Claudia Lijo of Branchburg Awarded with Champion of Direct Care Award

SOMERVILLE, NJ (April 9, 2024) – On Tuesday, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Education Outreach Coordinator, Claudia Lijo, was awarded with the NJAMHAA Champion of Direct Care Award. She was given her award at the 2024 Champions of Courage and Compassion Awards Reception and Ceremony at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Somerset, NJ.

The Champion of Direct Care Award is awarded to someone who “provides exceptional treatment and/or other support services directly to individuals (children and/or adults) with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or physical co-morbidities.” Claudia is an exemplary example of this with her work with the Tourette Syndrome Community.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and sounds known as tics. As many as 1 in 50 people show signs of TS or other tic disorders which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

Claudia began working full time for Somerville-based NJCTS in 2019 as the Education Outreach Coordinator. She brought amazing perspective with her to the organization, having raised two boys with various degrees of Tourette Syndrome. She works with schools throughout New Jersey to educate students and faculty about TS. The In-Service program is designed to provide strategies and accommodations for the classroom as well as promote a more positive, inclusive, and successful environment for all students. Many times a psychologist will join Claudia during these presentations, but sometimes she does it all herself. She also arranges for an NJCTS Youth Advocate (a teen with TS) to go into schools and present to a classroom or an assembly.

Claudia has made a significant difference in those with TS. One family, the Coronado Family, describes her as “an instrumental pillar of support and resources in our journey with TS,” She always goes above and beyond, working outside of her working hours to make every family feel supported. “Claudia provides so many resources, has a great sense of humor and a special way of making you feel that all is going to be okay. For that and much more, we are forever grateful to have met Claudia Lijo through NJCTS.” Said Cristina Ordonez-Coronado.

NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about the disorder through programs and affiliations with schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org or call 908.575.7350.