On November 7, 2015, the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association (NSTA) is hosting a one day conference on spasmodic torticollis/cervical dystonia in East Elmhurst, New York. Registration for the conference is FREE thanks to our major sponsor Merz Pharmaceuticals (the makers of Xeomin). Our conference will take place at the Courtyard Marriott LaGuardia Airport. The address is 9010 Ditmars Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Parking for conference attendees is $10. The NSTA has blocked off a limited number of rooms for conference attendees. The NSTA group rate is $155.00/night. Reservations can be made by calling Mala Prashad at (718) 308-4801 or email her at MPrashad@courtyardlaguardia.com. Room availability is limited so reserve your room before October 29, 2015.

You can register by completing the registration form at the bottom of this page.

The conference will begin at 10:00 am which will give people in the surrounding area enough time to drive in that morning. The day will begin with a three hour support group meeting. One group will consist of people who have been diagnosed with ST. The other group will consist of the family, friends and care takers of the person who has ST. The groups will focus on issues and concerns about coping with ST and there will be a chance for everyone to talk, share their story, listen to others and learn. After the group sessions, there will be an hour lunch followed by presentations by guest speakers. Topics will include the latest on options and alternative types of treatments. There will be a questions and answers panel afterwards.

We hope to see you at the conference in East Elmhurst, New York! If you would like more information about spasmodic torticollis/cervical dystonia or would like to receive a complimentary magazine from our organization please email us at NSTAmail@aol.com or call us at
714-622-5446.

Tricia Gunter, MA, NCC, LMHC-LP – Spasmodic Torticollis Group Meeting

Ms. Gunter has worked with clients in various government, non-profit, community, and hospital settings in positions with The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Brooklyn Community Services, Sentara Health Care, and others. This informs her understanding of the tools most appropriate to meet the needs of clients who are coping with the challenge of thriving while living with a debilitating illness.

Currently a lifetime member Psi Chi International Psychology Honor Society and former chapter president of Chi Sigma Iota International Counseling Honor Society, she has the expertise to assist organizations in meeting objectives, and individuals in achieving their optimal lives.

The plan for the spasmodic torticollis group session includes:
• Education about the psychological effects of symptoms/experience of Spasmodic Torticollis, including ones that are not readily apparent.
• Psychoeducation about ways to increase emotional well-being while experiencing Spasmodic Torticollis.
• Supportive sharing session

Melita T. Stancil, MA, PhD – Family and Friends Group Meeting

Dr. Melita T. Stancil earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Norfolk State University. In addition, she received her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical-Community Psychology at the University of South Carolina. Notably, Dr. Stancil received the capstone of her clinical training in New York City. Most recently, she was a Clinical and Behavioral Health Post-doctoral Fellow at one of the nation’s leading behavioral health hospitals.

Dr. Stancil’s research interests include cultural neuroscience and multicultural assessment. As such, she has coordinated and organized several clinical research projects within a preeminent hospital setting. She is also an author on four peer reviewed scientific articles on understanding biopsychosocial outcomes in individuals diagnosed with a chronic health condition. In addition, she co-authored a state grant to further understand health and psychosocial conditions. Furthermore, Dr. Stancil has created and successfully implemented community and organizational interventions that targeted improving biopsychosocial outcomes for marginalized populations.

Winona Tse, MD – “Epidemiology and Oral Medication” and “Botulinum toxin and the Latest Advances in Cervical Dystonia”

Dr. Tse earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the Brown University Program in Liberal Medical Education in 1991, and then graduated with an M.D. degree from SUNY Stony Brook Medical School in 1995. Dr. Tse completed a neurology residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1999, and in the final year served as a Chief Resident. She then completed a fellowship in electromyography at the New York-Cornell Presbyterian Medical Center. She worked at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn from 2000 to 2002, where she saw a variety of movement disorders.

Currently, an Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Mount Sinai Movement Disorders Center, Dr. Tse sees patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor disorders, dystonia and other movement disorders. Dr. Tse is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and a diplomate of the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.

Nancy Burke – Nia

Certified Nia Blue Belt
Nia 52 Wise Moves For Seniors
Certified MELT Instructor
Certified Zumba, Zumba Gold and Kids Instructor
Nia is the art of movement the body’s way. Nia is a cardio-dance workout, a movement practice, and lifestyle based on the intelligent design of the body. It is believed every person can discover, explore, unleash, and enhance their individual potential to live a healthy and meaningful life by engaging their senses and listening to their bodies. Nia tones your mind and tunes your body. Each workout brings mindfulness to your dance movement experience leaving you energized, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced. Nia cardio-dance workouts combine 52 simple moves with dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts – body, mind, emotion, and spirit. Nia is practiced barefoot, non-impact, and adaptable to individual needs and abilities.

The major sponsor of the East Elmhurst, New York Conference is Merz Pharmaceuticals the manufacturers of the botulinum toxin Xeomin

Through the generous contribution of Merz Pharmaceuticals,  registration for the conference is free. You can also register online by completing the online registration form below.

More information will be posted periodically on the NSTA website. We hope to see you at the conference in East Elmhurst, New York!