Attendance Policy: By registering for this group, I understand that I am making a commitment to attend all six sessions of this online support group to the best of my ability. I understand that these online support groups are a limited resource and are designed for members of the TS and Tic Disorder community who have limited access to local support (through a local TAA Chapter and/or Center of Excellence). If there are local support resources available for me, I will prioritize those opportunities and allow others in need to participate in these virtual online support groups. If I am unable to attend a session, it is my responsibility to communicate to the group facilitator and TAA program manager, Alexandra Walsh at alexandra.walsh@tourette.org. Inability to communicate about my absence can result in potential removal from the group.
The Tourette Association of America is pleased to offer online support groups for Adults (26+) and Young Adults (18-25). Please see below for detailed descriptions of each group. Thank you to our group facilitators for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Priority for these groups will go to those who are in areas with limited access to support and who have not previously participated in a group.
Audience: Adults (26+) who have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder
Description: This group is designed specifically for adults living with TS and other Tic Disorders, offering a supportive space to connect, learn, and grow. Through weekly guided discussions, we’ll explore meaningful topics like self-acceptance, self-advocacy, and disclosure. We’ll also cover real-world challenges and strategies, like navigating the workplace, managing co-occurring conditions, handling relationships, and exploring tools like Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Whether you were diagnosed early or later in life, this is a space to share experiences, ask questions, and build a community that understands your journey.
All sessions for the Winter 2026 Adult Support Group will take place online from 7-8:30 pm ET. Registration closes on Jan. 26.
Session 1: Feb. 2 – Introductions/Welcome, Self-Acceptance, Self-Advocacy, and Disclosure
Session 2: Feb. 16 – Diagnosis Early & Later in Life
Session 3: Mar. 2 – TS & the Workplace
Session 4: Mar. 16 – Tic Management & Co-occurring Conditions
Session 5: Mar. 30 – Navigating Relationships
Session 6: Apr. 13 – A Bit on CBIT
In addition to being diagnosed with TS at the age of five, Charles E. Galyon has worked professionally with TS and Tic Disorders for approximately nine years as a psychologist. Along with his therapeutic work, he also trains other professionals on how to work effectively with individuals who have TS and Tic Disorders. Dr. Galyon consults with professionals and the community to promote public knowledge and understanding of these conditions. He facilitates an online support group for the TAA and is an active participant in national and state professional consultation groups focused on TS and Tic Disorders. Currently, Dr. Galyon is involved in a research project aimed at improving professional knowledge and understanding of the unique experiences of women with TS.
Audience: Young adults, ages 18-25, who have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder
Description: Join our Young Adult Online Support Group, a welcoming space created specifically for individuals with TS and other Tic Disorders, ages 18-25. Each week, one of your peers will lead the first half of the session with a community-driven presentation on topics that matter most to us; from navigating college or work with tics, to mental health, relationships, and advocacy. In the second half of each session, we’ll open the floor for discussion, casual conversation, and connection. Whether you’re looking for support, want to share your own experiences, or just want to relax with people who truly understand, this group is here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered – by people your age, for people your age.
All sessions for the Winter 2026 Young Adult Support Group will take place online from 8-9:30 pm ET. Registration closes on Jan. 26.
Session 1: Feb. 4
Session 2: Feb. 11
Session 3: Feb. 18
Session 4: Feb. 25
Session 5: Mar. 4
Session 6: Mar. 11
Tanya Alvarado is a mental health counselor with over 13 years of experience, and she is the owner of A New Path Counseling. Her passion and purpose is to work with children, adolescents, young adults, and neurodivergent adults. Tanya works with people with TS stemming from having family members who were diagnosed with TS. When she’s not in session with clients, you can find her with a hot cup of coffee in her hand, working out, or sticking her nose in a good book. She has been married to her husband for 13 years and has two amazing and energetic children.
Kaitlyn Mitchell is a student at the University of Utah, studying art education. Her journey with Tourette Syndrome has fueled her passion for creativity and to see all who have the desire achieve their dreams. Kaitlyn is a new participant with the TAA’s Rising Leader program this year. As a RL, she is diligently working on her goals of helping to develop TS community connections and advocate for greater awareness. Kaitlyn is committed to empowering others to embrace their uniqueness and encouraging them to find their success through their own talents and the resources available to them.
Reice Griffin is a junior economics major at Spelman College. She is a 2025 TAA Rising Leader; her advocacy focuses on improving access for Black and Brown individuals with TS as well as highlighting the racial disparities in receiving a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis. Reice has conducted economic research examining the barriers to accessing a TS diagnosis. In March, Reice had the honor of speaking at the TAA’s Advocacy Day Dinner. In her speech, she discussed the racial disparities in access to a diagnosis and her desire to bring community to other Black and Brown people with TS through her advocacy. In her free time, Reice enjoys reading, musicals, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Allen Shoaff is a 23 year old from East Canton, Ohio. He was diagnosed at age 14 and received care at Tourette Association of America Center of Excellency Akron Children’s Hospital. He was trained as a TAA Youth Ambassador in 2019 and as a Rising Leader in 2022. Allen has done many webinars and speeches for the TAA, including a partnered trip to Washington, D.C., with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to speak to member of the House of Representatives. Allen also currently works in childcare as a preschool teacher’s assistant.
Kyla Robinson is a 21 year old with Tourette Syndrome! Balancing life as a wife, mom, and barber, she is constantly finding new ways to adapt to her Tourette and live life fully! As a 2024 TAA Rising Leader, she loves using her voice to educate, advocate, and connect with others navigating life with Tourette. When she’s not juggling daily life, you’ll likely find her singing at the piano or relaxing with a good movie.
Reign Trimark is a 25-year-old full time student studying psychology with the hopes of going into art therapy.
Lily Steinhoff is a second year Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant student at St Clair College. She has been diagnosed with TS since about age 11. She has been working with the TAA since 2021, first as a Youth Ambassador and just this year trained as a Rising Leader. She also has previously presented at TIC-CON about her advocacy work.
