Her Story
About Kathy
Kathy Giordano is a nationally and internationally recognized education specialist, advocate, and consultant with more than 35 years of experience supporting students with disabilities, with a primary specialization in Tourette syndrome and complex behavioral needs. She began her career as a middle and high school English teacher, building a strong foundation in instruction, student development, and classroom management. She later worked in the Foster Grandparent Program, where she collaborated with older adults supporting children who required additional academic and behavioral assistance. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to inclusive education, individualized support, and understanding the whole child.
For over 20 years, Kathy served as a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities at The Advocacy Center, working closely with families, educators, and school districts to ensure students received appropriate educational services, accommodations, and behavioral supports. During this time, she developed extensive expertise in special education systems and became highly skilled in addressing Tourette syndrome and its co-occurring conditions, including ADHD, OCD, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and emotional dysregulation. Her ability to translate complex educational and behavioral needs into practical school-based strategies established her as a trusted leader in disability advocacy.
Kathy was later recruited by the Tourette Association of America, where she developed educational materials and training resources and traveled extensively to all 50 states delivering presentations, consultations, and professional development for educators and families. Her work focuses on helping schools understand the neurological basis of Tourette syndrome and respond effectively to challenges such as disinhibition, impulsivity, and emotional rage. Retired from full-time service but still actively engaged, she continues to travel internationally to educate and raise awareness. She is widely respected as both a professional expert and someone with lived experience, dedicated to reducing stigma and improving outcomes for individuals with Tourette syndrome worldwide.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values that have shaped me throughout my life. Growing up during the 1960s instilled in me a deep appreciation for acceptance, compassion, and respecting people from all walks of life. Equally influential has been my son, whose resilience and determination have shown me that challenges can be overcome with perseverance, courage, and the right support. Together, these experiences have strengthened my commitment to empathy, advocacy, and helping others reach their full potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that only Jesus was born to save the world, and I can't save everybody. That perspective has reminded me to focus on doing my best, supporting others with compassion, and recognizing that meaningful impact comes from helping where I can rather than carrying the weight of every outcome. It has helped me maintain both purpose and balance throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to become well-informed and continually educate yourself about the condition you serve, including its symptoms, disinhibition, and common co-occurring disorders. Knowledge is essential for advocating effectively and providing compassionate support. Most importantly, remember that children are not choosing these behaviors they are living with a neurological condition. Approaching every individual with empathy, patience, and understanding will help you make a meaningful difference in their lives.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field is increasing public awareness and understanding of Tourette syndrome. While many people are familiar with autism, Tourette syndrome is still widely misunderstood, often leading to misconceptions and stigma. This also presents a tremendous opportunity—to educate individuals, communities, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers around the world. By expanding awareness and promoting accurate information, we can foster greater acceptance, improve access to support, and enhance the quality of life for those living with Tourette syndrome.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, authenticity, kindness, and compassion. I believe in being genuine rather than pretending to be someone I'm not, treating every person with respect, and approaching others without judgment. These principles guide the way I build relationships, advocate for others, and create an environment where people feel accepted, understood, and valued.
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