The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation® was founded by Natalie Boehm, diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of two due to a traumatic brain injury. Despite developing epilepsy, Natalie completed her education and found gainful employment. She strongly feels that despite having epilepsy, there is no reason for her not to be productive and wants others with epilepsy to see that they can do the same. This is what she had to say:
We encourage individuals with epilepsy to share their stories and allow us to support them on what is a difficult journey at times. We are here for individuals, families, and caregivers who are all affected by epilepsy. Through education and advocacy, our team is working to put together the projects needed to make this happen. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@defeatingepilepsy.org
At The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, our mission is to provide the advocacy and educational resources needed to the epilepsy community and our society. We are dedicated to removing the stigma associated with epilepsy and help to create opportunities for individuals battling epilepsy.
The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation strives to help remove the stigma associated with epilepsy and create opportunities for all individuals battling epilepsy.
The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation collaborates with other organizations to help bring services needed to the epilepsy community and are partnered with organizations that help with education, affordable housing, workforce development, and more.
We, at The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation know the importance of honesty, morals, and ethical behavior, and are here to serve the community in a professional and ethical manner.
Individuals with epilepsy should not have to feel excluded or marginalized in society. The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation works to help provide equal access and resources for individuals with epilepsy.
Our team works to provide service to the epilepsy community. We strive to help them and have a positive impact and are dedicated to the epilepsy community to help remove the stigma associated with epilepsy and create opportunities.
Founder and President
Natalie is the founder of The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation®. Her passion is to help remove the stigma that is associated with neurological conditions and help individuals, families, and caregivers battling it, live happy, healthy, and productive lives.
She obtained her Masters of Business Administration through the University of Redlands. Through education and advocacy, Natalie networks with those in the non-profit and for-profit sectors to help fundraise and make resources needed for people with epilepsy available.
Vice President
Amanda Ghyst, an MBA from the University of Redlands, is a data analytics manager and the president of Evolve Lyfe. She is a passionate advocate for individuals with epilepsy and neurodivergent conditions. Amanda is dedicated to helping those with disabilities and differences have access to gainful employment.
Treasurer
William Chesnutt is the Founder & CEO of Strategic Development Group LLC, offering management consulting, learning and development, and small business mentoring to government agencies, public and private, for-profit and non-profit organizations.
William is a Project Engineer for RailWorks Track Services Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, CA. He holds an MBA from the University of Redlands, a MAM with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from American Military University, and Graduate Certificates in Human Capital Leadership and Logistics Management from American Military University. He is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a Resilience-Building Leadership Professional – Trainer. William is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, a small business mentor with SCORE and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Development at Capella University.
Board Member
Inspired by chronic illness and integrated health care, Brooke McBay has pursued a career supporting others to meet their personal and professional goals. A graduate from Loma Linda University, Brooke attained her master of science in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in Medical Family Therapy.
Brooke has worked with hundreds of patients in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental illness and promoting mental wellness, and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, chronic illness, and in health care.
Brooke began her work with our foundation during her undergraduate career at the University of Redlands where she achieved her bachelor’s in Psychology. Brooke has traveled to over 23 countries, speaks two languages, and is passionate about increasing the accessibility of mental health services for all communities.
Board Member
Roxanne Davenport is an epilepsy advocate and the host of “Seize”ure The Day, a podcast for individuals with epilepsy to share their stories. Roxanne has had epilepsy all of her life and is determined to advocate for the community to help bring awareness to epilepsy.
Board Member
Chris Lynn, an MBA student at the Kelley School of Business at the University of Indiana, obtained a bachelor’s in business administration at the University of Alabama Honors College. Chris was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy after having his first seizure at three years old. After graduating college, He underwent selective amygdalohippocampectomy to help gain control of his seizures. Chris aims to bring awareness and educate others about epilepsy, while creating opportunities for those battling epilepsy.
Dr. Boehm is a board-certified periodontist and researcher with an interest in effects of epilepsy and anti-seizure medications on oral health. He has a passion for reducing barriers to dental care for individuals with complex medical conditions. He teaches students and provides low-cost advanced dental treatments at Western University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Bragin is a dual board certified Neurologist and Interventional Pain Specialist passionate about providing the best care in treating neurological disease, to combat pain and optimize brain performance. He utilizes his economics, research and analytics background to coordinate systems for health care, optimize workflow and improve patient safety and hospital quality.
Dr. Bragin currently co-directs the inpatient neurology service at St. Luke’s University Health Network, an 11 hospital network covering with a hybrid coverage model. He serves as a key core faculty member of the newly established neurology residency program and plays a major role in designing trainees inpatient experience and is also a proud advocate for the field of neurology and patients suffering from neurological disease.
Dr. Ian Bone is a retired clinical neurologist with over 30 years of experience. Along with caring for patients, Dr. Bone has a son who has epilepsy. He is passionate about removing the unnecessary fear and stigma that is associated with epilepsy and help those battling epilepsy live a better quality of life. Dr. Bone is the author of Sacred Lives: An account of the history, cultural associations, and social impact of epilepsy.
Michael Simile, an MBA from university of Redlands, is a former senior advisor and consultant at Moreno Valley Investment Corporation and has over sixteen years experience specializing in small to medium size business consulting. Michael’s experience also includes non-profit consulting and he currently sits on several other non-profit foundation boards.
Michael’s personal experience with his own Mother’s long-term disease before she passed away gave him the true sense of how a disease can effect not only that individual, but all those that surround them. His true passion is to advocate for individuals, that have been affected by disease or severe illness, their families, and their caregivers all of whom are effected by the disease or illness. Michael firmly believes the word “disability” should be taken out of the English language because he only sees the human ability and spirit in people and not the disability in everyone he meets.
Dr. Riaz Tejani is an Associate Professor at the University of Redlands. He holds a JD from the University of Southern California, an PhD from Princeton University, and is a Member of the State Bar of California. Riaz is the author of two books on law, business ethics, and society. His writings have been cited and reviewed in publications from the Harvard Law Review and Yale Law Journal Forum to the Nation, Salon, Inside Higher Ed, NPR, and PBS.
Chris Lynn, an MBA student at the Kelly School of Business at the University of Indiana, obtained a bachelor’s in business administration at the University of Alabama Honors College. Diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy after having his first seizure at three years old, Chris underwent a selective amygdalohippocampectomy to help gain control of his seizures post graduating from college. Along with serving on our board, Chris is a member of our scholarship committee and is the creator of our YouTube channel. His goal is to bring awareness to epilepsy, help educate others about epilepsy, and create opportunities for those battling epilepsy.
Dr. Spee is a professor of strategy, sustainable business, and entrepreneurship at the University of Redlands. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle. His MBA and PhD in management are from the Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. Dr. Spee’s current research includes the discovery of unmet needs among high school Career and Technical Education teachers and coordinators as well as a project related to airport electrification and charging stations for ground equipment.
Connie Zhan is an undergraduate student at the University of California at Irvine, majoring in microbiology and immunology. She is involved in student government and is the founder and president of the Forensic Club. Along with being on our scholarship committee, Connie helps translate educational information for our Chinese YouTube channel, making it possible for many to learn about epilepsy. She thrives on improving herself and helping others. In her free time, Connie enjoys being with her pet turtle, crocheting, and going to sports games.
Aaliyah Ellison-McPeters is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Spelman College from Las Vegas, Nevada, majoring in Biology on the pre-nursing track. Her passion lies in women's health, reproductive care, and justice; she believes in the importance of equitable healthcare access for all women. This conviction drives her involvement in community service and advocacy efforts. Her ultimate goal is to become a leading advocate and professional in this field, contributing to a brighter future for women's reproductive healthcare and rights.
Andrew Yee is a second-year Biology major at the University of California, Riverside. His career goal is to become a physician with a specialty in sports medicine. Outside of The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation, Andrew is associated with multiple organizations, such as COPE health scholars, Inland Empire Street Medicine, and the Dynamic Genome Outreach Group. Andrew is a Science Ambassador and Peer Aide for the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. By being part of our team, Andrew’s goal is to help the social justice cause for those with epilepsy while contributing towards equitable health care within his various positions throughout the Inland Empire.
Catherine Joachin, pursuing a master's degree in Applied Neuroscience at King's College London in Canada, has been volunteering with The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation since the fall of 2022. She has contributed many articles on epilepsy and various neurodivergent conditions. Her long-term goal is to contribute to Parkinson's and Huntington's disease research.
