Dan Tomasulo is a man with silver grey curly hair wearing a black long sleeved shirt

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Dan Tomasulo, a pillar of our START Network and prominent leader in positive psychology, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 William I. Gardner Leadership Award!

This esteemed recognition, presented by the National Center for START Services®, honors Dr. Tomasulo's exceptional contributions to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. 

The William I. Gardner Award, named after a revered leader in the IDD field, recognizes individuals who embody Dr. Gardner's dedication to person-centered, evidence-based practices. Dr. Tomasulo exemplifies this spirit through his unwavering commitment to leveraging the power of positive psychology. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping START practices across the nation, demonstrating how these principles can cultivate well-being, hope, and empowerment for individuals with IDD and their loved ones. 

Dr. Tomasulo's impact extends far beyond individual contributions. His teachings have inspired and equipped thousands of START team members, leaving an indelible mark on the national landscape. His recent six-week professional development course on Applied Positive Psychology empowered 65 professionals across the country, further amplifying his positive influence.

Want to learn directly from Dr. Tomasulo in his live virtual course? Register now for Applied Positive Psychology Spring 2024 starting March 6!

We are deeply honored to have Dr. Tomasulo as part of our community. His passion, dedication, and innovative approach have demonstrably improved the lives of countless individuals and families. The award ceremony will take place at the 2024 START National Training Institute in Philadelphia on May 6, where Dr. Tomasulo will deliver a captivating keynote address on "Positive Psychology and IDD," followed by a Q&A session about his inspiring life's work. 

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tomasulo on this well-deserved recognition! His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to positive change serve as an inspiration to us all.