Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

On March 27th, I was invited to speak to the North Carolina Teacher Fellowship Program at Elon University. What an honor! Everyone was great. I spoke in front of a sold out crowd in which most of them were education majors. I was able to remind them that all it takes is for ONE teacher to make a difference in the life of a child. It was great to meet so many students and faculty members during my visit!

I was a “guest” speaker and spoke to parents and community members about how it is important not to give up on the children who need you most. So many times people want to focus on the child’s weaknesses, I try to remind people to focus on their strengths!

On February 27th, I had a chance to visit my former school, Mountain View. This is where my career began. Although the faces may have changed over the years, the feelings remained the same. What a great school. I had a chance to speak the the children and adults for their Literacy night. I discuss my experiences at Mountain View and how I was able to publish a book. I had a chance to meet Fred Sanderson, superintendent of Cobb County Schools, as he was the mystery guest reader for the night.

Sponsored by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois/Indiana I gave 3 presentations. First, was the Chicago Tourette Winter Mini Camp www.tourettecamp.com

Here I spoke to 25 kids and their parents. All of the kids had TS and had wanted to hear my story. I shared my experiences and gave them advice as to how to live their life and be successful. Once again they asked great questions. The highlight was when one child asked if he could ask Nancy a question. He went on to ask, “Did you think Brad was a freak when you first met him?” The downside to the entire event was the weather. It was one of the coldest days I could remember with the temperature being -6 degrees, that is correct, NEGATIVE SIX DEGREES Saturday morning. The room I spoke in was so cold I actually had to wear my coat and gloves for part of the event.

Then we headed to Barnes and Noble at Old Orchard in Skokie, IL. The turnout for the book signing was about 100 people. It was great to meet new people as well as seeing old friends. Thanks for the support! I spoke for about 20 minutes and then I did a lot of signing. This Barnes and Noble was one of the best locations I have worked with so far.

Last was a presentation to the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois in Elmhurst, IL. We had a nice turnout of about 30 people. I have really enjoyed getting to meet other people with TS and people who are looking to help make a difference in the life of someone with TS. A big thank you to Michel Lehman who was a great host for the two day event. I’m glad she is supporting the Tourette community, she’s a good person to have in our corner!
Cheers

On Friday, February 17th I had a chance to speak for the Education Department at Purdue University. With over 100 people in attendance I gave a presentation on “Overcoming Challenges and Winning the Game of Life.” I spoke to educators, parents, children, and people with TS showing them that despite how tough life may get, they can still overcome their disability.

I had one of the best Question and Answer sessions where the people were honest and the kids wanted to be heard.

Thanks to Dr. Hynd and the Purdue faculty for all the support. It was also an honor to meet Sheila Klinker, a State of Indiana House of Representative!

After a quick bite to eat at the John Purdue Restaurant, I headed to Chicago for my next event(That would be 4 presentations in 24 hours!)
Cheers

My visit to Florida was sponsored by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Florida and their Silent Auction. I was their Keynote Speaker and tried to personalize what Tourette Syndrome is, while at the same time show the people that those with TS can overcome their disability and be successful in the game of life.
The people of Florida were great and the event was amazing. Thanks for giving me a chance to be a part of a great event!
Cheers

My last stop on my Jewish Book Festival was Richmond, VA and I had a great turn out. I actually spoke two times. Once to the high school students and then to the adults. After my first presentation, many of the adults who were around commented how well behaved the high school students were and what amazing questions they asked. These kids were focused and I hope they got the message I was delivering in that we must give every child a chance. If a few students didn’t give me a chance to join their group of friends, then I might not be where I am today!

What a great time I had when I visited the Barnes and Noble near Stripling Elementary School where I worked last year in Gwinnett County. I had a chance to see many of the former teachers I use to work with. It was also nice to meet many of the other people who stopped by to meet me and buy my book. This was my final book signing at a bookstore for the year. It is nice to have the first leg of my author career done!

What a great opportunity I had to speak at the Counselor’s Conference on November 17th. Counselors from across the state of Georgia visited Augusta to learn more and bring back ideas to their schools. I presented on Tourette Syndrome and shared my motivational story with the group.

It is important for counselors in schools to know that they make a huge difference in the lives of children and teachers. I wanted to share with them that they can make a difference. I shared my story of what life was like for me growing up as a “different” student in the school. I wanted to motivate them and remind them that all it takes is for one person to make a difference in the life of a child. I made sure they had good knowledge of Tourette’s and other associated issues that go along with TS.

On November 16th I had a chance to speak at the largest Jewish book Festival in the nation. We had a great turnout and sold lots of books. It was nice to speak in front of my hometown crowd! My former principal surprised me as he introduced me to the group.