The Patient Advisory Board (PAB) has nine members who represent the diversity of tic and compulsivity communities. They bring their lived and professional experiences to monthly meetings where they review surveys and manuscripts, advise on recruitment and outreach, user-test online platforms, and ensure respectful and welcoming communication. Our advisors care deeply about the individuals, families, and communities impacted by tics and compulsivity and want to make sure they all benefit from research. PAB members are highly valued and are compensated for their time and expertise. Our current members are:

Laura Beljaars 

PAB Member

I'm from the Netherlands and got diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of 11. I've been working with researchers to implement the patient's perspective for a while now and I'm very excited about this project! I have my masters in education and work in my own business where we help parents, kids, adults, teachers etc. who deal with Tourette's. I love baking cakes and making improvements around my house, and I'm currently preparing for the birth of my son!

Maximus Charney

PAB Member

Maximus Charney is the Program Coordinator for the Tourette Association of America, the largest nonprofit globally supporting the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community. Max previously worked as the Program Coordinator for the Southern California Chapter of the Tourette Association. He is focused in Orange County, California. He is actively engaged in the Southern California Chapter by helping run Camp George, a Southern California-based sleepaway camp for families impacted by Tourette Syndrome.

Jane Hamilton 

PAB Member

I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and am pursuing my master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience. I live with my partner in a small village in England called Costock. I plan on going into research. I hope to get a PhD, and develop treatment options for neurodevelopmental disorders to maximize the patient’s comfort, and bridge the data gap for neurodivergent men and women.

Sara Hamilton

PAB Member

Sara Hamilton is a passionate advocate of the Tourette and neurodiversity communities. As a dedicated volunteer for the TAA, Sara has presented at National Conferences and Education Workshops, and she has served as a strategic consultant and facilitator at Research Summits and Leadership Sessions. Sara has also been a Board member and volunteer for several nonprofits and educational institutions, including the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Her daughter, Jane, was diagnosed with Tourette as a child; she spent her young adulthood advocating for others with neurological differences by becoming a TAA Youth Ambassador and Rising Leader, and she is now pursuing a degree in neuroscience.

Praveena Hook 

PAB Member

Living in Minnesota, I've embraced the beautiful landscapes and communities, but also faced challenges when my son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 9. In a region where resources and support for TS are limited, advocating for my son has become my passion and purpose. I aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with TS, ensuring that my son and others like him can reach their full potential with the right support they need.

Ellie Jarvie 

PAB Member

I am an adult with Tourette who lives in Madison WI. I have a masters in social work and a clinical license and works as an advocacy specialist for Disability Rights Wisconsin. I have been involved in the Tourette Syndrome community since the mid 1980's. My motivation for being on the Patient Advisory Board is to share what I have learned from others, my own lived experience and my professional experience to improve the lives of people with tics.

Elise Minkin 

PAB Member

Elise is a startup & nonprofit leader who focuses on increasing economic opportunity and wellbeing. She also has Tourette Syndrome and dove into advocacy & awareness for tic disorders a few years ago - having experienced how difficult it is to access support and how much stigma surrounds the condition.

Brandon Pitts

PAB Member

Hello, I'm Brandon Pitts, a clinical psychology Ph.D. student at Marquette University. Living with Tourette's syndrome has fueled my fervor for research and clinical endeavors aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with tic disorders. I am committed to advancing our understanding and providing support for those with tic disorders, and I am dedicated to contributing to meaningful progress in the field.

Thomas White

PAB Member

Tom writes, edits, researches, and ghostwrites professionally for a number of startup/F500 executives, VCs, and institutional fund managers; advises and consults on web3/growth/storytelling/customer psychology for a number of different international startups and funds; and pens a free weekly newsletter on books and behavior, psychology and philosophy: www.whitenoise.email. In light of his battle with Tourette, he works tirelessly to spread awareness, hope, and positivity. Tom White recently published a paper in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal! Read the article