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Teen + Young Adult Kickoff: Meet Up and Life Hacks.
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Salon A
Want to connect with peers who know exactly what it's like to navigate life after epilepsy surgery? This session is a relaxed, group-led space designed for teens and young adults to meet others who truly get it and share real-life advice on building independence.

What we'll cover:
  • The Social Circle: Practical, confident ways to talk about your surgery history with new friends, roommates, or dates.
  • School & Work Accommodations: A clear guide to navigating legal protections (like 504 plans and the ADA) so you can confidently ask for things like rest breaks or extra test time.
  • Tech & Independence Tech: A fast-paced share of the best apps, gear, and daily habits for solo health tracking, alongside a guide to updating your Seizure Action Plan.
The Goal: Disarm the anxiety, walk away with practical tools you can use right away, and connect with a "Weekend Buddy" so you have a familiar face for the rest of the conference!

NOTE: This is a special session for self-advocates (teens and adults who had surgery in childhood).
Moderators
avatar for Roxanne Cogil, BS, CBIS

Roxanne Cogil, BS, CBIS

Executive Director of Regional Teams, Central Region, Epilepsy Foundation
Roxanne Cogil is the Epilepsy Foundation’s Executive Director of Regional Teams in the Central Region based out of Iowa. She has worked with the Epilepsy Foundation for over 14 years, has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University and is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist... Read More →
avatar for Kelli Tran

Kelli Tran

Human Development and Family Sciences/Social Work Student, Texas State University
I am currently a senior at Texas State University studying Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Social Work. My goal is to become a Certified Child Life Specialist because of my passion for supporting children and families through challenging medical experiences with... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Fitchpatrick, CCLS

Cindy Fitchpatrick, CCLS

Assistant Professor of Instruction, Texas State University
Cindy Fitchpatrick has been a Certified Bilingual Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for 29 years. Currently, works at Wonders and Worries, as a PRN CCLS and a RWWP Consultant, working with children and adolescents of adult patients. She has also been Adjunct Faculty at UT Austin, teaching... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

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