2025 Back to School Conference

Session 1 – Epilepsy and Education
This session explores how epilepsy can affect a student’s learning, how to identify and assess educational needs, and how families can partner with schools to create supportive and safe learning environments. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or student, we hope this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and helpful guidance.
Speakers:
Dr. Nancy McNamara, Pediatric Epileptologist
Dr. Erin Fedak, Pediatric Epileptologist
Renee Roederer, Senior Director of Programs and Community Care

Session 2 – Championing Rights and Resources
This session will focus on the supports available to help students with epilepsy thrive in educational settings — from legal protections to inclusive school programs. We’re honored to hear from two outstanding leaders from the Epilepsy Foundation of America
Speakers:
Allison Nichol, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy, and
Khaliah Fleming, Epilepsy & Seizure Safe Classrooms Consultant.
Renee Roederer, Senior Director of Programs and Community Care

Resources
Section 504 Protections for Students with Epilepsy: https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/abo...
Epilepsy and Seizure Safe Classrooms Online Learning Portal to register and access Seizure Safe Classrooms materials: https://learn.epilepsy.com/courses/cl...
Special Education Dispute Resolution Options from the Michigan Department of Education (updated July 7, 2021) - https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Proj...

Session 3 – Michigan Youth with Epilepsy Transition (MiYET) Project
This session will introduce the MiYET project (Michigan Youth with Epilepsy in Transition) and share how it aims to support youth as they build skills for adulthood, navigate educational transitions, and access care with equity and confidence. Speakers will reflect on key focus areas of the project, including education, health, self-advocacy, and life planning, and share highlights from the first phase of this work.
Speakers:
Michelle Burgher, MDHHS Family Center and MiYET Project Co-Lead
Beverly Crider, Founder and CEO at Patient & Family Partnerships, Inc
Nicole Fitzpatrick, Community Program Specialist with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
Renee Roederer, Senior Director of Programs and Community Care