ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy in local communities by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures.
THE HISTORY
Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana was established in 1977 and continues to be an information and referral agency with a “hands on” approach. is the only agency of its type in the state to exclusively provide outreach, education and advocacy to individuals with epilepsy.
OUR PURPOSE
The main purpose of the organization is to provide support group meetings around the state, clinical outreach programs, newly diagnosed one-on-one meetings and patient assistance programs. Our signature program, Seizure Recognition and First Aid, is for the general public and everyone can benefit from the training. We also provide specific training for school nurses, first responders, youth, and senior citizens in our community. All of these trainings are at no charge to the consumers.
Sixty percent of the organization is funded by statewide fund raising events. The events are not only 5k runs and picnics, but fun family awareness days. We not only help those newly diagnosed and struggling, but we celebrate those who have controlled their seizures and want to find a cure for epilepsy. All of the funds we raise stay in the state of Louisiana to help those living with epilepsy and their caregivers of all ages.
MEET THE TEAM
Amanda Mitchell, MPH
Executive Director
Amanda was promoted to Executive Director in July 2020 and will continue to elevate EAL’s mission and serve the 55,000 people living with epilepsy in Louisiana.
Amanda has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Public Health degree in behavioral and community health sciences from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health.
Sarah Bowman
Client Services, North Louisiana
Sarah joined EAL on March 15, 2021, and is responsible for education and client services for North Louisiana. She will be a part of fundraising and increasing awareness in the North Louisiana regions.
Sarah has a B.A from Louisiana State University. She has worked in nonprofits for twelve years and is excited to continue her passion for helping others.
Stephanie Charles, RN
Client Services, Captial Area
Stephanie Charles joined EAL in April of 2022 and is responsible for client
services & education for the Capital Area and South Louisiana.
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from LSU and a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake. She has worked in the nursing field
and in Sales and Marketing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS 2023-2025
Lydie Neumann, Chair
Aaron Chaisson, Vice-Chair
Robert Mora, CPA, Secretary
Charlotte Hollman, Treasurer
Danielle Mensman, Past Chairman
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carrie Arrington
Aaron Chaisson
Allison Conravey, MD
Allison DeBattista
Chris Funes, MD
Nikki Godfrey, Ph.D.
Charlotte Hollman, MD
Fernando Iturralde
Shannon McGuire, MD
Tony Odak
Eugene Ramsey, MD
Michelle White
PHYSICIAN ADVISORY BOARD
DR. CONRAVEY
The Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana Board of Directors appointed Alison Conravey, MD as chairman of their physician advisory board. Dr. Conravey is a pediatric neurologist affiliated with Ochsner Health System in New Orleans.
THEIR MISSION
The mission of the Physician Advisory Board is to educate and advocate for Louisianans affected by epilepsy and advise the Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana regarding issues of relevance to this population.
PHYSICIAN ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Amy Jones, MD
Eugene Ramsay, MD
Colin Vanhook, MD
Robin Davis, MD
Allison Conravey, MD
Ann Tilton, MD
Piotr Olejniczak, MD
Tiffany Eady, MD
Michael Charlet, MD
Stephen Nelson, MD
Fawad Khan, MD
Jeremy Toler, MD