Brief Bio

Jonathan Friesen is an award-winning author, international speaker, and storyteller who received the diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome later in life. He is not alone—TS or its symptoms affect several members of his family. Jonathan currently serves on the board of the Minnesota Tourette Syndrome Association. He’s the author of five novels including Rush (Penguin, 2010) and The Last Martin (Zondervan/HarperCollins 2011), which explore mental health issues. Jonathan has numerous award-winning articles to his credit. His personal experience with Tourette’s inspired him to write the highly acclaimed novel Jerk, California (Penguin, 2008), winner of the American Library Association’s 2009 Schneider Award—“Best Book for Teens.”

Jonathan spent sixteen years teaching in traditional classroom, special education, and university settings, and now travels the country sharing his expertise and heart for disability issues with audiences of all ages.

Engaging and passionate, Jonathan’s presentations have touched students and educators, parents and professionals across the country. 

When he’s not writing, speaking, or teaching, Jonathan hangs out with his family on a small farm in central Minnesota.