understanding of the biological, psychological and social components surrounding a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis. Speakers included worldrenowned researchers Dr. Jay Tischfield of Rutgers University and Dr. Robert King of the Yale University.
Each participant was assigned a team led by “coaches”- successful young adults with Tourette Syndrome. In addition to workshops on “Brain Biology” and the psychosocial aspects of TS and its accompanying disorders, each participant contributed to the future of the Academy by sharing feedback and personal reflections.
“The goal of the Academy is to give each teen tools, real life skills, to succeed in the world beyond their Tourette diagnosis,” said NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “It was an extraordinary pilot weekend for the Academy – I am impressed with the contribution of each and every participant and encourage them to share information about their experience with friends, family and beyond.”
The Tim Howard NJCTS Leadership Academy Class of 2014:
- Ally Abad
- Jacob Baird
- Anna Baldwin
- Sarah Baldwin
- Jacqueline Beckhardt
- Devon Bellino
- Jules Bliss
- Tyler Bloch
- Sarah Ethridge
- Noah Feldstein
- Jillian Firenze
- Adam Fishbein
- Grace Hawruk
- Mike Hayden
- Hallie Hoffman
- Ryan Inzeo
- Tommy Licato
- Andrew Toney
- Lewis Victor
- Kaela Weller
The 2015 Leadership Academy will take place from August 6-9 at Rutgers University. For more information and enrollment materials, visit www.njcts.org.