About Us

After Jillian and Scott Copeland's third son, Nicol, was diagnosed with Epilepsy when he was eight months old, the two have tirelessly worked to improve his quality of life, as well as improve the lives of others in Maryland and beyond. Their efforts have included the founding of The Diener School (multi-sensory education), Teens Like Us (social connections for teens with special needs), and most recently, Main Street Apartments, affordable, inclusive community living including residents with developmental disabilities.  

Epilepsy leaders from across the community have collaborated for years joining forces toward urgent transformative change. Pictured from Left to Right: Laura Lubbers, Chief Scientific Officer, CURE Epilepsy; Brandy Fureman; Chief  Outcomes Officer, Epilepsy Foundation; Ilene Penn Miller; Director, Rare Epilepsy Network (REN); Gabrielle Conecker, Incoming Chair, Epilepsy Leadership Council (ELC): and JayEtta Hecker, Co-Founder, DEE-P Connections.

The National Advisory Board (NAB) is comprised of thought leaders from inside and outside of the epilepsies who have agreed to lend their influence and voice to others whose voices remain unheard. This prestigious board includes persons living with epilepsy, clinicians, researchers, celebrities, former US House of Representatives, former head of Health and Human Services, former Generals, prominent business leaders and more.