What happens when you receive a life-changing diagnosis at 16—and decide to turn it into your superpower? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredibly driven and insightful Sree Lakkamraju. She’s a high school senior, NJCTS Youth Council member, TAA Youth Ambassador, and soon-to-be NYU student. But beyond the titles, Sree is someone who’s turned self-awareness and advocacy into action, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.

We dive into her late diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, how she navigated disclosures at school and with friends, and the powerful moment when she realized this wasn’t something to hide—it was something to own. From her experiences fencing, speaking publicly, and interning at Mass General Hospital, Sree has found a voice that’s helping educate, empower, and encourage others.

Episode Highlights:

[3:45] Biking, blinking, and awkward questions: how she explained her tics pre-diagnosis.
[6:33] The moment of clarity: getting the official diagnosis and what it meant to her.
[8:24] Disclosure struggles and the classroom experience that left a lasting mark.
[10:03] Discovering NJCTS and TAA—and realizing advocacy could be a superpower.
[12:19] How Tourette’s helped shape her confidence and public speaking skills.
[14:15] The speech that changed everything and what it means to find your message.
[16:52] Life outside of advocacy: fencing, leadership roles, and staying active.
[19:55] Why fencing became complicated—and how she plans to get back to it in college.
[21:14] Cold emails and big dreams: interning at Mass General Hospital.
[24:54] Insights from OCD/Tourette research and learning the ropes of a real lab.
[25:49] Looking ahead to NYU and life in NYC as a new chapter begins.
[28:26] Disclosure done right: different reactions from two very different school settings.
[31:33] Humor, boundaries, and knowing when to step into advocate mode.
[34:19] What it was like meeting 60+ other youth with TS at a TAA conference.
[37:19] Sree’s advice for those newly diagnosed—and for those supporting someone with TS.
[40:10] A final word on empathy, advocacy, and the value of finding your fire.

Links & Resources:

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this episode, I sit down with dancer, choreographer, and advocate Marissa Lazovick for a heart-centered conversation that moves through performance, diagnosis, and the power of self-expression. Marissa shares how her journey with Tourette Syndrome has intersected with her passion for dance, leading to the creation of her powerful solo piece, "(Tic)kled." We talk about what it really means to advocate for yourself, to be understood, and to turn something challenging into something beautifully human.

Marissa opens up about everything from being diagnosed in middle school to coping with tics in college life, and how dancing—not just physically, but emotionally—has helped her find a rhythm in the chaos. Her perspective on inclusivity, mental health, and self-acceptance is honest, wise, and inspiring.

Marissa is a New Jersey native, now a first year at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, majoring in Dance. A dancer since age 5, Marissa recently choreographed and danced to a piece about her Tourette experience, titled, "(Tic)kled. She is also an American Sign Language (ASL) instructor.

Episode Highlights:

[1:33] Meet Marissa — a New Jersey native, dancer, and ASL instructor with a powerful story.
[2:46] The inspiration and emotional arc behind her dance piece, "(Tic)kled".
[5:20] Performing across the country and sparking conversations about TS through art.
[7:40] Getting diagnosed and the emotional release that came with finally having a name.
[10:17] How school accommodations and support systems made a real difference.
[12:51] Coping with an uptick in tics during college — what’s helping, and what isn’t.
[16:59] Why painting, movement, and solo dorm living are part of Marissa’s self-care.
[19:09] From competition dance to choreography—how performance has evolved for her.
[22:17] Teaching dance as a form of emotional storytelling and empowerment.
[24:56] Finding community through NJCTS and connecting with others who "get it".
[27:20] Marissa’s definition of inclusivity—and how it shows up in her life and work.
[30:07] Her lifelong connection to volunteering, including ASL education for young kids.
[35:38] Advice for others with TS: take it slow, speak up, and know you’re more than a label.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about NJ Walks for TS on May 17: https://p2p.onecause.com/njctswalk
• Marissa's Instagram: @marissalaz
• Marissa's piece, (Tic)kled: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHhePHctTJd

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known and admired for years—Emily Fleischman. Emily is a nurse at Mount Sinai West in New York City and a longtime advocate within the Tourette Syndrome community. From her early days as a Youth Ambassador with NJCTS to publishing a children’s book about her experience with TS, Emily’s story is one of courage, transformation, and advocacy.

We dive into what it was like being diagnosed with Tourette and OCD as a child, how that affected her family dynamics, and the coping strategies she picked up along the way. Emily opens up about everything from therapy and medical massages to what helped—and didn’t help—her manage her tics over the years. We have a conversation packed with insights for parents, professionals, and anyone walking the TS journey.

Emily Fleischman, RN is a New Jersey native and NYC based nurse. Having grown up with TS and OCD, she brings personal and professional insights to our discussion, which centered around her story, including her diagnosis, family, tic management, and tips/advice for those with TS.

Episode Highlights:

[0:34] Getting to know Emily and her connection to NJCTS.
[1:54] Emily’s early diagnosis and the challenges that followed.
[4:00] Family dynamics and what it was like for her brother.
[7:05] Struggling in school, holding in tics, and reaching a breaking point.
[9:50] Becoming a Youth Ambassador and finding her voice through advocacy.
[11:39] Writing a children’s book about Tourette to reach younger audiences.
[13:50] Nursing career journey and the role empathy plays in her work.
[15:15] Educating hospital staff about Tourette from the inside out.
[16:01] Why nursing was the perfect fit—and how it supports her lifestyle.
[18:26] CBT, reward systems, and tools that helped as a kid.
[21:15] How adulthood has changed her relationship with tics and OCD.
[22:13] Emily breaks down ABA therapy and how it connects to her own experience.
[25:54] Practical parenting tips: more time in the morning, identifying triggers.
[26:40] Communication tips for loved ones when it comes to pointing out tics.
[28:06] Why meditation and yoga didn’t help—but massages did.
[29:34] Talking openly with kids about their diagnosis.
[31:27] Emily’s advice for those newly diagnosed with TS.

Links & Resources:

Emily’s children’s book: Emily’s Tic – Available on Amazon

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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What does it mean to be truly free in our creativity? How do obstacles—both personal and societal—shape the way we express ourselves? In this episode, I sit down with Sara Henya, a Philadelphia-based composer, singer, harpist, guitarist, pianist, and music teacher, to explore these questions and more. Sara shares her journey as an artist, her deep connection to the Tourette Syndrome (TS) community, and her reflections on neurodiversity, resilience, and self-acceptance.

We dive into her experiences at the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome’s events, the impact of music therapy, and the role of executive function in creative pursuits. Plus, we discuss the obstacles to creative freedom—both in general and specifically within the TS community—and how Sara has navigated them.

Episode Highlights:

[00:22] Introduction – Welcoming Sara Henya and diving into her background as a multi-talented musician and composer.

[2:40] The Power of Community – How Sara and I met through the NJCTS and our work with the Tim Howard Leadership Academy.

[7:32] Songwriting for Change – The process of writing an Academy song with students and the joy of collaborative creativity.

[9:21] Tourette’s and Creativity – How TS forces innovation and adaptability, shaping the artistic process in unexpected ways.

[14:03] Healing Through Music – Sara’s personal reflections on therapy, trauma, and using music as a tool for self-expression.

[20:00] Breaking Up with a Therapist – The importance of self-advocacy and knowing when to walk away from unhelpful therapy experiences.

[27:43] Neurodiversity Within TS – Understanding the vast range of experiences within the TS community and how it fosters resilience.

[33:08] Coping Strategies for ‘Bad Tic Days’ – Practical tools and techniques Sara uses to navigate high-tic days.

[44:47] Creative Freedom & Overcoming Blocks – How self-doubt and executive dysfunction can limit creativity, and strategies to push through.

[46:01] Sara’s Upcoming Projects – A sneak peek into her Philadelphia Fringe Festival show and where to find her music and videos.

Links & Resources:

🌐 Sara Henya’s Website – www.sarahenya.com
📘 Facebook – www.facebook.com/sarahenyaharpist

Tim Howard Leadership Academy

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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What does it take to overcome barriers and achieve your dreams? In this episode of The Uptick, I sit down with Jenna Smith, a senior at Duke University and a newly awarded Rhodes Scholar, to talk about her journey navigating Tourette Syndrome while excelling academically and pursuing a career in law and criminal justice. From her early struggles with tics in the classroom to standing on some of the world’s biggest academic stages, Jenna shares how she built confidence, found community, and learned to embrace her unique path.

Jenna Smith is a senior at Duke University originally from Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She will be graduating this May with a major in International Comparative Studies and a minor in journalism and media. Jenna was among the 32 recipients selected for the Rhodes Scholarship, where she will be going to the University of Oxford in the UK for 2 years of study

Episode Highlights:

[2:38] The moment Jenna found out she was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship.
[4:59] How a documentary project in Mississippi shaped her passion for criminal justice.
[7:06] Her dream of using restorative justice to create meaningful change.
[9:23] Struggling with math, tic attacks during exams, and the pressure of academic performance.
[13:47] The challenge of navigating Tourette’s in middle school and how self-awareness helped.
[17:44] Learning to self-advocate—why early diagnosis and accommodations made a difference.
[23:04] How humor and openness helped Jenna shape how others respond to her tics.
[28:01] Growing up with a sibling who also has Tourette’s—lessons in support and resilience.
[32:30] Taking on challenges: How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became a confidence-building hobby.
[37:05] Building confidence from within—why competence, community, and self-trust matter.

Links & Resources:

• Duke UniversityPress Release about Jenna Smith: https://today.duke.edu/2024/11/duke-senior-jenna-smith-wins-rhodes-scholarship
• The Rhodes Scholarship: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/
• Restorative Justice Durham: www.restorativejusticedurham.org
• Duke Justice Project: www.duke.edu

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a life-changing leadership program designed specifically for teens with Tourette Syndrome? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Fowler, director of the Tim Howard Leadership Academy, to explore how this immersive four-day experience at Rutgers University helps young adults develop self-advocacy, resilience, and leadership skills. We dive into the evolution of the program, the powerful mentorship provided by coaches, and the deep sense of community that makes this academy so unique.

If you or someone you know is a teen with Tourette Syndrome looking for a supportive and empowering experience, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Melissa also shares insights on what to expect at this year’s academy, the application process, and why this free program is truly a game-changer.

Episode Highlights:

[00:38] What the Tim Howard Leadership Academy is all about and why it’s such a big part of the NJCTS community.

[02:52] The Academy’s Origin Story – How the program started in 2014 and how it’s evolved to better serve participants.

[08:52] Team Talk & Mentorship – The unique peer-led discussions that foster deep connections and support among participants.

[12:33] Why Coaches Love It Too – How the Academy benefits not just the teens, but the young adult mentors who return year after year.

[17:18] Living on Campus at Rutgers – What it’s like staying in dorms, eating in the dining hall, and getting a taste of college life.

[21:39] How to Apply – Breaking down the simple, stress-free application process for both participants and coaches.

[27:05] A Thoughtfully Designed Program – The mix of expert-led discussions, advocacy training, and real-world scenarios to help teens navigate life with Tourette’s.

[33:28] Recreation & Community Building – From quiet spaces to outdoor sports, the Academy ensures there’s something for everyone.

[40:31] A Global, Free Program – Teens from around the world can apply, and the Academy is free (excluding travel expenses).

Information about Tim Howard Leadership Academy:

📅 Application Deadline: February 15 (official), but applications are accepted through February 28, 2025.

📅 2025 Academy Dates: July 31 – August 3, 2025 at Rutgers University.

🔗 Learn More About the Academy: njcts.org/academy

📝 Apply Here: njcts.org/academy/application

📧 Contact Melissa Fowler (Academy Director) with Questions: academydirector@njcts.org

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Wilamena Dyer to explore her journey living with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. We dive into the challenges, triumphs, and surprising lessons that come with embracing neurodiversity, self-acceptance, and resilience. Wilamena shares candid stories about her experiences with tics, coping strategies, and how music has become a transformative force in her life. We also discuss different therapies, creative outlets, and why finding what works for you is key to thriving with Tourette's. Join us as we talk about the power of advocacy, leaning into your unique strengths, and using creativity as a path to personal growth.

Wilamena Dyer is an alum of the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy. She is currently a first year university student studying percussion in London.

Episode Highlights:

[0:53] - Kicking things off: Introducing Wilamena and her journey with Tourette Syndrome.
[3:04] - Wilamena's treatment toolbox: Medication, ERP, and the value of practical therapies.
[7:16] - A closer look at Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and its challenges.
[11:06] - How Wilamena’s tics evolved over the years and the resilience it built.
[15:33] - Michael’s story of managing a painful tic with distraction and multitasking.
[18:21] - Understanding "cousins" of Tourette's: Wilamena’s experience with OCD.
[22:10] - The uphill climb of ERP therapy and how it changed Wilamena’s life.
[24:05] - Wilamena’s future plans: Studying music therapy and spreading awareness.
[27:52] - Advice for the newly diagnosed: Embrace your tics and live fully.

Links & Resources:

• Wilamena's website: https://www.tictastic.com/
• Wilamena's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClILmxZbGU8nX8oxrCLGcOg

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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Welcome back to The UpTic! As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible conversations we’ve had this year and the powerful insights shared by our guests. In this special highlights episode, we revisit some of the standout moments from the season, featuring discussions on occupational therapy, neurodiversity advocacy, groundbreaking research, and more.

Dive into inspiring stories, actionable advice, and cutting-edge research that not only demystify TS but also shine a light on the strength and resilience of the TS community. Press play and hear from parents, researchers, advocates, and professionals who’ve shared their experiences and wisdom with us throughout the year.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] – Opening Reflections: Reflecting on the mission of the podcast and the unique diversity of Tourette Syndrome cases.
[3:20] – Empowering Through Occupational Therapy: Practical life tools for TS management with Shannon Floyd and Jan Rowe.
[4:59] – Empathy in Action: Nurse Jillian Firenze shares how laughter and support from her parents shaped her journey.
[6:29] – Parenting with Positivity: Insights from Rena and Maggie LaSalle on minimizing stress and building a support system for children with TS.
[9:37] – Advocating Unapologetically: Harvard freshman Slayton Cooper discusses the importance of owning your needs and advocating for them confidently.
[12:00] – Breaking the Feedback Loop: Dr. Angie Landeros-Weisenberger explains the brain's sensory gating system and the science of habit reversal.
[14:23] – Shaping the Home Environment: Drs. Jeremy and Jeff Lichtman, father and son psychologists who discuss what worked in their home environment.
[19:30] – Do You Tick in Your Sleep?: Occupational therapist Ben Mooney explores the connection between sleep and overall well-being in TS management.
[23:57] – Understanding TS Through Habits: Drs. Jay and Max Tischfield discuss the role of habit formation in TS and their cutting-edge research with Tourette mice.
[31:15] – Holistic Approaches to Care: Drs. Lori Rockmore and Dr. Daniela Colognori emphasize the power of attitude and family support in shaping a child’s long-term outlook.
[34:04] – Managing Public Perception: Dr. Robert Zambrano on navigating social situations and building resilience in individuals with TS.

Links & Resources:
Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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