Taniya Faulk
Speaker. Motivator. Life changer.
Programs
Dream Bigger Than Your Biggest Challenge (Assemblies or Keynote)
Through stories of her own life, growing up as a disabled child, Taniya teaches the power of resiliency. She leads her audience through the exploration of their own inner dialogue about their dreams. She gives them the tools to change the word “can’t” from "Cannot" to “Can Try.” This program closes with a question and answer session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and talk further about themes that resonated with them. In addition to answering questions about her physical appearance, and disease students ask about her experiences with bullying, self esteem and mental health. Taniya uses this opportunity to begin a conversation about her childhood bullying and struggles with self esteem. This is a discussion driven by the student's questions, in real time.
"You are a great inspirational speaker! Thank you for coming to speak to the Youth Build Students. They seemed to enjoy it and you provided them with your valuable experience, strength and hope!"
~ Donna Horoski, United Way
"I believe that Ms. Faulk has the ability to change perceptions, and, therefore lives and I believe that all young people should have the opportunity to experience her story."
~Wayne Meyers, Asst. Principal Ronkonkoma Middle School
"You're proof that it is about determination. You make me think that I CAN TRY anything!"
~Student (fourth grade)
"Having experienced challenges herself, Taniya's experiences resonates with students. Her approach connects with kids in real-time, reaching all types of learners. Taniya's message is incredibly beneficial for all students to hear"
~Alain S. Bennett, Health educator Connetquot High School
"When Ms. Bennett introduced you I thought your story was going to be sad, but you really inspired me!"
~Student (High school)
The Patient’s Perspective
(workshop &Speech)
Using her personal medical case study of a misdiagnosed stroke, and her 16 year battle with seizures,Taniya provides a unique insight of a medical diagnosis through the eyes of the patient. In an interactive presentation healthcare students are given the opportunity to fourmulate their own diagnosis, and treatment plan using the tools they have been given in class. In telling her story students review the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and how to evaluate and treat a patient having a seizure.
"Taniya is a powerful speaker. She has faced medical challenages that doctors can go their entire career and never see. Through her open and honest dialogue about her health conditions she is making better future doctors and nurses out of current students. Taniya leaves a last impression that transcends the classroom."
~Dr. Richard Marsillo, Professor, SUNY Farmingdale
Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta "Brittle Bone Disease" Taniya has broken over 100 bones, and has had dozens of orthopedic surgeries.
She earned her bachelors Degree in theatre Arts. She spent years acting and directing. She Helped start a Children's Theatre program, where she could use quirky characters to to open a dialogue with children about physical differences. As a former actress, turned disability advocate and educator Taniya finds herself on a much different stage. She's playing herself in the story of her life instead of a character in a play. Her life is equal parts challenges and ambition, resulting in intricately woven stories of resiliency and hope.
Using her background in theatre arts Taniya delivers and engaging presentation, that speaks to students of all ages. Having a form of Dwarfism, she knows what it truly means to "Dream bigger than your biggest challenge."
She earned her bachelors Degree in theatre Arts. She spent years acting and directing. She Helped start a Children's Theatre program, where she could use quirky characters to to open a dialogue with children about physical differences. As a former actress, turned disability advocate and educator Taniya finds herself on a much different stage. She's playing herself in the story of her life instead of a character in a play. Her life is equal parts challenges and ambition, resulting in intricately woven stories of resiliency and hope.
Using her background in theatre arts Taniya delivers and engaging presentation, that speaks to students of all ages. Having a form of Dwarfism, she knows what it truly means to "Dream bigger than your biggest challenge."
Taniya is a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor. At 23 years old, she had a Hemorrhagic Stroke. After weeks of chronic headaches that were dismissed by doctors as "Stress Headaches" she had a near fatal stroke that required 11 hours of surgical intervention. Having no medical risk factors for a potential stroke or Anureysm she was misdiagnosed with anxiety and migraines. The damage done by the stroke left her with a seizure disorder. Hundreds of seizures, and 5 corrective Neurosurgeries later, Taniya partners with doctors and health care educators to improve the future of diagnostics. She encourages Healthcare students to "diagnose with their ears," as much as they diagnose with their eyes. Listen to patient when they describe their symptoms, even if it doesn't align with the diagnostics that can be seen and measured. She provides a very interactive presentation, and a first hand account of how easy it is to misdiagnose a patient.
