Meet Our Staff

Kari Jones joined Epilepsy Advocacy Network as Executive Director in 2023. She loves that she gets to live her passion of empowering people to attain their best and healthiest lives. Kari holds an MS in Public Health and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. Her previous role was Executive Director for the East Bluff Community Center in Peoria, which she helped transform into a leading community agency. Her experience also includes management at a health department, as well as community health work with the Peace Corps in Rwanda. She serves on the Steering Committee of the Epilepsy Leadership Council, a coalition of organizations working together to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy.

Ebony Logan is deeply committed to making a lasting impact in her community through advocacy, education, and connection. With a strong background in nonprofit work, Ebony has always been drawn to organizations that help people learn, grow, and feel supported. She currently works with the Epilepsy Advocacy Network, where she has helped launch community-driven initiatives like the Miles for Minds walk and the Central Illinois Neurological Society Conference. Ebony believes wholeheartedly in the power of people helping people—and can’t imagine doing anything else.

Erika Fleck currently serves as the Founding Director of Epilepsy Services for the Epilepsy Advocacy Network. Erika has been a peer facilitator for support groups for ten years, a role she started in as a volunteer. Erika plays an integral role of connecting with doctors and specialty services in the communities that Epilepsy Advocacy Network serves. She has extensive experience with supporting individuals, families and medical professionals to have productive and positive interactions to achieve treatment goals. Erika is a certified cognitive coach for HOBSCOTCH. She is also trained in PACES and UPLIFT. These are specialty programs for people with epilepsy that are part of the Managing Epilepsy Well network. Erika is a Registered Medical Assistant (American Medical Technologist) and has certification in non-profit leadership. Erika has served on the Program Committee for Epilepsy Alliance America since 2022 and joined the Board of Epilepsy Alliance America in January 2023. She is also a Board member of the Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation. Erika's public speaking experience includes presentations on epilepsy, seizure response, and first aid training, as well as being the spokesperson for Loyola University following her brain surgery to control her seizures from epilepsy. Erika has been seizure free for twelve years and continues to be an advocate for our clients through her real-life expertise.

Aaron has been working in and around the non-profit sector for over 15 years in roles such as community relations, development, and program administration. He enjoys watching individuals and families benefit from the services and resources that EAN provides and connecting participants with others who have been through similar situations and challenges. He hopes that through EAN's efforts more people in our communities begin to recognize the impact epilepsy has on individuals and families.

Miranda graduated from Loras College with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology. Her personal experiences as a stepmother to two children on the autism spectrum have given her a deep understanding of the challenges families face in accessing resources. This perspective fuels her passion for serving the community and connecting individuals with the support they need and navigate life with seizures. Outside of work, Miranda enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, and proudly embraces her role as an over-the-top dog mom.

Kim joined the Epilepsy Advocacy Network in 2021 as a Client Coordinator and now serves as both Administrative Supervisor and Client Coordinator. Her work is driven by a deep personal connection to epilepsy and a strong commitment to ensuring that others receive the support she once needed for herself and a family member. With a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, she brings a unique passion for outreach and education. She especially enjoys visiting schools to deliver the Epilepsy 101 program, helping students better understand epilepsy and how they can support peers who may be affected. Her role at EAN allows her to blend advocacy, education, and compassion in meaningful ways every day.

Kristen Neaville received her Bachelor’s in General Studies at Harding University in Arkansas. She loves working with people and has a heart for people with epilepsy. She has had epilepsy for 30 years and knows first-hand what it is like to go through the obstacles. She is dedicated to striving to help others make their lives more manageable.

Becca VanDuyne joined Epilepsy Advocacy Network as a Service Coordinator in April 2025. Her epilepsy journey began in Texas after her son was diagnosed with epilepsy at just six months old. Since then, she has been dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and supporting families to reduce stigma and improve quality of life for those living with and affected by Epilepsy. Her prior roles in social work, outpatient Neurology and neurodiagnostics help promote the knowledge and mental wellness of her community. Becca holds a PhD and Masters in Clinical Social Work and is currently working to obtain a degree in elementary and special education.

Rodger Salzman, President

Alex Swedberg, Vice President

Cara Freund, Secretary

Tonia Zens, Treasurer

Isaac Mezo, MD

Becky Samolitis

Denny Sarver

Isaac Mezo, MD, Chair
Morris Hospital

Jayant Acharya, MD
SIU Medicine

Jorge Asconape, MD
Loyola Medicine

Kapil Gururangan, MD
Northwestern Medicine

Yolanda Holler-Managan, MD
Lurie Children’s Hospital

Jill Howell, MSN, RN
Illinois State University

Naoum Issa, MD
University of Chicago

Fadi Mikhail, MD
Carle Health