2017 EVENTS
OUR YOUTH AMBASSADORS HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!
Thank you to Chris Alessandri, Liam Garbus and Ben Rabinowitz for presenting to over 1100 students and staff at Berner Middle School!
And thank you to Mary Gregorian who presented, with Dr. Budman, to first year Psychiatry Fellows at Zucker Hillside Hospital at Northwell Health.
​
Thank you to Shoshana Rabinowitz who presented to the TAA Leadership Team and TAA Board of Directors at their February Board meeting.
​
All of these outstanding Youth Ambassadors did extraordinary presentations and were incredibly well received!
LONG ISLAND TOURETTE ASSOCIATION
GOES TO CAPITOL HILL FOR
NATIONAL TOURETTE ADVOCACY DAY
1st row: YA Founder-Jen Zwilling, Jane Zwilling, Psy.D, Kate Callan,
2nd row: Keri Reilly, YA Chris Alessandri, Denise Alessandri, YA Jillian Bliss,YA Gianna DiLeo, Elise DiLeo
3rd row: YA Patrick Reilly, Matt Alessandri, Kim Sommer, YA Eric Sommer, Rachel Brenner Bliss, Rachel Gibbons and YA Ben Rabinowitz
Not pictured: YA Rebecca Caron and Susan Caron
Long Island members joined with other Youth Ambassador teams from around the country and staff of the Tourette Association of America to create a "sea of teal" advocating on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, March 7th, National Tourette Advocacy Day.
Our LI Youth Ambassadors (and parents) did an outstanding job telling their stories on the Hill and obtaining commitments for support from the offices of Senators Schumer and GillIibrand as well as from the offices of Representatives Pete King, Tom Suozzi, Kathleen Rice and Lee Zeldin.
JEN ZWILLING TRAINED A NEW CLASS OF YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Our very own Jen Zwilling trained 37 new YAs from around the country who then joined National Advocacy Day. Included in the 37 newly trained YAs were 5 new Long Island YAs!
CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY TRAINED 2017 LONG ISLAND YOUTH AMBASSADORS!
Pictured from left to right: 2017 YAs Rebecca Caron, Gianna DiLeo, Jillian Bliss, Eric Sommer and Patrick Reilly prepare to advocate on the Hill!
2017 LI YOUTH AMBASSADORS WERE JOINED BY ALUMNI YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Pictured from left to right: Alumni YA Chris Alessandri, Alumni YA Ben Rabinowitz,
2017 YAs Rebecca Caron, Gianna DiLeo, Jillian Bliss, Eric Sommer and Patrick Reilly
2017 LI-TA WORKING WITH OTHERS TO ADVOCATE ON THE HILL
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
MARCH SOCIAL RECAP
A great time was had by all at Bowlmor!
We had over 40 kids and adults attend our bowling social on March 26th. There was pizza, soda, cupcakes, good conversation, laughing and lots and lots of bowling!
MANAGING ANXIETY & OCD SUPPORT GROUP
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |
Friday, April 7th, 2017
7:30 - 9:00PM
DeMatteis Center/101 Northern Blvd./Greenvale, NY 11548
******
Dr. Sony Khemlani-Patel spoke about OCD and anxiety to a packed room and a rapt audience.
Many thanks to our wonderful speaker and to everyone in attendance!
******************
Speaker: Sony Khemlani-Patel, Ph.D.
************************************
Sony Khemlani-Patel, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment and research of obsessive compulsive related, anxiety, and mood disorders at the Bio Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY. In addition to providing direct clinical care,
Dr. Khemlani also supervises psychology interns and participates in various research projects. She has presented and published on body dysmorphic disorder and also has publications on obsessive compulsive disorder and self injurious behavior.
She has co-authored two books, "When Your Child Is Cutting" and "Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder."
Dr. Khemlani is a Board Member and Secretary of OCD New York,
which is the NY Affiliate of the non-profit international OCD Foundation.
OUR YOUTH AMBASSADORS (YAS) KICK OFF TOURETTE AWARENESS MONTH!
YAs Becca Caron (2017), Eric Sommer (2017), Gianna DiLeo(2017), Jillian Bliss (2017) and Patrick Reilly (2017) from Long Island, NY did an outstanding job on their first two presentations. In preparation for and to kick off kick Awareness month, Long Island YAs all met and practiced the YA presentation. Experienced YAs Ben Rabinowitz (2014), Chris Alessandri (2015) Gabe Viret-Quintero (2016), Liam Garbus (2016), Mary Gregorian (2016), Olivia Viret-Quintero (2016), Sam Gil (2015), Sammy Scileppi (2015) and Shoshona Rabinowitz (2010) were present to support and help the 2017 YAs.
The 2017 YAs then presented to the experienced YAs and parents. Becca, Eric, Gianna, Jillian and Patrick all did an excellent first presentation.
...then...Becca, Eric, Gianna, Jillian and Patrick presented to 39 attendees of the LI TA Parent/Adult Support Group.
The presentation was very well received and parents who were not familiar with the program stated they are ready to ask their schools to allow YA presentations!
YOUTH AMBASSADOR PRESENTATION IN PATCHOGUE
YAs Rebecca Caron (2017), Gianna DiLeo (2017) and alumni YA Tyler Bloch (2012 ) home from his first year of college, busy for Tourette Awareness month with a presentation at Saxton Middle School in Patchogue NY.
The presentation was to 36 members of the National Junior Honor Society, Buddies Club and GO Club. There were also two staff members in attendance including the Principal.
The presentation was very well received and the students asked great questions.
2017 TOURETTE NATIONAL AWARENESS WALK/5K
Thank you Sana Shad, Long Island's Patient Navigator, for joining us!
We had many visitors to our LI TA table!
Thank you Sana Shad, Long Island's Patient Navigator, for joining us!
A beautiful day to raise Tourette awareness at the Tourette National Awareness Walk/5k!
​Thank you Team Long Island!
TOURETTE AWARENESS DAY AT SCHOOL!
This is Lia, a very special little girl, who dressed in Teal from head to toe to spread Tourette awareness and raise funds at her School, St. Margaret's Academy. Thank you Lia for raising $604.00 for the Long Island Tourette Association of America!
Your support will go a long way in helping all who live with Tourette every day.
And heartfelt thank you to St. Margaret's Academy for the support!
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. CATHY BUDMAN, HONOREE OF THE 2017 TAKE IN COMEDY
Monte Redman presenting the award to Dr. Budman
On June 5th, 2017, Dr Cathy Budman was honored for her unswerving dedication to the Tourette Community at the NYC Chapter of TAA fundraiser, Take In Comedy.
The event was held at the Gotham Comedy Club with a record turnout showing love and support for Dr. Budman.
Please visit NYC Chapter Take in Comedy page for photos and special thank yous!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 21 NEWEST 2017 CALIFORNIA TRAINED YOUTH AMBASSADORS!
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |
Our very own Jen Zwilling trained an additional 21 new 2017 Youth Ambassadors in our first ever CDC Funded YA training in California!
THANK YOU FOR COMING TO OUR ANNUAL
FAMILY FUN DAY!
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Thank you to everyone who came out to support 2017 Family Fun Day!
And a special, heartfelt thanks to those of you who volunteered long hours of your time before, during and after to help make our annual awareness/fundraiser event such a great success!
We couldn’t have done it without you!
We hope you had as much fun as we did!!
​
See you at our first Support Group Meeting of the 2017-2018 school year on
September 8th at 7:30pm
Have a wonderful summer and remember we are only an email away!
FUNDRAISING CONCERT AT MEMORIES
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |
HEARTFELT THANKS TO:
THE ALESSANDRI FAMILY-DENISE, JOHN, MATT AND CHRIS
AND TO BEYOND CONTROL AND THEIR AMAZING MUSIC TEACHER AL PENNACHIO
Beyond Control, directed by music teacher Al Pennachio, put on an exceptional performance at
Memories Bar and Grill in East Williston to raise awareness and funds for LI TA!
The Alessandri family organized this wonderful event which brought together over 100 individuals who came out to enjoy the outstanding performance of these incredibly talented teens while enjoying great food and raffle prizes!
Thank you to Beyond Control Band Members:
You were all sensational!!!
Walter Szczech
Justin Harvey
Danny Ramirez
Marena Ramirez
Angelo Nardo
Leo Nardo
Kaitlyn Dugal
Kristina Rossi
Wes Morrisey
Alexis Diaz
Sofia Leiter
Chris Alessandri
TOURETTE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, NY STATE CHAPTERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM NY STATE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE VISIT NYSED OFFICES IN ALBANY
Front Row, Left to Right: Sue Conners, President - TAA of Greater NY State, Lisa Hazen, President, TAA of NYC
Second Row, Left to Right: Amy Miranda, Social Worker, Weil Cornell TS Center of Excellence in NYC, Dawn VanKleeck, 1st Vice-Chair, TAA of Greater NY State, Melanie Stein, Parent, TAA of Greater NY State, Sharon Hammer, Co-Chair of TAA Hudson Valley Chapter, Dr. Jane Zwilling, Co-Chair, TAA of Long Island, Co-Director, Long Island Center for Tourette and Associated Disorders-TAA Center of Excellence, Co-Founder of the Youth Ambassador Program, Joanne LaCrosse, Coordinator of Policy and Professional Development, NYSED Office of Special Education, Gary Wainwright, Chair, TAA of Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Loretta Longo, Board Member, TAA of Greater NY State and Albany Support Group Leader for the Chapter
Last Row: Christopher Suriano, NY State Assistant Commissioner of Special Education
Representatives from all 5 TAA Chapters in New York State along with representatives from NY State Centers of Excellence met in Albany on November 1st with Christopher Suriano, NY State Assistant Commissioner of Special Education and Joanne LaCrosse, Coordinator of Policy and Professional Development. NYSED Office of Special Education. The purpose of the meeting was to seek the collaboration of the State Education Department in requiring training for all schools in NYS on Tourette Syndrome.
It was a very productive and well-received meeting with Mr. Suriano and Ms. LaCrosse. The survey/petition that was signed by so many NYS parents, students and professionals along with the comments telling personal stories was presented and played a large role in helping us advocate for our goal of education for all teachers in all NYS schools.
This is the beginning of what we are hoping will be a long and very successful partnership between NYSED and the TAA Chapters and Centers of Excellence across NY state.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and shared stories.
And thank you to all the Chapter and Centers of Excellence leaders for their willingness to travel to Albany for what may be a meeting that changes the lives of children with TS all over NY State.
We will be keeping you posted on our continuing work with NYSED.
YOUTH AMBASSADOR
PRESENTATION IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
YAs Patrick Reilly, Katie Reilly, Eric Sommer, Chris Alessandri, Ben Rabinowitz and Becca Caron
Thank you to our Youth Ambassadors who did an outstanding job presenting to
122 students and 16 staff members in Franklin Square School District!
LITA AT THE SACHEM SPECIAL NEEDS FAIR
YAs Steven, Chris and Gianna spread awareness and educated attendees who visited the LI TA table
Youth Ambassadors Steven Argenzio, Chris Alessandri and Gianna DiLeo
Saturday, November 4th in partnership with Sachem SEPTA, the Sachem Library provided an opportunity for people to connect in person with over 30 local organizations that provide services for special needs children, teens, and adults.
YOUTH AMBASSADORS IN SMITHTOWN
Gianna DiLeo and Becca Caron presenting at Smithtown High School East
Mary Gregorian presenting at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School
Chris Alessandri and Gianna DiLeo presenting at Smithtown High School East
Students at Mt Pleasant Elementary School participating in a YA presentation
Mary Gregorian presenting to more students at Mt Pleasant Elementary School
YOUTH AMBASSADORS IN CENTER MORICHES
YAs Jillian Bliss, Gianna DiLeo, Becca Caron and Ben Rabinowitz presenting at Clayton Huey Elementary School in Center Moriches
YOUTH AMBASSADORS IN MEDFORD
YAs Gianna DiLeo, Chris Alessandri and Becca Caron presenting at Eagle Elementary School in Medford
YAs Mary Gregorian, Gianna DiLeo, and Becca Caron presenting in Tremont Elementary School in Medford
YOUTH AMBASSADORS AT FUSION ACADEMY
YAs Chris Alessandri and Eric Sommer presenting at
Fusion Academy in Woodbury.
LONDON JEWELERS' CHAMPIONS FOR CHARITIES KICK-OFF
Heartfelt thank you to London Jewelers
for once again hosting our
Champion for Charities Kick-off.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and to everyone who participated in the 4 day shopping event!
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 YOUTH SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
OUTSTANDING YOUTH SERVICE AWARD for dedication as
LI TA Youth Ambassador and BUDDY
Chris Alessandri
Ben Rabinowitz
Shoshana Rabinowitz
Eric Sommer
Olivia Viruet-Quintero
OUTSTANDING YOUTH SERVICE AWARD for dedication as
LI TA Youth Ambassador
Steven Argenzio
Rebecca Caron
Gianna DiLeo
Mary Gregorian
YOUTH SERVICE AWARD for dedication as a LI TA Youth Ambassador
Jillian Bliss
Samuel Gil
Katie Reilly
Patrick Reilly
Gabe Viruet-Quintero
YOUTH SERVICE AWARD for dedication as a LI TA Buddy
Zach Berlin
Ben Ferbin
Julia Friedman
Lianna Friedman
Jared Katzelnick
Sara Popofsky
Angelina Remmek
Sophia Remmek
Congratulations to and thank you to our newest Buddies
Victoria Argenzio
Emma Beattie
Sarah Beattie
Kasim Waqar
YOUTH SERVICE AWARD for dedication to LI TA
Sarah Scileppi
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED TO: LISA FILIPPI, PH.D.
The Outstanding Community Award was presented this year to Lisa Filippi, Ph. D., with heartfelt appreciation for dedication, commitment and service to our community and to all those touched by Tourette Syndrome.
Lisa has held leadership positions as vice-chair and co-chair of our chapter for many years. She has dedicated countless hours, tireless effort, and invaluable expertise to the Tourette community. She has touched the lives of many, and our community owes her a great debt of gratitude. From the bottom of all our hearts, thank you!
2017 HOLIDAY PARTY
Long Island Tourette Association celebrated the end of another very successful year of support, education and advocacy. On December 8th we held our annual general meeting followed by our Holiday Party. By all accounts, the fun and games were thoroughly enjoyed by all. There was a great turnout! We thank everyone who attended and shared in all the festivities and refreshments.
