Arlene Walston, MA, MAC
Interim Executive Director
Arlene joined the Epilepsy Foundation of East TN in 2022. Previously, she was an Adjunct Professor and Counselor at a community college, teaching both on- and off-campus students, including those in prisons. She also served as a Parole Education Teacher and Mentor Teacher for GED programs, focusing on soft skills like Workforce Readiness, Anger Management, and Substance Abuse. Arlene has a strong background in counseling, having worked with teens, parents, and individuals with mental health and addiction challenges. She holds a Bachelor’s in Collaborative Health and Human Services, and Master’s degrees in Education Administration and Counseling Psychology, along with various certifications. Now living in Seymour with her husband, a former Parole Officer, Arlene returned to work after two years of retirement, accepting the Wellness Coordinator position. In October 2024, Arlene stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director.
Chuck Walston
Full Time Volunteer
email: [email protected]
Chuck has deep roots in east Tennessee. His family is descended from the father of Bonny Kate, the wife of John Sevier, the state's first governor. In the waning days of the Vietnam War, Chuck joined the U.S. Army. After graduating from Airborne school and Ranger school, Chuck served with the 1st Ranger Battalion and The Old Guard. After over a decade of service, he served for nearly a quarter of a century as a law enforcement officer. Upon retiring, he authored roughly 500 articles focused on investing in the stock market. Chuck now works as a full-time volunteer for the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee, serving as the foundation's grant writer and fundraiser.
Vicki Knisley
Client Services/ Therapeutic Art
email: [email protected]
Vicki Knisley studied fine art at the Dayton Art Institute in Ohio, then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Therapy at Bowling Green State University. She has worked in a variety of human service related jobs in the past, and currently teaches art to homeschoolers in Jefferson County.
Vicki joined the EFET staff in June 2022 as a co-leader for the therapeutic art support group. She enjoys helping with the support groups as well as working in client services. She helps set up neurology appointments, aids in fundraisers, answers phones, and connects people with resources in the community.
Vicki is married to Tim and has raised five terrific children and lots of cats. In her free time she may be found reading Jane Austin, homeschooling her son, volunteering at church, watching live theatre, and always, always singing a show tune!
Vicki joined the EFET staff in June 2022 as a co-leader for the therapeutic art support group. She enjoys helping with the support groups as well as working in client services. She helps set up neurology appointments, aids in fundraisers, answers phones, and connects people with resources in the community.
Vicki is married to Tim and has raised five terrific children and lots of cats. In her free time she may be found reading Jane Austin, homeschooling her son, volunteering at church, watching live theatre, and always, always singing a show tune!
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Rhonda Lonas Client Services Coordinator
email: [email protected]
Rhonda has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2024. She is a hometown girl who grew up in Maynardville and now lives in Morristown. Rhonda studied Human Ecology at the University of TN for her undergraduate and Business Administration for her master's at Carson-Newman University.
She is a mother of three, a retired homeschool mom, and has a son with epilepsy. Rhonda is active in her community and enjoys volunteering at various events. In her spare time, she loves to hike, read, and play board games with her family and friends. |
