AES DEI Committee Webinar Series: Understanding Social Determinants of Health in Epilepsy Care

Availability

Registration Required

Online Meeting

Sep 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Cost

$0.00

Credit Offered

No Credit Offered

Build a foundation for understanding social determinants of health and their influence on epilepsy care. Speakers will examine disparities connected to economic status, insurance, geography, and education, along with current gaps in SDOH screening and care coordination.

At the end of this webinar, attendees should be able to:

1. Describe key social determinants of health domains and how they influence epilepsy care and outcomes.
2. Identify key disparities in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes linked to economic status, insurance, geography, and education.
3. Recognize gaps in SDOH screening and care coordination in current epilepsy practice.

Anny Reyes, PhD
Anny Reyes, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute and Epilepsy Center. Her research examines how social, cultural, and environmental factors influence cognitive and brain health across neurological disorders, with a particular focus on epilepsy and aging. Dr. Reyes’ work integrates neuropsychology, public health, and community-engaged research approaches to better understand the cognitive and social outcomes of neurological disorders, address disparities in brain health, and improve equitable access to neurological care. Her work is funded by the National Institutes of Health, American Epilepsy Society, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Clinically, Dr. Reyes has expertise in cultural neuropsychology, with a particular focus on assessing neuropsychological syndromes in linguistically diverse populations, including Spanish-speaking patients.

Amanda Mitchell, MPH
Amanda Mitchell is the Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana (EAL), where she works to support all people in Louisiana living with epilepsy, their families, and the community. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Public Health in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health. Amanda began working for EAL after her son was diagnosed with epilepsy. She is passionate about raising awareness of the public health impact of epilepsy and promoting programs and policies that address these challenges, disparities, and inequalities.

Gabi Conecker, MPH
Gabi is Executive Director and Co-founder of the International SCN8A Alliance, founder and President of Wishes for Elliott; since 2014, she has been dedicated to advancing SCN8A research. Gabi has a nearly 20 years experience in advocating for and advancing public health. Gabi earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in 2007. Her professional acumen is further accredited with a PMD Pro program management certification, reflecting her capability to lead complex projects to success. In the SCN8A community, Gabi is a force for change, channeling her extensive experience and strategic thinking into action against SCN8A-related disorders and DEEs. Gabi is the mother of Elliott, who faces a severe SCN8A-related Severe Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Her focus is on driving impactful change, focusing research, galvanizing the medical community behind a unified plan of action, and relentlessly advocating for transformative care and treatments that bring improving quality of life to those with SCN8A and DEEs.