About this Workshop
This interactive session will introduce teens to the fundamentals of advocacy and provide practical tools for turning personal experiences, challenges, and passions into meaningful action. Participants will learn how to identify issues they care about, research topics effectively, build strong advocacy messages, and explore different ways to create change within their schools and communities. The session will also focus on building self-confidence, strengthening support systems, and developing strategies for navigating common youth experiences such as anxiety, bullying, and speaking up for oneself and others. Through discussion, practical tips, and skill-building activities, participants will gain tools to feel more confident using their voices, engaging others, and taking meaningful first steps toward advocacy and positive change.
Key Takeaways
- Understand what advocacy is and why youth voices matter in creating change.
- Explore strategies for developing support systems and navigating challenges such as anxiety, bullying, and self-advocacy.
- Discover practical ways to take action and create impact in school, community, and everyday settings.
About the Education & Mental Health in Focus Series
Education & Mental Health in Focus is a multi-part learning showcase designed to support families, caregivers, students, and community members navigating the educational and emotional experiences connected to Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders. This series brings together clinicians, advocates, educators, college students, and professionals to explore topics related to school accommodations, mental health support, transition planning, postsecondary education, and family wellbeing.
Through practical discussions and lived experiences, participants will gain tools, resources, and strategies to better support children, teens, and young adults across different stages of their educational journey. Sessions will focus on advocacy, emotional wellbeing, navigating systems of support, and building confidence for both caregivers and students.
Megan Hurley
Megan Hurley is a school psychologist in the Kentucky public school system and a 2024 Rising Leader for the Tourette Association of America. She holds an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Megan was a camp counselor for two summers at Camp Twitch and Shout, a camp for children with Tourette Syndrome (TS), and was a Co-Facilitator for two cohorts of the TAA’s young adult support group.
As a school psychologist, she conducts psychoeducational evaluations, conducts functional behavior assessments and writes behavior intervention plans, provides consultation to teachers and administrators, conducts 504 evaluations and collaborates to create 504 plans, and is part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) Team for academic interventions.
As someone with Tourette Syndrome, Megan is passionate about using her roles as a Tourette Association volunteer and school psychologist to expand individual’s perceptions of people with TS. As a TAA Rising Leader, Megan led a team from Kentucky to discuss TS policy with members of Congress and their staff, gave workplace presentations, was interviewed by the local news, and gave webinars. She will continue her advocacy by working directly with education professionals providing in-service presentations.
Lily Steinhoff
Lily Steinhoff is a graduate of the Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant program at St Clair College. She is also starting the Educational Support program in September! 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 and other TAA events.
