We are excited to welcome Risa Clay to the Dysphonia International Board of Directors! Risa has been engaged with the organization, especially with our Support Network and Walk for Talk. We asked Risa to share a little more about herself.
Professional Experience
Currently, I am serving as mayor of Tinton Falls, NJ, a bustling community of over 19,000 residents. Prior to this position, I served on our town council as President and Deputy for the last six years. I also serve as the liaison to the K-8 Board of Education. My career in politics followed my early retirement from a 27-year career at Red Bank Regional High School.
During the last ten years of my career in education, I was the High School Principal. In that position, I united a school community of over 1200 students, 180 teachers and staff, and dedicated myself to working with the over 21 communities whose children attended the high school. During my tenure at RBR, I wrote a grant and was awarded funding to develop a school-based counseling center, The Source, which was recognized by the state of New Jersey as a leader in serving teens. I also developed an award-winning ELL/Bilingual program and pioneered a scholarship program for undocumented youth, enabling them to access full college scholarships.
I am the proud recipient of the Monmouth County Education Association Friend of Education Award, Community Affairs and Resource Center Partner in Education Award, Martin Luther King Community Service Award, NJ Business and Professional Women Award, Wilbur Ray Educational Service Award, Women of Achievement Award and the NAACP Educator of the Year Award. I also had the honor of being the commencement speaker at Brookdale Community College.
My professional certifications include being a licensed drug and alcohol counselor as well as a certified life coach. I have two businesses, Peace of Mind Counseling LLC and Pieces by Risa LLC, a creative venture featuring motivational desktop gardens.
Dysphonia International Involvement
I began my involvement as an Area Contact Leader and then became a Support Group Leader and founded the NJ Support Group. In addition to the support group, I have served on both the Legacy Committee and the Walk for Talk Planning Committee. Each year, I participate in World Voice Day as well as arrange for local publicity to broaden awareness of vocal cord disorders. Here in NJ, we have held several walks involving large numbers of participants and raising money with sponsorships and donations. I have spoken to large and small groups about my dysphonia and done classroom presentations.
My involvement with Dysphonia International has made a huge difference in my life. Although I am very public about my disorder, it is here within our community that I find support and acceptance. I truly enjoy being an SGL and helping others. I also believe that holding events such as the Walk for Talk not only helps to raise awareness but also increases empathy and understanding while modeling for others. I try to live each day by this quote by writer Alex Elle, “I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.”
Publications and News Articles about Risa
2024 Midge Kovacs Award Winner
Tinton Falls council president’s surprising voice; this is what she’s doing about it | Asbury Park Press
She has trouble speaking, but this N.J. councilwoman has found her voice | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
RBR Principal Airs Her Health Issue | Red Bank Green