Plasma Ball

About Us

About the EAWCP

The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA (EAWCP) is a private, non-profit service organization providing public education and supportive services to individuals and families affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders. We endeavor to improve the quality of life for persons with epilepsy/seizure disorders, and to dispel the myths, stigma, and misunderstandings associated with epilepsy.

With offices in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, and additional staff in Erie the EAWCP offers its nationally recognized programs and services throughout western and central Pennsylvania.

The work of the EAWCP is supported through private donations, a variety of grants, and a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as well as special fundraising events.

With support from a volunteer Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board that provides medical expertise, the EAWCP works to ensure an improved quality of life for those who face the challenges presented by epilepsy or seizure disorders.

Peggy Beem Jelley

President & CEO Peggy Beem Jelley

“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” —Fred Rogers

Message from the President and CEO

I am so proud to announce that our organization is renewing its commitment to meeting the needs of those living with epilepsy. We are renewing our promise to help individuals to cope with a life that includes seizures, to help you and your family find better ways to manage seizures, to create more ways to enhance your life, and to support you and your family on this journey toward a life free of seizures and free of side effects.

As we refresh, recharge, and renew ourselves, we’re adopting a new look! And, we ask for your patience as we do a little house cleaning on the site, updating our technology. Remember that here you’ll find the same great people, staff, volunteers, and advocates as always. We will continue the same and even more programs; geared toward empowering folks through education, advocacy, individual assistance, and public awareness. And, as always, we’ll be depending upon you to continue to help and support us in carrying out our mission.

As a member of our local, regional, and Pennsylvania epilepsy community, you are and have been an important ambassador and contributor to the mission and work of our organization. You recognize and believe in the plan to help empower people living with epilepsy by providing them, and their families, with the help, support, and care they need in their local neighborhoods to live life without compromise.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, Professional Advisors, and staff, I encourage you to let us know how we’re doing. Send us your comments and write to us with your suggestions and advice. We look forward to continuing our work with you and on your behalf.

Peggy Beem Jelley
President & CEO

Our Staff

Pittsburgh Area

  • Peggy Beem-Jelley President and CEO
  • Colleen Fulkerson Special Events Coordinator
  • Lynne Gensamer Financial & Benefits Administrator
  • Jordan Hinds Community Program Coordinator
  • Andrea Zonneveld Community Education & Events Coordinator
  • Brooke Mohr Children & Family Services Coordinator
  • Megan Woods Community Education Coordinator

Harrisburg Area

  • Sarah Kuhns Community Education Coordinator
  • Cristina White Program Coordinator

Erie Area

  • Stacey Randall School and Community Resource Coordinator
County Map

We serve western and central Pennsylvania, which includes all of the counties shaded in dark purple above. If you live outside of our service area, please contact the Epilepsy Alliance America to find programs and services in a community near you.

Epilepsy is what you have

...not who you are

Executive Committee

Joyce Bender (Chairman)
Anthony Musmanno (Vice Chair)
Eugene DeFrank (Treasurer)
Marcia Martin (Secretary)
Daniel Orie, Esq. (Governance Committee Member)

Policy Board of Directors

Russ Allen, Edward Jones
Anto Bagić, MD, UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Jay R. Barkley, WPXI
Joyce Bender, Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Patricia Crumrine, MD, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
Eugene DeFrank, CPA, Schneider Downs & Co. Inc.
Glen Goldbach, PwC
Brian Himmel, Esq., Reed Smith LLP
Carole Lane, Allegheny General Hospital
Marcia Martin, Highmark Wholecare
Kerry McQuone, GrayMatter
Anthony Musmanno, IdeaMill
Daniel P. Orie, Esq., Heartland Restaurant Group, LLC
Christina Picone, enGen
Greg Pollock, Communication Services for the Deaf
Deborah Rice-Johnson, Highmark Health Plan
James Valeriano, MD, West Penn Allegheny Health System

Emeritus Board

Dick Barton
Louis Catalano, MD
James D. Chiafullo, Esq.
Douglas Dick
Jack K. Hinds
Lawrence Leventon, Esq.
Ed Little
Deborah Rice-Johnson
Richard M. Ryan
Thomas Trimm, Esq.

Professional Advisory Committee

Kevin Kelly, MD, PhD
Laura Kirkpatrick, MD
Carol J. Schramke, PhD
Anne C. VanCott, MD
Rajiv Varma, MD