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Epilepsy Support Groups

Epilepsy Support Groups

Support groups offered by the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County are free to attend and hosted virtually. Each group listed below is hosted once a month and always on a Thursday.

Participation in Our Support Groups
For your safety and the safety of others in the group, we ask that you please follow these support group guidelines:
 
  • Maintain confidentiality: respect the privacy of all group members by keeping what’s shared in the group confidential. No pictures or recordings should be taken during the group.
  • Camera on: to foster a more connected and engaging environment, please keep your camera on during the meeting.
  • Arrive on time: join the group promptly to avoid disruptions and help maintain a supportive environment.
  • Respectful communication: listen actively, avoid interrupting, and speak respectfully.
  • Participation: engage with the group by unmuting to speak or contributing in the chat.
  • Stay on topic: focus on the discussion at hand and be mindful of the time when speaking.

Description: Open forum for anyone who has epilepsy or loves someone with epilepsy. There will be discussion, information sharing and peer support, mixed with occasional guest speakers.

When: 1st Thursday of every month

Time: 6-7 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

¿Tiene epilepsia o conoce a alguien con epilepsia? Están invitados a participar en el foro abierto para la discusión, intercambio de información, y apoyo entre pares, (combinado con oradores invitados ocasionales) con la Fundación de Epilepsia de San Diego.

Cuándo: el 1er Jueves de cada mes a las 6pm.

Contacto: Gladis Arana, Programas en Español – (619) 296-0161 x104 o correo electrónico Gladis@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open forum for discussion, information sharing and peer support.

When: 2nd Thursday of every month

Time: 12-1 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open forum for adults with epilepsy for discussion, information sharing and peer support.

When: 3rd Thursday of every month

Time: 12-1 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Open forum for the epilepsy community to learn about various wellness, stress management, mindfulness, and self-nurturing practices to cultivate a sense of well-being and thrive.

When: 4th Thursday of every month

Time: 6-7 PM

Where: Zoom

Contact: Sarah Waters, Programs Manager –  619.296.0161 x103 or email sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

 

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Our Programs

School Nurse Training

School Nurse Training

In coordination with the San Diego Department of Education, Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides trainings to school nurses interested in learning how to assist students experiencing seizures. 

Trainings are available in person and on Zoom. To schedule, please contact Kelley Grimes, MSW at kelley@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 102.

Contact Kelley Grimes, MSW

Participants will learn:

  • The impact of seizures on learning and behavior.
  • Current treatment options and their side effects.
  • Simple strategies for creating a more positive and supportive environment.
  • Critical issues related to medication administration.
  • Key components of a seizure action plan.
  • Appropriate first aid for all seizure types.
  • The essential elements of seizure training for school personnel.
  • Steps you can take now to help maximize educational and developmental opportunities for students with seizures.
 

District & School Plan Connection:

The Managing Students with Seizures program addresses the LCAP priority area of Student Engagement (School Attendance Rates).

Each participant will receive free workshop materials.

CEU units are available.

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Our Programs

Seizure First Aid Training

Seizure First Aid Training

Professionals, people with epilepsy, their caregivers and the general public can learn more about epilepsy, seizures and seizure first aid. The more people learn and gain skills about epilepsy and seizures, the more confident we can be that people living with epilepsy will be surrounded by caregivers and professionals that understand how to respond to their seizures.

Cost

Free

Register

National LIVE Webinars or On-Demand Training

Register

Contact

For more information about seizure first aid training, please contact Sarah Waters, Programs Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or
(619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

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Our Programs

Teens Speak Up!

Teens Speak Up!

The Teens Speak Up! & Public Policy Institute (TSU) is one of the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s signature advocacy initiatives. This biennial conference brings together teens living with epilepsy, family members, local Epilepsy Foundation office staff, healthcare providers, and volunteers from across the country to make a difference.

Teens living with epilepsy and a family member have the opportunity to visit the nation’s capital to receive advocacy training and meet with their lawmakers to share their experiences and discuss issues that are vital to the epilepsy community. 

The TSU program supports the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s advocacy priorities to ensure access to quality, physician-directed, person-centered healthcare, funding for epilepsy programs, protection of disability rights, and research and innovation.

These passionate young advocates help to represent the 456,000 youth living with epilepsies in U.S. when they go up on Capitol Hill. It is also an incredible opportunity for teens – and their families – to connect with each other. Each teen is asked to turn their training into action in their respective home districts through a Year of Service. Through this program, participants learn the latest about epilepsy, their rights and governmental happenings and help strengthen our nationwide advocacy network.

The next conference will take place Sunday, March 16, 2025 through Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event will be held in conjunction with the National Epilepsy Walk on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Contact Us

For more information about this program, please contact Programs & Client Services Manager Sarah Waters, ASW, MSW, at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

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Our Programs

College Scholarships

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College Scholarships

The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides scholarships ranging from $250 – $2,000 annually to multiple college undergraduates, including two in-memoriam scholarships:

  • The Michael Zapoticzny Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, is named for 18-year-old Michael Zapoticzny, who passed away in 2001, from epilepsy during his freshman year at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His parents Steve and Sue Zapoticzny award up to $6,000 annually to one college undergraduate in Michael’s honor. 
  • The Kim Tallian Memorial Scholarship, established in 2024, will award $2,000 annually through 2028 to one college undergraduate. The scholarship honors the late Kim Tallian, PharmD, APh, BCPP, FASHP, FCCP, FCSHP who served on the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s Board of Director’s and Professionally Advisory Board. Kim was a speaker at many epilepsy conferences, teacher and school nurse trainings and Camp Quest.

2025-26 Academic Year Scholarships

Applications are now open! The deadline to submit is May 1, 2025.

Completed applications can be emailed to Sarah Waters at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org

Scholarship Program Information
2025 Scholarship Application

Eligibility

Scholarship applicants must be permanent residents of San Diego County, Imperial County or Southern Riverside County. Applicants may be enrolled in a school outside of these areas.  Scholarship applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

1. Students currently being treated for epilepsy that are currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university or trade school in the fall of 2025.  Applicants must provide a letter from their doctor verifying that they are currently being treated for epilepsy/seizure disorder.  Applicants must also show satisfactory academic performance and demonstrate financial need. (The criteria for “satisfactory academic performance” does not necessarily mean high GPA.  It will be considered according to the capabilities of the student given any learning disabilities, medication side effects, etc.).

OR

2. Full-time college or university students involved in epilepsy research projects in the fields of health or social science. Applicants must provide a letter from their professor documenting project details. Students must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 for all work completed and demonstrate financial need.

The following documents must be included in the application package:

  1. Completed scholarship application
  2. Community Service and Volunteer Experience/Academic Achievements
  3. Statement of Eligibility
  4. Statement of Financial Need
  5. Current Transcript (official or unofficial) verifying enrollment and GPA
  6. Letter from your doctor stating you are currently being treated for epilepsy OR letter from your professor stating you are currently working on an epilepsy research project (please include project details)
  7. Two Letters of Recommendation

For more information and to apply, please contact Sarah Waters, Programs & Client Services Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org.

Keep up to date with the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego

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Music Therapy for Kids & Teens

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Music Therapy for Kids & Teens

We partner with Resounding Joy, a local music therapy non-profit, to provide recreational music therapy for kids and teens impacted by epilepsy.

Format

6 group Zoom sessions over an 6-week period Zoom sessions last one hour

Participants

Kids & Teens, ages 11-18 with epilepsy

Contact

For more information about this program, please contact Sarah Waters, Programs Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org or (619) 296-0161 ext. 103.

Gallery

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Our Programs

Support Groups

Epilepsy Support Groups

Description: Open forum for discussion, information sharing and peer support, mixed with occasional guest speakers. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: A social group for 18-35 year olds, with activities such as board games, beach volleyball, and movie nights. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

Description: Adults with epilepsy meet monthly to hear from a variety of expert speakers on topics relevant to the community while also having the opportunity to ask questions and engage with fellow members. 

Contact: Devin Xayasomloth, MSW, LCSW, Programs and Client Services –  619.296.0161 x103 or email devin@epilepsysandiego.org

¿Tiene epilepsia o conoce a alguien con epilepsia? Están invitados a participar en el foro abierto para la discusión, intercambio de información, y apoyo entre pares, (combinado con oradores invitados ocasionales) con la Fundación de Epilepsia de San Diego.

Cuándo: 1er Jueves de cada mes a las 6pm.

Contacto: Gladis Arana, Programas en Español – 619.296.0161 x104 o correo electrónico Gladis@epilepsysandiego.org

Gallery

joel-muniz-a4ax1apccfa-unsplash_web
jaime-lopes-0rdboadnbwm-unsplash_web
hannah-busing-zyx1bk9mqma-unsplash_web
Group of diverse people in cpr training class
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