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.
Hope Nunemaker
Business Owner
Dauphin
Director
Hope Nunemaker is 19 years old and lives in Steelton. She graduated high school in 2024 and has her own business called “Hopefully Crochet”! Hope was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 15. She has been attending the PATSA Family Camp since 2022. At first Hope really struggled with her diagnosis but she quickly realized while attending PATSA Family Camp that she wasn’t different but unique like the rest of the individuals attending. She realized this isn’t just a camp but a place to reunite with family every year.
She continues to grow with her diagnosis and has found a passion to educate and bring awareness to Tourette Syndrome. With her experiences (in and out of school) she has been able to provide guidance to families while attending PATSA outings.
Hope started fundraising in 2023 with her first presentation at Valley Grange #1360. It was very shortly after this presentation and the questions the audience asked that she realized this was her niche! Giving back to an organization that has already provided so much to her and her family. Over the last 3 years she has raised $25,500!
She has been a youth mentor at family camp and retreat in 2023. She has since become a part of the Family Camp Planning Committee, for 2 years, and a counselor at this year’s camp. Hope’s passion continues to be educating, fundraising and bringing awareness about TS for PATSA.
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.
Jay Geyer
The Hauge
Director
Jay Geyer, works for the Department of State and is currently stationed in the Netherlands. He graduated in 2011 from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in business management. Jay was diagnosed with TS at the age of 9. He started speaking about TS with PATSA in the 6th grade. Jay served as President of our Board for 5 years and currently serves as a board member. He was instrumental in planning and launching PATSA’s Junior Youth Mentor Program and PATSA’s Youth Advocate Training Program. Previously Jay has served as a Youth Mentor at Camp and Retreat and participated as a Coach at the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy for 5 years. In his spare time, Jay likes to stay active outdoors, talk to kids with TS, and watch the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers.
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.
Pam Bernet
Nurse
Montgomery
Director
Pamela Bernet is from Pottstown PA. She has been a nurse for over 30 years. She has tics as well as her two daughters (7&8) both diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. She’s married to her husband Shawn. Three years ago, she left nursing to stay home full time as her oldest daughter’s Tourette and Autism symptoms increased. She spends most of her time advocating for her daughters at school and educating the school. She enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school. She also has a small nail polish and beauty business she runs through social media. She and her family love coming to PATSA camp and sharing Manis with moms in a breakout session. They enjoy the winter retreat and local events. She joined the camp committee a year ago and looks forward to being part of it again this year. She holds fundraisers throughout the year for PATSA and enjoys sharing her family’s Tourette journey during PATSA’s day at the capital.
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
Danny Herschel
Student
Danny lives in Quakertown, PA and serves as the Youth Board Representative for the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance (PATSA). Danny was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in his early teens, as were his siblings. Growing up in a family where TS affected each person differently gave him a deep understanding of the challenges, strengths, and unique experiences within the Tourette community.
As a professional videographer and photographer, Danny reached out to PATSA in 2024 to film a documentary about their annual camp. During the project, he became increasingly involved with the organization and was later invited to join the board as the Youth Representative. In this role, Danny works to ensure that the voices, needs, and perspectives of youth are always centered in PATSA’s mission and programming.
Danny continues to use his creative skills to support awareness, storytelling, and connection within the TS community. Outside of his work with PATSA, he enjoys pursuing new film projects, collaborating with others, and staying active in his local community.
Frank DiBella
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lancaster
Director
Frank DiBella lives in Lancaster, PA with his wife Brittany and three children. Frank is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and manager of consultation services at WellSpan Phillhaven’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD). Frank’s oldest son is 11 years old and was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 2022. This led Frank to seek more understanding on Tourette Syndrome and how to best support his son across settings. Through this journey, Frank saw significant gaps in understanding related to supportive resources for Tourette Syndrome within medical/ behavioral health systems, schools, and the community. This motivated Frank to complete training in CBIT through the Tourette Syndrome – Behavior therapy Institute (TS-BTI) in 2024. Currently, Frank is pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) from Boston University with a focus on improving access and coordination of care for neurodiverse individuals. Frank has worked to apply this focus to develop and implement initiatives to increase provider knowledge and patient experience for neurodiverse individuals. Frank has also worked collaboratively to develop and facilitate training initiatives to improve community understanding of neurodiverse individuals. When not at work, Frank enjoys being active in the community, coaching his oldest son’s baseball team, running, and hiking with his family.
Sarah Schultz
Professor
Allegheny
Director
Open
Title
County
Director
This 18th board position is open and will be voted on from nominations gathered in spring/summer 2026 for a 3 year term.