Staff

Debbie McGrath, Executive Director, dmcgrath@efky.org

Debbie McGrath is co-founder of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and developed not only her skills to successfully operate the agency, but a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of children and adults with epilepsy. This passion comes from her daughter, Victoria, developing epilepsy 18 years ago. Debbie's commitment to advocate for those whose civil and ADA rights have been violated, has proven beneficial in supporting the special needs of the Foundation’s clients. Debbie was awarded the Excellence in Advocacy Award in 2002 from the national Epilepsy Foundation for the conviction she has against the discrimination of epilepsy.

Debbie’s commitment to providing vital support services to everyone impacted by seizures is evident with the expansion of services and development of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. In 1993, the Foundation went from being a local support group to a program of the Epilepsy Foundation of Cincinnati, to then becoming an independent 501 (C) (3) health organization in 1996, to reaching the goal of affiliation with the National Epilepsy Foundation in 2001. Recently, Debbie’s journey has come full circle with the expansion of services to include all of Kentucky. Debbie envisioned when she started down this path that every county in Kentucky would be represented and served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. Debbie is married to John and between them they have three adult children and one granddaughter. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cooking, camping, fishing and living life to its fullest! Debbie has a warm spirit and knows she has been blessed by the support of many who have touched her life along the way.

Beth Blakeley, Director of Education, bblakeley@efky.org

Beth Blakeley joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana on May 21, 2007 as the Director of Education and Community Services and has been acclimating herself to the different programs and services offered by the Foundation. She is eager to learn and work out in the field to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by seizures. Beth’s previous employment was with the Louisville Science Center where she worked for four years as their Life Science Education Coordinator. Prior to this, Beth worked for the University of Louisville as a Lab/Research Technician. Beth and her husband, Paul, are avid Harry Potter fans. She loves gardening, cooking, researching new recipes, aerobic classes, and has a chocolate Lab named Whitman (yes, he is named after the chocolates)!

Wil Jacoby, Coordinator of Veterans Outreach and Community Services, wjacoby@efky.org

Wil Jacoby joined the Foundation in May of 2011.  He is working on a MA in Sociology.  He has work experience with abused and neglected children and has taught Sociology at the University of Louisville for two years.   Wil loves the outdoors and is getting married this summer!

Connie Costelle, Administrative Assistant, ccostelle@efky.org

Connie has been a dedicated employee to the Epilepsy Foundation and has worked as the AA for more than nine years now.  Connie's positive attitude brings a great spirit to the office setting as she handles the many day-to-day activities.  She is married to Rob and has three children.      

2011 Board of Directors

President: Dee Shaughnessy
Vice President: Cory Bybee
Secretary:  Kristie Jones
Treasurer: Mindy Heck, CPA
Medical Advisor:  Developing PAB
Past President:  Eric Campbell

Directors
Jeff Davis
Kevin Dowd
Thomas J.B. Hurst, ESQ.
Shirley Miller
Vin Morreale, Jr.
A. Nicholas Naiser
Linda M. O'Bryan
Brian Roby
Valerie Speth
Michael W. Wallace