Pam Hughes

​Executive Director

email:  pam@efeasttn.org

Pam has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2001. She was a supervisor at the Education Development Assessment Center for Goodwill before coming to the Foundation. She lives in Dandridge with her husband of 33 years. Pam received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson Newman. Like all of the staff at the Foundation, Pam helps with all of the programs. A great deal of her time goes towards seeking grants and funding for our programs, but also enjoys helping coordinate the support group and social outings for the clients. When not at work, Pam enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Paula Ellis

  Public Education Coordinator

  email:   paula@efeasttn.org

Paula has been with the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee since 2004. She grew up in the Knoxville area and currently lives in Walland with her husband of 29 years. Before coming to the Epilepsy Foundation, Ms. Ellis worked for Kroger for 20 years and then went on to work for the TVA Credit Union. Her daughter, now 36, had seizures as a young child, which gives her great insight and passion for the mission of the Foundation. In her position as Public Education Coordinator, she is responsible for recruiting, coordinating and scheduling first aid training presentations throughout 24 counties in East Tennessee. She travels to schools, day cares and businesses throughout the East Tennessee community to educate attendees in appropriate seizure first aid and other social issues surrounding the disorder of epilepsy. In addition, Paula keeps up with new research information from the National Office and other resources to ensure all presentation information is up to date. In her free time, Paula and her husband are involved in marriage ministry.

Selena Lonas

    Client Services Coordinator

    email:  selena@efeasttn.org

Selena has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2018. She lives in Knoxville with her husband of 18 years, and 15-year-old daughter, (who has epilepsy).  Selena started volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee in 2012 and joined our board of directors in 2014 until she started working for the foundation in 2018.  As the Client Services Coordinator, Selena sends materials and application for pharmaceutical programs in order to get long term assistance with their epilepsy medication; coordinates with doctor and dental offices to assist patients who need these services; coordinates camp scholarships for epilepsy camp; helps coordinate support group and assists with fundraising. In her free time, Selena loves to spend time with her family and friends. 

                            Arlene Walston

                                                                                               Wellness Counselor

                                                                                      email:  arlene@efeasttn.org

Arlene has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2022. She was an Adjunct Professor and Counselor for a community college teaching student at on-and off campus sites to include Level 3 and 4 prisons. What preceded? A Parole Education Teacher, of course! For nearly 20 years she taught classes such as Anger Management, Substance Abuse, Parenting, Relationship, GED and Workforce Readiness for the Dept of Education and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation where she received multiple awards. Her compassionate yet professional style of leadership gave her the role as a mentor teacher for educators working with the criminogenic population. Earlier, she was a counselor for teens, parents, mentally ill and addicts-a calling from the Lord, no doubt. Arlene received her Bachelor of Arts with honors in Collaborative Health and Human Service. Later, she obtained a Master’s degree in Education Administration and another Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Several certifications followed to include, but not limited to Domestic Violence, CSOTP. She now lives in Seymour with her husband, a former Parole Officer. After being retired for two years, she gratefully accepted the Wellness Coordinator position. Arlene helps in all the support group programs with an emphasis on the Epilepsy Foundation Wellness Institute. As a Wellness Counselor, a great deal of her time goes towards seeking ways to empower those suffering with Epilepsy. When not at work, Arlene enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, learning new things, serving as a volunteer for Oak City Baptist Church’s children’s ministry, and spending time with her adult children and six grandchildren. ​

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                           Vicki Knisley

                                                                                   Client Services/ Therapeutic Art

                                                                                  email:  vicki@efeasttn.org

​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!