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 and Community Services, 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 U of L 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)!

Elizabeth (Liz) was born and raised in Lexington, KY.,  received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 1998 at UK and her Master of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.   In 2003, she completed  2 years of licensed social work supervision.  Liz comes to us from Catholic Charities Housing Resource Center in St. Louis, IL as an independent contractor and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri as Director of Child Safety & Quality Assurance, where she was part of the management team.  Liz has a plethora of wonderful qualities to share with the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and to benefit children and adults affected by seizures.  Liz, her husband, Craig, and their doggie, Otis, moved back to Kentucky this summer to be closer to their two-month old twin nephews and other family members.   

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 eight 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.      

2007-2008 Board of Directors

President: Dee Shaughnessy
Vice President: Eric Campbell
Secretary:  Kristie Jones
Treasurer: Chris Ward, CPA
Medical Advisor:  Developing PAB
Past President: Jeanne Bennett, Psy.D.

Directors

Malachy Bishop, Ph.D., CRC
Cory Bybee
Damon Hildreth
Tom Hurst, ESQ.
Shirley Miller
J. Scott Moody, Pharm.D.
Valerie Speth