PATSA Board of Directors
Below is the list of the Board of Directors at PATSA, Inc.
To reach any Board Member by email, please send your question or comment to info@patsainc.org and specify which Board Member(s) you wish to contact. Your message will be forwarded per your request.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-990-3300. Our Fax number is (717) 337-1134.
Brian Crawford
Entrepreneur
Allegheny
Director
Brian Crawford, is an entrepreneur in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Brian was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome late into high school and he also has ADHD. Volunteering with PATSA, he led an initiative to light buildings and landmarks across the commonwealth for Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. He also has volunteered with the PR committee. On the PR committee, he has produced social media video and promotional content for PATSA. Brian has also worked to attain awareness for PATSA in mainstream media through drafting and issuing press releases. His efforts have secured PATSA a TV feature on KDKA-TV Pittsburgh, a spotlight on WPXI Pittsburgh, a radio interview with POP Radio 92.1 and their affiliate stations in Johnstown, a front page article in Kittaning’s Leader Times, and an article in Johnstown’s Tribune Democrat. He also wrote an article for an online publication, The New Pittsburgh Exposition.
Brian founded The New Pittsburgh Exposition, a 501(c)(3) media and education nonprofit and founded several community initiatives including the Millvale Music Festival which draws thousands of people annually. He also started California University Relay for Life which earned him a place on the American Cancer Society’s Wall of Fame for Washington County. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Dr. Natali Baner
Pediatric Neurologist
Philadelphia
Director
Dr. Natali Baner, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to the United States when she was 12 years old and has been in the northeast region since college. She is currently a general pediatric neurologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she also completed her residency. She has a passion for working and seeing patients that have a primary neurologic disorder where there are a lot of psychiatric comorbidities. She is gaining specific training in psychiatry in order to best help our patients navigate their lives and improve their quality of life. As part of her clinical interest, she devotes a lot of time to seeing patients with tics/Tourette syndrome, as many of these patients struggle with both neurologic and psychiatric disease. Dr. Baner heard about PATSA from many of her patients and has gotten to see how beneficial the organization has been for them. She is excited for the opportunity to work alongside PATSA’s Board to help patients get the best care that they deserve and allow them to feel supported. In particular, she feels especially called to help patients for whom English is not their first language.
Patricia John
Financial Advisor
Allegheny
Board Treasurer
Patricia John, is a financial Advisor from Pittsburgh who first learned about TS when her daughter was diagnosed in the mid 80’s. Her grandson was diagnosed several years ago at the age of 8. She is active in many charitable organizations and is a member of PATSA’s Speaker’s Bureau. Patty has spoken to several Rotary clubs in her area and has actively solicited donations. Patty is now listed in the local Rotary booklet as a speaker on Tourette Syndrome for her area. Patty has volunteered at several information booths for PATSA and has attended TS Family Camp. Patty’s greatest interest is promoting awareness of TS through trainings, fundraisers, and meeting with her local State Senator and State Representatives to help them understand how important funding for TS is in Pennsylvania. Patty has been a director on the PATSA Board since 2017 and has recently been elected as the Board Treasurer. She also serves as the co-chair of the PATSA Public Relations Committee and is a team member of FanTasTics in the Highmark Walk.
Kristen Bishop
Nurse
Lancaster
Director
Kristen Bishop, lives in Lancaster, PA with her husband, Mike and son, Aiden. She is a registered nurse with a graduate degree in nursing leadership and health law. She also holds advanced certification in patient safety and healthcare compliance. Kristen currently is a stay-at-home mom, and previously worked at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Kristen recently became aware of PATSA after encountering difficulty and reluctance by the school district to accept and accommodate her seven-year-old son’s diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. Prior to contact with PATSA, she attended multiple school meetings and advocated for her son without the support of a consultant. After finding PATSA, Kristen is hopeful that her family will gain more support and services that will help her son through his school experience. Thankfully, her school is now seeking training and other input from PATSA in order to meet the needs of her young son. If elected, Kristen hopes to bring her medical expertise and parent’s viewpoint to help PATSA advance our goals. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys outdoor activities with her family, quilting, cooking and writing.
Lori Harvey
Human Services Director
Washington
Director
Lori Harvey, is a dedicated advocate for individuals affected by Tourette syndrome and brings a wealth of experience to her role as a board member of the PATSA. Her family’s journey with Tourette syndrome began when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with a tic disorder at age three, which was later classified as Tourette Syndrome at age four. Today, both of Lori’s daughters are living with this condition.
Since becoming involved with PATSA in 2011, Lori has supported families navigating similar challenges. She has been a board member since 2015, contributing her insights and expertise to advance the organization’s mission.
Professionally, Lori is the Education Behavioral Health Program Director at Adelphoi Education Inc., overseeing behavioral health services for students across multiple school districts in Western Pennsylvania. At Adelphoi Education, she is part of a team that supports the behavioral health and educational needs of students throughout Pennsylvania.
Lori earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Education in Special Education from California University of Pennsylvania. She is a certified Special Education instructor in Pennsylvania. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she is a licensed Behavior Specialist Consultant in Pennsylvania.
Lori is passionate about education and advocacy. She has made significant contributions to the field while promoting the well-being of individuals and families affected by Tourette syndrome. She is committed to the mission and vision of the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance.
Stephanie Dissen
Accounts Receivable
Allegheny
Director
Stephanie Dissen, lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, two sons and daughter. She has been a member of PATSA since 2014 and volunteers as often as possible. She was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 9 years old and her older son was diagnosed when he was 8. After Jordan was diagnosed, she became involved in finding the best doctors, treatments and services available. She believes that getting involved with PATSA has benefited her entire family. She is committed to helping others with TS, and has a desire to educate people to bring about more acceptance and understanding of TS. Stephanie and her family have been involved in planning several fundraisers for PATSA in the Pittsburgh Area as well as participating in the Highmark Walk as team FanTasTics. Stephanie has been a director on the PATSA Board since 2017 and is a co-chair of the Public Relations Committee. Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Fitness and Wellness. Stephanie has been employed for 14 years at Giffin Interior & Fixture, Inc., an architectural wood working company in Bridgeville PA.
Tara Lerman
Writer/Editor/Journalist
Philadelphia
Director
Tara Lerman, is a writer, editor, and journalist based in Philadelphia, PA. Diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of nine, she is focused on bringing her own experience to the larger conversation around neurodiversity in the workplace and helping families and individuals navigate the specific challenges that come with a Tourette’s diagnosis. Tara is the senior managing editor of branded content at Business Insider, where she leads creative direction and strategy for large content marketing programs. She has written articles about her experience with Tourette’s for publications like Business Insider and Made of Millions in an effort to destigmatize her condition. She also served on panels at the 2022 Tourette Association of America National Conference in Minneapolis, MN, and 2024 TIC-CON in Dallas, TX. She is humbled by the opportunity to draw from her lived experience and help people with TS get the care and support they need. When she’s not writing or advocating, Tara enjoys biking, rock climbing, hiking, yoga, and live music.
Lindsay Bauer
Aging Care Manager
Lehigh
Board Secretary
Lindsay Bauer, is an adult with Tourette Syndrome. She is happily married, and loves her fur baby. Her husband began volunteering at camp, and he is a great support for her. She obtained her Masters at Marywood University in 2023 and works as a Care Manager of Northampton County Area Agency on Aging. She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Rehabilitation Services from East Stroudsburg University. Lindsay enjoys volunteering with PATSA in her spare time. Some of the things she does with PATSA include: helping with the TS Family Camps and Retreats, serving on the board of directors and camp committee, and attending fundraisers and community events to promote awareness of Tourette Syndrome and PATSA’s services. She enjoys anything creative and has utilized her creativity to develop and independently direct our craft programs for the children at TS Family Camp and Retreat.
Dawn deQuevedo
School Counselor
Lackawanna
Board President
Dawn deQuevedo, lives in Northeastern PA with her husband Chad, and son Callum. She is also a mom to their daughter, Mallory. She has been a member of PATSA since 2019 when Callum was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 14. Dawn has been a middle and high school counselor in the Lakeland School District since 1998 and served as a college admission counselor at the University of Scranton from 1993-1998. She is a past president of the School Counselors of Northeastern Pennsylvania organization and has presented about Tourette Syndrome at their annual conferences in both 2022 and 2023. Dawn and Callum have also spoken to groups at the University of Scranton, Marywood University, local schools and were recent speakers, for the second time, at the TS Impulse Jam fundraising event for the Tourette Association of America (TAA). Dawn has been active in many PATSA events including Pumpkin Run, TS Family Camp, Virtual Family Retreat, Tic Connection, Virtual Support Group, Day at the Capital and serves as a member of the Legislative Committee. Dawn has participated in the TAA National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and has participated in the NJCTS Parent Global Support Summit. She is an educational volunteer with the TAA and has attended several of their national conferences. Dawn has utilized many of the PATSA, NJCTS, and TAA services with great appreciation. Dawn is passionate about increasing medical connections for providers in PA and connecting people with TS and their families for mutual support. She feels strongly that the support received has been instrumental in her son’s treatment, progress and helped their family persevere through Callum’s Tourette Journey. In December 2022, Callum underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The surgery was followed by David Begnaud, the Chief National News Correspondent for CBS Mornings. His news piece was aired in January 2023 and featured interviews with both Callum and Dawn.
Jeff Mason
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Allegheny
Director
Jeff Mason, has been diagnosed and directly affected by Tourette Syndrome for 30 years now. He is a 2011 graduate of Kutztown University of PA where he studied Political Science with a focus in State/Local Legislation. He is a 2005 recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s “Eagle Scout” award. Leadership in the community is nothing new to him. He is also involved in Lions Club international and with their blind/visually impaired camp, Beacon Lodge, in mid-northern PA. Jeff was able to make it through childhood Tourette’s by finding an unlikely match-up with former Phillies Outfielder Jim Eisnerich. Jim also suffers from Tourette’s, and he inspired and drove Jeff to be who he is today without letting the illness get in the way. Jeff has brought his direct experiences along with leadership from Boy Scouts and community involvement to the PATSA board, where he has been a member since 2016. He serves as the Chair of our Legislative committee and has made great strides at improving our relationships with PA Legislators. Jeff currently resides in the Pittsburgh area. He appreciates the opportunity to use his service to better the lives of everyone affected by Tourette Syndrome.
Lesley Geyer
Occupational Therapist
Luzerne
Board Vice President
Lesley Geyer, is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience in treating children. She has published and presented locally and nationally on topics related to children with disabilities and has advanced training and certification in Sensory Integration. Lesley has served as President and Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the PATSA and has been instrumental in our growth. She also serves as our Fundraising Committee Chair and has grown this Committee from zero to over $26,000 per year. She has provided numerous trainings on Occupational Therapy at camp for PATSA. She lives in NE PA and has an adult son with Tourette syndrome.
Marc Schmidt
Professor of Biology
Philadelphia
Director
Dr. Marc Schmidt, is currently a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania where he studies the neural circuits involved in acoustic communication using songbirds as a model system. Because the specialized circuits involved in vocal communication rely on the same basal ganglia circuitry that is affected in TS, this work allows the study of sensorimotor integration and processing within a natural behavior. Dr. Schmidt is also director of the undergraduate Neuroscience program at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Tourette Association of America. Dr. Schmidt has been heavily involved in TS outreach because he has an adult daughter with TS,. He founded Waffles for Tourette, which raises awareness and funds for TS at local Farmers Markets, and runs a workshop twice a year in collaboration with the Integrative Health Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This one-day workshop for parents and teens blends education and advocacy with mindfulness and theater improvisation techniques to address TS. Dr. Schmidt was a well-received presenter at PATSA Camp this year.
Janette Clark
Nurse
Armstrong
Director
Janette Clark, lives in Freeport, Pa with her husband John and youngest son, Carver, age 22. She has 6 children. The youngest 3 were adopted internationally. Carver was born in Mongolia and at age 15 was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. She currently works as an RN at a family practice/residency practice. The practice has residents and fellows learning family practice medicine. Besides her RN diploma, she has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in education counseling. She worked for 7 years as Director of Crisis Intervention Services at a domestic violence shelter. Janette became very motivated to learn about Tourette Syndrome after her son was diagnosed. In her search for information, she depended heavily on the Tourette Association of America and eventually became a TAA volunteer educator. When Carver was 17, she met Brandi Cooper, consultant for PATSA. It was a relief to find local services. Brandi pointed her to a study at John Hopkins for young adults that was testing the effects of CBIT therapy on young adults. Carver was successful at adding this therapy to his toolbox. She was able to attend a few group activities in Pittsburgh before Covid. The last two years she accompanied PATSA in Harrisburg on legislator day. She feels strongly about having funds in Pa to enhance the activity of PATSA. She also advocates for the TAA training of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania. Currently she has helped PATSA initiate contact with the UPMC family practice and the ANN family practice/residency program in Pittsburgh. Both facilities will be hosting training before the end of this year. With the new guidelines from the CDC that increase statistics of the prevalence of TS in children, she finds it imperative to train more providers for early diagnosis. She also believes family practice residents are a perfect target for this training. These programs not only have enthusiastic residents and fellows in training but also support services with counselors, OMT, pharmacists and social workers. She also has partnered with TAA to assist with more training for CBIT therapy. She is hopeful that it will be offered in Pennsylvania before the end of the year..
Jordan Galing
Paraprofessional
Bucks
Director
Jordan Galing, was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome when she was 8 years old. She is currently celebrating over 13 years sharing her super powers with her family and friends. She is excited to meet and share her story and to help others as they learn how to navigate life with TS. She graduated from Council Rock High School in June 2019. She attended one year of college at East Stroudsburg University during the pandemic. Jordan currently works as a paraprofessional. She enjoys volunteering with PATSA in her spare time and has been involved for several years. Her favorite is participating in the Camp committee and helping families with TS at the Family Camps and Retreats. She has also done private fundraising events to help support the TS community. She is a frequent speaker at local school districts raising awareness about TS and the impact it has on individuals. She has volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and stays in active contact with her “little” to this day. Jordan lives with her family, has two dogs (Bella and Rocky), and enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and helping local families with their babysitting and dog watching needs. Her goal is to make a child’s life better through friendship, support and caring.
Dr. Mollie Phillip
Pediatric Neurologist
Philadelphia
Director
Dr. Mollie Philip, is a pediatric neurologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology. Mollie went to college at Penn State University where she studied Biobehavioral Health. She went on to medical school at Thomas Jefferson University, and then spent 5 years in Cleveland, Ohio for her neurology residency. She practiced neurology in New Hampshire for a year before returning home to Pennsylvania to pursue her career closer to family. Mollie resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her two young children. Mollie works with children and teenagers with tic disorders including TS and she is passionate about helping patients manage mental health issues that may occur with TS. It is her goal to have her patients and their families feel like their concerns are heard and addressed with compassion. For years she has felt that she has been able to help patients at an individual level, but now she is excited to expand her interests by helping PATSA at the state-wide organization level to make a greater difference in the lives of people of all ages with Tourette Syndrome
Youth Board Rep (open)
Youth Board Rep
Open Position.