Loading…
Thursday, July 16
 

8:00am CDT

RESEARCH MEETING BY INVITATION ONLY: Beyond Seizure Freedom: What “Better” Looks Like With Epilepsy Surgeries That Change the Course of Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This research meeting is held in collaboration with the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) through its Surgery, Neuromodulation, and Neuropsychology Special Interest Groups and is not part of the family conference. Attendance is by invitation only. The main goal of this meeting is to address the effects of epilepsy surgeries that are not intended or expected to result in seizure...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Koop, PhD, ABPP

Jennifer Koop, PhD, ABPP

Medical Director, Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's Wisconsin
Dr. Koop specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological, behavioral and developmental disorders, with a particular focus on preschool and early childhood years. Her current research investigates the effects of early neurological injury on the development... Read More →
avatar for Cemal Karakas, MD

Cemal Karakas, MD

Medical Director, Clinical Electroneurodiagnostic (EEG) Program, Children's National Hospital
Cemal Karakas, MD, is a board-certified pediatric neurologist, clinical neurophysiologist and epileptologist with expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex childhood epilepsies. He specializes in advanced epilepsy care, including epilepsy surgery evaluation; neurostimulation... Read More →
avatar for Ammar Shaikhouni, MD, PhD

Ammar Shaikhouni, MD, PhD

Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Ammar Shaikhouni, MD, PhD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of neurological surgery at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine. Dr. Shaikhouni graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University where he also obtained... Read More →
avatar for Mary Jeno, MD

Mary Jeno, MD

Pediatric Neurologist, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
Dr. Mary Jeno is a pediatric neurologist who cares for hospitalized children when they have experienced a brain injury, with a focus on helping them return to full lives. She is particularly interested in treating children affected by traumatic brain injury due to physical abuse.Jeno's... Read More →
avatar for Michael Ciliberto, MD

Michael Ciliberto, MD

Director, Pediatric EMU, Stead Family Children's Hospital
Dr. Michael Ciliberto is a leading pediatric epileptologist and Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa, where he spearheads clinical research into novel medical and device treatments for epilepsy. He is an active member of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC) and... Read More →
avatar for Kristina Elise Patrick, PhD, ABPP, BCBA

Kristina Elise Patrick, PhD, ABPP, BCBA

Director of Neuropsychology, Seattle Children's Hospital
Dr. Patrick is the Director of Neuropsychology at Seattle Children's Hospital and an Associate Professor of Neurology at University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Patrick provides clinical care for children with neurological conditions who require assessment of cognitive functioning... Read More →
avatar for M. Scott Perry, MD

M. Scott Perry, MD

Head of Neurosciences, Jane and john Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Medical Center
M. Scott Perry is the Head of Neurosciences and Director of the Genetic Epilepsy Clinic at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX.

He completed his medical degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine... Read More →
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

avatar for Charuta Joshi, MD

Charuta Joshi, MD

Professor, Pediatric Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Charuta Joshi, M.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology and the Roy D. and Ragen S. Elterman Distinguished Chair in Pediatric Epilepsy at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and surgical and nonsurgical... Read More →
avatar for Madison Berl, PhD, ABPP, FAES

Madison Berl, PhD, ABPP, FAES

Associate Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital
Dr. Berl is a licensed and board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist and associate chief of the Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology at Children’s National Hospital and tenured professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at The George Washington University School of Medicine... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Homonymous Hemianopia/Spot Driving Hazards
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Researchers from the Bowers Lab at Harvard University would like to learn more about how people with visual field loss use their vision to notice potential hazards in real world situations such as walking or driving. The study involves playing a simple video game which simulates driving, shown on a computer screen. Participants will use a steering wheel to steer their virtual car while watching...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Alex Bowers, PhD

Alex Bowers, PhD

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Bowers is a clinician scientist whose primary focus is vision rehabilitation research. She has made significant contributions to the field as an optometrist in the United Kingdom, as well as an educator and researcher. Dr. Bowers is a highly accomplished clinical scientist focused... Read More →
avatar for Jing Xu, PhD

Jing Xu, PhD

Faculty Researcher, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Jing Xu is a faculty researcher dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of the visually impaired community. Her tenure in the lab has seen her grow from postdoctoral fellow to faculty, building from her experiences as a Bosma Research Associate at the Envision Research... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Vision Processing
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Behrmann Lab would like to understandhow children and adults who have had a large cortical resection to one hemisphere of the brainduring childhood process visual, auditory and language functions that usually require two fullhemispheres.The two studies are as follows:Monitoring eye movements while participants view visual images and listening to...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
A full description of this research is here. 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F
  In-Person Research

4:00pm CDT

Early Check-In + Info Desk
Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Registration F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Welcome!

When you arrive at the designated location, please proceed to the check-in area where you will be able to collect your event materials, including your badge which serves as your official identification for the duration of the event. It is essential that you have your badge on your person at all times to ensure smooth access to all areas and activities.
Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Registration F
  Conference Logistics

4:00pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!
Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Check in to your hotel and then go wild at the Kalahari Resort!  🏝️ Outdoor Water Park (open until 7 pm)💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)🍔 Restaurants🛍️ Shopping 👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari ResortPlease note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included only with a Kalahari room reservation, not with...
See More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
  On Your Own
 
Friday, July 17
 

7:00am CDT

Registration + Info Desk
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Registration F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Welcome!

When you arrive at the designated location, please proceed to the check-in area where you will be able to collect your event materials, including your badge which serves as your official identification for the duration of the event. It is essential that you have your badge on your person at all times to ensure smooth access to all areas and activities.
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Registration F
  Conference Logistics

7:30am CDT

Breakfast
Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Seasonal sliced fruit, field melons, fresh berries, wholebananas, individual plain, fruit, greek yogurt, breakfast cereals, home-style granola, fat free milk, 2% milk, almond milk, steel cut oats, chopped pecans, dried fruits, brown sugar, maple syrup, breakfast pastries, petite muffins, fruit preserves, honey.


Subject to change without notice. 
Friday July 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  Meal

8:00am CDT

Kid Camp Registration
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Registration D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Corporate Kids is our professional kid camp provider. During the registration process, your child will receive an ID bracelet,secure sign-in and sign-out procedures will be explained to you, and a digital photo of your child will be captured.

Kid camp does not open until 8:30 a.m.

Separate, pre-purchased tickets are required for your child to attend kid camp. Space is limited.
Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Registration D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Child Care + Related Logistics

8:30am CDT

Kid Camp
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Nile @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Our kid camp includes a wide range of fun arts and crafts, games, and age-appropriate activities for all children at our conference.Room choices include:Quiet Room - best for babies, toddlers, and those with significant sensory challengesActivity Room - Lots to do for our more active campers!Please note:All children attending the conference must be registered with their own ticket, whether or not...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Nile 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Child Care + Related Logistics

9:00am CDT

Welcome and Opening Session - Community Report from the Global Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Registry + Neuromodulation Research Meeting Update
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Our founder and Executive Director will open our conference with a welcome message and some logistics for you to remember while you're here. Then, she'll discuss what happens after the surgery is over? For many families, the hospital discharge is just the beginning of a new chapter filled with questions about development, therapy, and long-term quality of life. In this session, we turn to our...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  General Session

9:00am CDT

Teen + Young Adult Kickoff: Meet Up and Life Hacks.
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
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...
See More →
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

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Homonymous Hemianopia/Spot Driving Hazards
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
See full description and how to sign up here. 
Speakers
avatar for Alex Bowers, PhD

Alex Bowers, PhD

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Bowers is a clinician scientist whose primary focus is vision rehabilitation research. She has made significant contributions to the field as an optometrist in the United Kingdom, as well as an educator and researcher. Dr. Bowers is a highly accomplished clinical scientist focused... Read More →
avatar for Jing Xu, PhD

Jing Xu, PhD

Faculty Researcher, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Jing Xu is a faculty researcher dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of the visually impaired community. Her tenure in the lab has seen her grow from postdoctoral fellow to faculty, building from her experiences as a Bosma Research Associate at the Envision Research... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Understanding the Family Perspective on Epilepsy Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Researchers are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to understand the "real world" experience of families navigating the epilepsy surgery journey. While most research happens in doctors' offices, this study focuses on your voice within the patient advocacy community. Your insights will help us identify barriers to care and what matters most to families when making surgical decisions.

Speakers
avatar for Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
A full description of this research is here. 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
A full description of this research is here. 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Global Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Registry
Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - Saturday July 18, 2026 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Doctors know the medical side of surgery, but you are the expert on your child’s daily life. This registry is a way for parents to share how their children are doing months or years after surgery. By answering a few questions, you help researchers understand how surgery affects things like learning, moving, and long-term health.Instead of trying to fill out forms on your phone in a noisy...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - Saturday July 18, 2026 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall
  In-Person Research

10:00am CDT

The Care Map: Mastering Medical Advocacy at Every Stage of the Epilepsy Journey
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
When a child faces epilepsy surgery, the medical world becomes a permanent part of a family’s life. But how do you manage a complex medical team as your child grows and their needs change over time?In this session, Katie Taylor, CCLS, provides a masterclass in medical advocacy for every stage of the journey. This isn’t just about surviving a hospital stay; it’s about understanding the...
See More →
Moderators
AA

Amy Alaniz

Parent Support Navigator, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Katie Taylor, CCLS

Katie Taylor, CCLS

Director of Psychosocial Care, AngelEye Health, CEO and Founder, Child Life On Call
Katie Taylor has been a certified child life specialist for over 15 years and has supported thousands of families through their most challenging healthcare moments. She created Inside the Children's Hospital (formerly Child Life On Call) in 2018 to amplify the voices of families navigating... Read More →
The Care Map Mastering Medical Advocacy at Every Stage of the Epilepsy Journey (Taylor) pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Behavior & Trama

10:00am CDT

Living Your Best Life: Skills for Adulthood After Epilepsy Surgery As A Child
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
For individuals who underwent surgeries like hemispherectomy in childhood, adulthood brings a new set of milestones that go far beyond medical management. The focus often shifts to "executive functions". These are the essential mental skills that allow us to organize our day, manage our emotions, and interact effectively with the world around us.We will discuss the practical, daily realities of...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Lynn Paul, PhD

Lynn Paul, PhD

Senior Research Scientist, California Institute of Technology
Lynn Paul's research is broadly focused on understanding the role that cortical connectivity plays in development of higher-order social cognition and the brain's capacity for reorganization during development. Utilizing eye-tracking, standardized neuropsychological instruments, and... Read More →
PESA ADULTS BestLife 2026 pdf
Handout Life Hacks July 2026 pdf
Handout Effects of Pediatric Epilepsy & Surgery pdf
Handout Understanding Me Template pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

10:00am CDT

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies: Medication, Surgery, and Developmental Outcomes
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This session will explore the complex care of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome, infantile spasms, Otahara syndrome, and DEE-SWAS) with a focus on how treatment decisions may affect both seizure control and long-term development. Speakers will discuss the role of medication, the circumstances in which epilepsy surgery may be...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Sonal Bhatia, MD

Sonal Bhatia, MD

Pediatric epileptologist, Children's Health, Dallas
Sonal Bhatia, MBBS, MD, FACNS, FAES is a pediatric neurologist and epileptologist at Children’s Health℠. She is also an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at UT Southwestern. She has a special interest in caring for children who have epilepsy, infantile spasms and... Read More →
avatar for Charuta Joshi, MD

Charuta Joshi, MD

Professor, Pediatric Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Charuta Joshi, M.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology and the Roy D. and Ragen S. Elterman Distinguished Chair in Pediatric Epilepsy at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and surgical and nonsurgical... Read More →
avatar for Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →
DEE pptx
Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) What is it and Why is it so Hard to Treat? (Bhatia) pdf
Understanding DEE More than Just Seizures (Al Ramadhani) pdf
When Medications Aren't Enough (Joshi C) pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

10:00am CDT

Health, Hope, and the Future: Transition Planning for Students with Complex Medical Needs
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This session will help families and self-advocates understand how to plan for the transition from school-based supports to adult life for students with complex medical needs. It will cover key issues such as healthcare transition, education, employment, daily living, benefits, and long-term supports, with a focus on building a realistic and hopeful plan for the future. Families will leave with a...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Roni Jo Frazier, M.Ed., CAS, QIDP

Roni Jo Frazier, M.Ed., CAS, QIDP

Chief Executive Officer, Bloom Consulting
Roni Jo Frazier is a dedicated leader in the field of education and disability services, driven by a personal mission to help every individual reach their full potential. Her work is centered on the belief that with the right support and innovative programming, the transition from... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Moyer

Jamie Moyer

Chief Program and Development Officer., Bloom Consulting
Jamie Moyer is a dedicated advocate who believes every student deserves a clear path to a meaningful and independent future. As the National Director of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) at Bloom Consulting, Jamie focuses her expertise on ensuring young people with disabilities... Read More →
Health, Hope, and the Future Transition Planning for Students with Complex Medical Needs pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Transition to Adulthood

10:00am CDT

Expo and Resource Fair
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Our Expo and Resource Fair will be open all day, giving families plenty of time to stop in between sessions, ask questions, and gather practical tools. You’ll meet epilepsy centers, therapy and education professionals, community organizations, researchers, and companies working on treatments and supports for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Come to explore at your own pace. Pick up...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall

10:00am CDT

Participate In Research - Family Perspectives About Epilepsy Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Study: Share Your Family’s JourneyResearchers are seeking to understand the "real-world" experiences of families navigating pediatric epilepsy surgery. By gathering perspectives from the patient advocacy community, this study aims to identify barriers to care and uncover what matters most to families when making surgical decisions.How to Participate: Stop by the UPMC...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall
  In-Person Research

11:00am CDT

Balance and Eye Movement Challenges After Brain Injury or Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Kids healing from concussions or brain surgery often face hidden struggles with balance and vision. These issues can make it hard to focus in class, keep up on the playground, or even walk around safely. This session covers what these signs look like, why doctors sometimes miss them, and how families can get the right testing and therapy to help their child recover.If you've ever felt "sea legs"...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Denise Gobert, PhD

Denise Gobert, PhD

Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, UT CARE Initiative
Dr. Gobert has been practicing physical therapy for over 20 years and teaches in the Neuro/ Research track in the Doctoral Physical Therapy Program at the Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Her clinical practice and research specializes in the care of persons with neurological... Read More →
Balance and Eye Movement Challenges After Brain Injury or Surgery (Gobert) pdf
👀 Eye Exercises for Home HANDOUT Gobert 2026 pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

11:00am CDT

Mapping the Mind: Neuropsychological Evaluation and Tracking Progress After Epilepsy Surgery to Inform School Interventions
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
When a child undergoes epilepsy surgery, families are often told they need neuropsychological testing, but many aren't sure what it actually measures or how to use the results to support their child's education. This session pulls back the curtain on neuropsychological evaluations to help you find clarity, track cognitive changes, and advocate effectively in the classroom.Dr. Rosalia Costello and...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Karen Evankovich, PhD

Karen Evankovich, PhD

Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Dell Children's Medical Center
Karen Evankovich, PhD, is a pediatric neuropsychologist in UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin. Additionally, Dr. Evankovich is an associate professor in the Dell Medical... Read More →
avatar for Rosalia Costello, PsyD

Rosalia Costello, PsyD

Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Dell Children's Medical Center
Rosalia Costello, PsyD, is a pediatric psychologist with UT Health Austin who practices at Dell Children's in Austin, Texas. Dr. Costello specializes in diagnosing and treating behavioral and mental health disorders in children and adolescents, including substance abuse, self-harm... Read More →
Mapping the Mind Neuropsych Eval and Tracking Progress After Epilepsy Surgery (Evankovich Costello) pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  School & Learning

11:00am CDT

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
If you receive Social Security benefits (SSI or SSDI), you have a legal right to the services you need to work or attend school. This session provides an overview of the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program, a free legal resource that protects the rights of people with disabilities. (While our speaker is from Disability Rights Texas, this program is...
See More →
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 →
Speakers
avatar for Randi Turner

Randi Turner

Advocate, Disability Rights Texas
Randi Turner has spent her career acting as a bridge between complex state policies and the real-world needs of the people they serve. As the Accessibility and Disability Rights Coordinator for the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Randi’s work is rooted... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

11:00am CDT

Why Genetic Testing Matters for All Children with Epilepsy
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Genetic testing can help explain the cause of a child’s epilepsy, guide treatment decisions, identify related health concerns, and connect families to research opportunities. This session will break down the different types of genetic testing, when testing may be appropriate, and what families should know about possible results, including uncertain findings. It will also cover practical issues...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for M. Scott Perry, MD

M. Scott Perry, MD

Head of Neurosciences, Jane and john Justin Neurosciences Center, Cook Children's Medical Center
M. Scott Perry is the Head of Neurosciences and Director of the Genetic Epilepsy Clinic at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX.

He completed his medical degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine... Read More →
avatar for Dennis Lal, PhD

Dennis Lal, PhD

Founding Director, Center of Neurogenetics, UTHealth Houston, Texas
Dennis Lal, PhD is an internationally recognized genomic scientist, biomedical informatics leader, and precision health architect whose work focuses on transforming how genomic and clinical data are translated into real-world impact for children with rare and complex diseases. He... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Friday July 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Ice box salad: chopped lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions,peas, shredded cheese, croutons with herb yogurt dressingCreamy kale-slaw: shredded cabbage, baby kale, carrot, creamy cider dressingBuild Your Own Grill Sandwich: BBQ rubbed chicken breast, beef burger, chipotle black bean burger, brioche bunToppings: leaf lettuce, sliced tomato, sliced white onion, pickled red onion, pickle...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  Meal

1:00pm CDT

Expo Bingo
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Take a break and explore the Expo Hall with Expo Bingo. Pick up a bingo card and stroll through the booths, meet exhibitors, and learn about helpful resources. As you visit tables, you’ll collect stamps to complete your card.Turn in your completed card by the end of the time slot to be entered into a prize drawing. Winners will be selected at random, so not everyone will win, but everyone will...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Expo Hall

2:00pm CDT

Hearing and Listening After Epilepsy Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Some children and young adults have hearing-related challenges after epilepsy surgery even when their basic hearing is normal. This session will explore how epilepsy surgery can affect auditory processing, including understanding speech, following directions, processing sound in noisy settings, and keeping up in school or daily life. Families will learn what signs to watch for, how these issues...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Emily Harford, SLP

Emily Harford, SLP

Clinical Research Coordinator, Speech Language Pathologist, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Emily Harford is a dedicated researcher whose work focuses on the adaptability of the developing brain. Her heart is in understanding how children navigate life and thrive after major neurological procedures, such as hemispherotomy. By studying how the brain processes sound, recognizes... Read More →
HearingAndListening PESA26 pptx
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery   Behavior & Trama   Surgery & Treatments

2:00pm CDT

Research Update: Driving With Homonymous Hemianopia
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Many people who have had a hemispherectomy, or other surgeries which remove or disconnect an occipital lobe, live with homonymous hemianopia. One of the biggest questions families ask as kids become teens and young adults is: Can they ever drive safely and legally? In this session, Alex Bowers, PhD and Jing Xu, PhD will share what we currently know about driving with homonymous hemianopia and ...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jing Xu, PhD

Jing Xu, PhD

Faculty Researcher, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Jing Xu is a faculty researcher dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of the visually impaired community. Her tenure in the lab has seen her grow from postdoctoral fellow to faculty, building from her experiences as a Bosma Research Associate at the Envision Research... Read More →
avatar for Alex Bowers, PhD

Alex Bowers, PhD

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Bowers is a clinician scientist whose primary focus is vision rehabilitation research. She has made significant contributions to the field as an optometrist in the United Kingdom, as well as an educator and researcher. Dr. Bowers is a highly accomplished clinical scientist focused... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Research

2:00pm CDT

Social Success and the Regulated Brain
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Surgery is often seen as the finish line, but for many children and teens, it’s actually the starting block for a new kind of marathon. This session bridges the gap between clinical recovery and real-world thriving, focusing on the unique ways the brain adapts socially and emotionally after epilepsy surgery. We will explore the science of "social rewiring" to understand how the brain reorganizes...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Karen Keough, MD

Karen Keough, MD

Medical Director & Epilepsy Program Director, Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin
Dr. Karen Keough earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in child neurology at Duke University and an additional fellowship in epilepsy at Baylor University in Houston.

Dr. Keough is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pe... Read More →
Social success & the regulated brain pptx
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

2:00pm CDT

Sib Shops (for tween sibs only)
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
For siblings ages 8-12 only. 20 children max. Sorry, no exceptions. Celebrate the unique, complex, and vital role of being a sibling to a child with a disability. This 2-hour Sibshops session is a dynamic workshop that recognizes the “real” sibling experience - the good, the tough, and everything in between. We believe siblings are each other’s best resource, so we’ve designed a...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Alyssa Geis, MPH, CCLS

Alyssa Geis, MPH, CCLS

Child Life Clinical Specialist, Texas Children's Hospital
Alyssa Geis, MPH, CCLS, has extensive experience in child life services, beginning with a role as Outpatient Surgery Certified Child Life Specialist at The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center from September 2010 to June 2018. In this position, Alyssa provided developmentally... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

3:00pm CDT

Supporting Siblings through the Epilepsy Surgery Journey
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
We often focus so much on the child having surgery that their brothers and sisters can become the "quiet observers" of the family. Siblings are deeply affected by epilepsy and surgery, even when they seem “fine.” They feel the worry and the hope, but they don’t always know how to put those feelings into words.In this session, we will share key insights from The Alliance’s sibling...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Supporting Siblings 2026 PESA pdf
Supporting Siblings 2026 PESA slides pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Behavior & Trama

3:00pm CDT

Advances In Epilepsy Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This session will bring together experts to discuss recent advances in epilepsy surgery, including new techniques, technologies like focused ultrasound, and approaches to patient selection, planning, and follow-up care. Attendees will hear about emerging trends in the field, what may be changing in clinical practice, and what these developments could mean for children and families considering...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Taylor Abel

Taylor Abel

Chief, Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Taylor Abel, MD, is chief of pediatric neurosurgery and surgical director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is an American Board of Neurological Surgery and American Board Pediatric Neurological Surgery certified pediatric neurosurgeon... Read More →
avatar for Sandi Lam, MD, MBA

Sandi Lam, MD, MBA

Division Chief, Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Dr. Lam is a pediatric neurosurgeon and a leading specialist in the areas of pediatric cerebrovascular surgery, epilepsy surgery and craniofacial surgery with a focus on minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. In addition to her clinical experience in complex surgeries, her... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

3:00pm CDT

Brave on the Page™: Telling Your Story After Epilepsy Surgery
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
You have a story that belongs only to you. This is your space to explore it, find your voice, and discover what’s waiting inside you. Brave on the Page™ is a 90-minute writing workshop for teens and adults (13+) who have had epilepsy surgery in childhood. Hosted by bestselling children’s author Marianne Richmond, with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, this is a...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Marianne Richmond, MA

Marianne Richmond, MA

Bestselling Children’s Author, Speaker & Brave on the Page™ Expressive Writing Facilitator, Marianne Richmond Studios
Longtime children's author, artist, and mental health professional Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions over the past three decades through her beloved picture books. In 1997, while recovering from brain surgery for epilepsy, she wrote and illustrated her first book... Read More →
TellingYourStory pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

4:00pm CDT

Texas-Sized Hearts: A Bling & Breathe Session for Moms
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Being a caregiver to a child with epilepsy requires a level of strength that can be exhausting. Even the strongest hearts need a moment to simply breathe. Join fellow mom and advocate Tiffany Townsend, author of Challenging the Spectrum, for a session dedicated entirely to you: a space to exhale, share your story, and find common ground with women who truly ​"​get it."Through...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Townsend

Tiffany Townsend

Mother, Advocate, Author, Devoted Mama
Tiffany Townsend is a mom, advocate, and author of Challenging the Spectrum, a memoir about her family’s experience with autism, epilepsy, and SUDEP. She is passionate about supporting other moms through practical encouragement, creative activities, and community-building. Tiffany’s work focuses on giving mothers space to breathe, connect, and feel genuinely... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Behavior & Trama

4:00pm CDT

Red Flags After Epilepsy Surgery: Seizures Returning, Behavior Shifts, and Hidden Neurologic Issues
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
When a child has had epilepsy surgery, new symptoms can be scary and can be misunderstood, especially in the emergency room. This neurosurgery-led session helps families recognize red flags that could point to a surgical or neurologic problem, and teaches you how to advocate clearly and effectively with ER staff and neurosurgical teams.Surgeons will cover what they worry about when seizures...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Aria Fallah, MD, MS, MBA

Aria Fallah, MD, MS, MBA

Director, Epilepsy Surgery, UCLA Health
Dr. Aria Fallah is a renowned epilepsy surgeon recognized as one of the leading neurosurgeons in the United States and Southern California. He is distinguished for his rare dual expertise in both pediatric and adult epilepsy surgery, a field in which he maintains one of the busiest... Read More →
avatar for Jason Hauptman, MD, PhD

Jason Hauptman, MD, PhD

Division Chief, Neurosurgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital
Dr. Hauptman has highly specialized training in pediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy/functional neurosurgery and pediatric surgical neuro-oncology.

He treats a wide range of conditions including brain tumors, epilepsy and spina bifida, as well as inherited brain and spine disorders. Dr. Hauptman is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the use of robotic stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG), neuromodulation includin... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

4:00pm CDT

A Lifetime of Support: Building Your Child’s Financial Safety Net
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Most parents are the "engine" that keeps their child’s world running, but what happens when you are no longer there to steer the ship? Vital government benefits like SSI and Medicaid provide a foundation for healthcare and housing, allowing your child to live a full, independent life. Without a formal plan, a simple inheritance or savings account can accidentally disqualify them from this vital...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Mary McDirmid, ChSNC

Mary McDirmid, ChSNC

Co-Founder, Special Needs Financial Planner, All Needs Planning
When Mary isn’t helping families navigate the world of special needs financial planning, she is being a wife to Jay and a mom to Charlie and Ruth. In addition to her leadership role at All Needs Planning and a volunteer advocate for kids with rare diseases. She takes the title “Mom... Read More →
260617 ANP Support Your Family Mary pdf
Friday July 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Transition to Adulthood

5:00pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!
Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
Enjoy the many things to do at the resort! 🏝️ Outdoor Water Park (open until 7 pm)💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)🍔 Restaurants🛍️ Shopping 👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢 (closes at midnight)📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari ResortPlease note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included only with a Kalahari room reservation, not with...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 5:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
  On Your Own

7:00pm CDT

Teen and Young Adult Bowling Mixer
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
B-Lux Bowling @ Tom Foolery Arcade (Kalahari) @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Teen + Young Adult Bowling Night (on us!)Teens and young adults ages 13+ who had epilepsy surgery in childhood are invited to bowl together on us. It’s a fun, low-pressure chance to meet others who truly get it and hang out outside the sessions.Hosted by:Toby and Kara Erickson HarrisBrad and Monika Jones Jon and Nicole Murray Interested in hosting this event? Contact Nicole Murray at...
See More →
Friday July 17, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
B-Lux Bowling @ Tom Foolery Arcade (Kalahari)
 
Saturday, July 18
 

7:30am CDT

Breakfast
Saturday July 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Seasonal sliced fruit, field melons, fresh berries, wholebananas, individual plain, fruit, greek yogurt, breakfast cereals, home-style granola, fat free milk, 2% milk, almond milk, steel cut oats, chopped pecans, dried fruits, brown sugar, maple syrup, breakfast pastries, petite muffins, fruit preserves, honey.


Subject to change without notice. 
Saturday July 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  Meal

8:00am CDT

Registration + Info Desk
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Registration F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Welcome!

When you arrive at the designated location, please proceed to the check-in area where you will be able to collect your event materials, including your badge which serves as your official identification for the duration of the event. It is essential that you have your badge on your person at all times to ensure smooth access to all areas and activities.
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Registration F
  Conference Logistics

8:30am CDT

Kid Camp
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Nile @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Our kid camp includes a wide range of fun arts and crafts, games, and age-appropriate activities for all children at our conference.Room choices include:Quiet Room - best for babies, toddlers, and those with significant sensory challengesActivity Room - Lots to do for our more active campers!Please note:All children attending the conference must be registered with their own ticket, whether or not...
See More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30am - 5:00pm CDT
Nile 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Child Care + Related Logistics

9:00am CDT

Ask Me Anything: A Parent Panel
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
This candid session gives families the chance to ask parents who have been through the epilepsy surgery journey the questions they may be afraid to ask anywhere else. Panelists will share honest perspectives on decision-making, fear, recovery, setbacks, school, family life, and what they wish they had known earlier. It is an open, practical conversation designed to help other caregivers feel less...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  General Session

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Homonymous Hemianopia/Spot Driving Hazards
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
See full description and how to sign up here. 
Speakers
avatar for Alex Bowers, PhD

Alex Bowers, PhD

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Bowers is a clinician scientist whose primary focus is vision rehabilitation research. She has made significant contributions to the field as an optometrist in the United Kingdom, as well as an educator and researcher. Dr. Bowers is a highly accomplished clinical scientist focused... Read More →
avatar for Jing Xu, PhD

Jing Xu, PhD

Faculty Researcher, Bowers Lab, Harvard University
Dr. Jing Xu is a faculty researcher dedicated to enhancing the safety and independence of the visually impaired community. Her tenure in the lab has seen her grow from postdoctoral fellow to faculty, building from her experiences as a Bosma Research Associate at the Envision Research... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon I
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Understanding the Family Perspective on Epilepsy Surgery
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Researchers are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to understand the "real world" experience of families navigating the epilepsy surgery journey. While most research happens in doctors' offices, this study focuses on your voice within the patient advocacy community. Your insights will help us identify barriers to care and what matters most to families when making surgical decisions.

Speakers
avatar for Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Ruba Al-Ramadhani, MD

Associate Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Dr. Al-Ramadhani is a board-certified Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, currently serving as the Program Director of the Child Neurology Residency Program and Associate Medical Director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Expo Hall
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
A full description of this research is here. 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon G
  In-Person Research

9:00am CDT

Participate in Research - Visual Processing
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
A full description of this research is here. 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Salon F
  In-Person Research

10:00am CDT

Medical Trauma in Families Affected By Brain Injury and Neurosurgery
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Brain injury, and in some cases epilepsy surgery, can affect far more than a child’s physical recovery. These experiences can leave lasting emotional effects on the entire family. This session will explore how medical trauma can show up in parents, caregivers, siblings, and children after hospitalizations, surgeries, emergencies, and ongoing care. Attendees will learn to recognize common signs...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Bommer, M.A., LPC

Jennifer Bommer, M.A., LPC

Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Texas Neurotrauma Counseling
Jennifer is a licensed professional counselor and brain injury specialist (CBIS) based in Austin, Texas. She is the founder of Texas Neurotrauma Counseling and a dedicated advocate for advancements in the brain injury system of care. Jennifer also holds a certification in concussions... Read More →
Understanding Medical Trauma.key zip
Medical Trauma in Families Affected By Brain Injury and Neurosurgery (Bommer) pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Behavior & Trama

10:00am CDT

From Family Questions to Research: Hemispherectomy Skills | Vision After Resections
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This panel will highlight studies inspired, funded, or recruited by the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance focused on two issues that matter deeply to families: skill development after hemispherectomy and vision outcomes after resections. Speakers will discuss how these research questions grew out of real family concerns, what the studies aimed to better understand, and what has been learned so...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Courtney Stone

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Maria Z. Chroneos

Maria Z. Chroneos

Graduate Student, Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
Maria Chroneos is interested in how brain networks organize across development to support cognitive and functional behavior. She is particularly interested in reorganization and plasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, injuries, and other disruptions to these processes... Read More →
avatar for Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Marlene Behrmann, PhD

Professor, Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Behrmann is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology/Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Widely considered to be a worldwide leader in the field of visual cognition, she was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences in 2015 and into the Ame... Read More →
avatar for Lynn Paul, PhD

Lynn Paul, PhD

Senior Research Scientist, California Institute of Technology
Lynn Paul's research is broadly focused on understanding the role that cortical connectivity plays in development of higher-order social cognition and the brain's capacity for reorganization during development. Utilizing eye-tracking, standardized neuropsychological instruments, and... Read More →
From Family questions to Research (Paul) pdf
Chroneos PESA Talk FINAL PDF pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Research

10:00am CDT

Laser Ablation in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: Current Uses, Recent Advances, and an Emerging Role After Failed Disconnections
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This session will provide a practical overview of laser ablation in pediatric epilepsy surgery, including how it works, when it may be considered, and what recent research is showing about outcomes, safety, and evolving techniques. It will also include discussion of a more specialized topic: the use of laser ablation to address missed connections after functional hemispherectomy in selected cases....
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Daniel Curry, MD

Daniel Curry, MD

Director, Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery The John S. Dunn Foundation Endowed Chair for Minimally Invasive Epilepsy Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital
Dr. Daniel Curry is a Professor of Neurological Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and the Director of Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. He has extensive experience in stereotactic surgery in infants and children and has development programs... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

10:00am CDT

The Parent Experience: Safety, Self-Determination, and the Dignity of Risk
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Aimee Day and her son Ty share an honest look at the tension between keeping a child safe and preparing them for adulthood. Aimee will reflect on her instinct to protect, while Ty will share what it felt like to want more independence. Together, they explore dignity of risk, trauma-informed support, and person-centered planning. Parents will learn how to gradually shift from protector to partner,...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Ty Day

Ty Day

Advocate
Ty Day is a young man with a passion for helping others. He frequently presents at conferences, sharing his journey of becoming a strong self-advocate. Through his experiences, Ty has learned the importance of informed choice and positive control, which have been crucial in planning... Read More →
avatar for Aimee Day

Aimee Day

Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach, Texas A & M University, Center on Disability and Development
Aimee Day is the Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach at the Center on Disability and Development and a Person-Centered Thinking Mentor Trainer. She strives to incorporate Person-Centered Practices in all aspects of her professional and personal life. She has spoken... Read More →
Dignity of Risk PES conference pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Transition to Adulthood

11:00am CDT

Seeing Success After Epilepsy Surgery: Practical Vision Tools for Everyday Life
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
After epilepsy surgery, many children have vision changes like hemianopia, CVI-related characteristics, eye movement problems, or visual fatigue that can make school and daily life harder. This session will explain these issues in plain language and focus on practical tools and strategies.We’ll look at common situations (reading, copying from the board, moving around safely, using screens)...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Lisa Guthrie

Lisa Guthrie

Parent Support Navigator, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Carrie Gillespie

Carrie Gillespie

Outreach Assistive Technology Consultant, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Carrie Gillespie currently works as an Outreach Assistive Technology Consultant at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. With over twenty-eight years in education, she has experience as a teacher, an Instructional Technologist, an Assistive Technology Specialist, and a... Read More →
avatar for Lynne McAlister, M.Ed.

Lynne McAlister, M.Ed.

VI Educational Consultant- Outreach, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Lynne McAlister is a Visual Impairment (VI) Educational Consultant with the Outreach department at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI). With extensive expertise in educational strategies and behavior guidance, she serves as a key contributor to the Texas Deafblind... Read More →
HandoutCVIOverview pdf
CVI Flowchart for Families (1) pdf
CVI Resources (1) pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

11:00am CDT

The Power of Play: Motivation, Participation and Adaptive Play for the Child with Complex Needs
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
For families navigating a complex medical journey, life can often feel like a never-ending cycle of clinical appointments. Many parents carry "therapy guilt," the heavy feeling that if their child isn’t in a formal therapy session, they aren't making progress. This session is an invitation to reclaim childhood and shift the perspective from the clinic to the community.Join us for a dynamic...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Courtney Stone

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Kelli Croll

Kelli Croll

Community Director, CPATH Texas
Kelli brings over 24 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy, specializing in neurological conditions. Her passion for helping children and families drives her collaborative approach with medical teams to achieve the best outcomes. Kelli has been involved with CPATH Texas... Read More →
avatar for Patsy Tate, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Patsy Tate, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Speech Language Pathologist, Neuro-Development Treatment Association
Patsy Tate is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in assessing and treating children with neuro-muscular impairments. She is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) for pediatrics and infants and serves as an NDT instructor for speech-language pathologists... Read More →
The Power of Play pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

11:00am CDT

The Young Adult Experience: Stop Talking About Me and Listen to Me
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Since 2017, Ty and Aimee Day have used person-centered planning and trauma-informed support to help him become a young adult who is not afraid to speak up for himself. Ty will share his story of feeling powerless and misunderstood, even by his own mother! Mom learned how to truly listen and discover what he was trying to tell her. Together, they taught others the importance of having the POWER to...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Aimee Day

Aimee Day

Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach, Texas A & M University, Center on Disability and Development
Aimee Day is the Director of Person-Centered Planning and Family Outreach at the Center on Disability and Development and a Person-Centered Thinking Mentor Trainer. She strives to incorporate Person-Centered Practices in all aspects of her professional and personal life. She has spoken... Read More →
avatar for Ty Day

Ty Day

Advocate
Ty Day is a young man with a passion for helping others. He frequently presents at conferences, sharing his journey of becoming a strong self-advocate. Through his experiences, Ty has learned the importance of informed choice and positive control, which have been crucial in planning... Read More →
Stop Talking About Me and Listen to Me PES conference pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

11:00am CDT

The Next Step: Transitioning to Adult Neurology and Neurosurgery Care
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
The move from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for young people with epilepsy and complex neurological needs. This session will help families understand what to expect during the transition to adult neurology and neurosurgical care, including differences in care models, medical records, decision-making, insurance, and patient independence. Attendees will learn practical steps to prepare...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
avatar for Dave Clarke, MD

Dave Clarke, MD

Chief, Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Dell Children's Medical Center
Dave Clarke, M.D., a board-certified pediatric epileptologist and chief of the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s.

Clarke received his medical degree at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He completed his first two years of pediatric training at Overlook Hospital, then an affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Summit, New Jersey. He completed pediatric... Read More →
Medical Summary & Transition Plan Epilepsy Surgery & Devices (PESA 2026) pdf
Preparing for Health Independence An Action Workbook for Transitioning Young Adults and Families (PESA 2026) pdf
The Next Step Transitioning to Adult Neurology and Neurosurgery Care pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Surgery & Treatments

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Saturday July 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Seasonally inspired daily kettle creation soup: chef’s choiceSalad: chopped romaine hearts, feta cheese, with roasted sweet peppers, marinated tomatoes, shaved red onions, English cucumber, & chickpeas.Served with green goddess dressing.Homestyle potato salad: stone mustard, parmesan, green onionChicken salad wrap: pulled chicken salad, butter lettuce, and sliced tomatoesSmoked Turkey & Swiss...
See More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  Meal

1:00pm CDT

Ask Me Anything: A Young Adult Panel
Saturday July 18, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
This open Q&A session gives attendees the chance to hear directly from young adults living with epilepsy or life after epilepsy surgery. Panelists will share honest perspectives on independence, school, work, friendships, mental health, medical care, and growing up with a complex neurological history. It is a chance to ask real questions, hear lived experience, and better understand the challenges...
See More →
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 →
Saturday July 18, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  General Session

2:00pm CDT

Managing Behavior and Sleep: A Medication and Transition Roadmap for Epilepsy Families
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon B @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Behavior challenges, poor sleep, ADHD symptoms, and mental health concerns are some of the most exhausting parts of caring for a child with epilepsy, and these hurdles don't automatically disappear after surgery. This practical, family-centered session pulls back the curtain on how epilepsy neurologists use medications to support your child’s brain, mental health, and behavior as they...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Monika Jones

Monika Jones

Founder + Executive Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Daniel Freedman, DO

Daniel Freedman, DO

Assistant Professor of Neurology, Dell Children's Hospital
Daniel Freedman is a board-certified pediatric epileptologist in UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s with an interest in the behavioral and psychological effects of epilepsy. He is also director of the Dell Children’s Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events Clinic... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon B 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

2:00pm CDT

Managing Movement, Seating, and Growth After Epilepsy Surgery
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon D @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
The main goal of epilepsy surgery is to stop or reduce seizures. However, keeping your child comfortable and able to move well is just as important to their independence. Large resective surgeries (such as frontal lobectomy, hemispherectomy, or TPO resection) can affect how a child walks, sits, and balances. Often, these physical changes don't appear until years later, when a child...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Murray

Nicole Murray

Director of Development, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Nicole Murray serves as the Director of Development for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance (formerly The Brain Recovery Project), returning to the organization where she previously served as Development Director. In her current role, she leads strategic fundraising initiatives... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Catherine Harrison, PT, DPT

Catherine Harrison, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist, Therapy Program Manager, Dell Children's Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s
Cat Harrison, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist in the Dell Children's Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Clinic and other surgical specialty clinics within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children's, a clinical partnership between Dell Children's Medical Center and UT... Read More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon D 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Recovery

2:00pm CDT

How to Advocate For Your Child In School
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon C @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
This session will give parents and caregivers practical tools to advocate for their child at school with more confidence and clarity. It will cover how to prepare for IEP and 504 meetings, ask for appropriate supports and accommodations, communicate effectively with school staff, and address concerns related to seizures, learning, behavior, attendance, and safety. Families will leave with a better...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Audrey Vernick

Audrey Vernick

Director of Patient and Family Advocacy, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance
Audrey Vernick is the Director of Patient and Family Advocacy for the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance. Her journey into advocacy began with her son, Bennett, who suffered an in utero stroke leading to unrelenting infantile spasms. After failing multiple anti-seizure medications... Read More →
How to Advocate for Your Child In School (PESA 2026) pdf
Key Educational Resources for School Teams PESA (2026) pdf
Key Transition Resources (PESA 2025) pdf
Comprehensive Evaluation After Hemispherectomy (PESA 2025) pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon C 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  School & Learning

2:00pm CDT

Level Up Your Circle: Creating Social and Rec Opportunities Your Way!
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon A @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
Ready to expand your social circle and find new ways to jump into fun recreational activities? Led by a Certified Recreational Therapist, this interactive workshop is all about you taking the driver's seat in your social life. Dive into hands-on group activities and creative brainstorming games to discover new hobbies, accessible local events, and online communities. Along the way,...
See More →
Moderators
avatar for Courtney Stone

Courtney Stone

Fundraising and Grants Manager, Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance

Speakers
avatar for Katie Mikulcik, CTRS

Katie Mikulcik, CTRS

Recreation Program Specialist, Austin Parks & Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation
Katie Mikulcik is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who has been with Austin Parks and Recreation for 7 years. From volunteering and running programs as a Girl Scout to facilitating campus-wide events as a college student, she has experience creating recreation opportunities... Read More →
Level Up Your Circle Creating Social and Rec Opportunities Your Way! pdf
Level Up Handouts pdf
Saturday July 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Salon A 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX, USA
  Self-Advocate Track

3:00pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!
Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Enjoy some fun at the resort - but don't forget to get ready for our banquet and dance party - it starts at 5:30 pm! 🏝️ Outdoor Water Park (open until 7 pm)💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)🍔 Restaurants🛍️ Shopping👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari ResortPlease note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included...
See More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
  On Your Own

5:30pm CDT

Dinner and Dance Party - Texas Style!
Saturday July 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:30pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom @ 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Great food, country music, and plenty of time on the dance floor! Country Western encouraged - boots, hats, denim, fringe, plaid, and your best Texas flair welcome.Menu:Cinco niños tortilla soup: crisp tortilla strips, pickled jalapeño, scallionsMarinated grilled skirt steak with salsa verde, spanish rice, roasted squashSimply grilled chicken breast with thyme pan jus, bacon & shallot green...
See More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:30pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
  Banquet + Party

8:30pm CDT

Enjoy the resort!
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm CDT
Enjoy the many things to do at the resort!💦 Indoor Water Park (open until 9 pm)🍔 Restaurants🛍️ Shopping 👾 Tom Foolery Arcade and Adventure Park 🎢 (closes at midnight)📋 Full list of things to do at the Kalahari ResortPlease note: Indoor and outdoor water park access is included only with a Kalahari room reservation, not with conference tickets. Arcade games and rides are an...
See More →
Saturday July 18, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm CDT
  On Your Own
 
  • Filter By Date
    Jul 16 - 18, 2026
  • Filter By Venue
    Round Rock, TX, USA
    All
    B-Lux Bowling @ Tom Foolery Arcade (Kalahari)
    Expo Hall
    Kalahari Ballroom
    Nile
    Registration D
    Registration F
    Salon A
    Salon B
    Salon C
    Salon D
    Salon F
    Salon G
    Salon I
  • Filter By Type
    Banquet + Party
    Behavior & Trama
    Child Care + Related Logistics
    Conference Logistics
    General Session
    In-Person Research
    Meal
    On Your Own
    Recovery
    Research
    School & Learning
    Self-Advocate Track
    Surgery & Treatments
    Transition to Adulthood
  • Timezone

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Event Planning Software • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Thursday, July 16
Friday, July 17
Saturday, July 18
B-Lux Bowling @ Tom Foolery Arcade (Kalahari)
Expo Hall
Kalahari Ballroom
Nile
Registration D
Registration F
Salon A
Salon B
Salon C
Salon D
Salon F
Salon G
Salon I
  • Banquet + Party
  • Behavior & Trama
  • Child Care + Related Logistics
  • Conference Logistics
  • General Session
  • In-Person Research
  • Meal
  • On Your Own
  • Recovery
  • Research
  • School & Learning
  • Self-Advocate Track
  • Surgery & Treatments
  • Transition to Adulthood
  • Popular