Peer-Led Connect Group Facilitators
Peer‑Led Connect Groups
Peer‑Led Connect Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers with lived experience of epilepsy. These groups center on connection, listening, and shared understanding.
Explore group descriptions and get to know more about the facilitators below.
Interested in attending? Visit the Event Calendar to find the group you want to attend and register.
Meet the Facilitators
Partner of Someone with Epilepsy: Meet Chris and James
📅 1st Thursday, Monthly | ⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
Zoom
Partners are invited to join others for an hour to discuss the highs and lows of their journeys and hear from other significant others about how to care for themselves while caring for loved ones with epilepsy.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
James Schaefer
james.schaefer84@gmail.com
Chris Merrill
cmerrill1@gmail.com
Meet Chris:
I’m 44 years old and live in Bloomington, MN. My partner, Dena, has epilepsy. I enjoy spending time with my family, working with my hands, and visiting our state and local parks.
Epilepsy can be an isolating condition for those living with seizures as well as for their partners. The caretaker/life partner dynamic comes with unique challenges and bonds not easily articulated to those who don’t experience life through this particular lens. I value my participation in the EFMN ‘Partners of Someone with Epilepsy’ support group because I get to relate to others for whom epilepsy is a shared experience.
Meet James:
I have been leading the Partners Group since 2025, but attended meetings for a few years prior to leading my own group. My wife, Kelly, has had epilepsy since 2016 and we have navigated this journey from initial diagnosis, med changes, inpatient studies, RNS implant surgery and device setting changes.
Kelly is a facilitator for the Parenting with Epilepsy group. The connections we have made with these groups has been wonderful, getting to know others going through the same things that we have. We live in the south twin cities metro with my 10 year old step-son John, and our two old dogs (Bob – 14 and Kaya – 13).
We enjoy going to all of John’s activities (basketball, baseball, swim, and skating lessons). John and I love playing video and board games together, and I also enjoy woodworking when time and weather allow.
Our group is entirely about community. Significant others are often overlooked in the diagnosis and treatments of epilepsy. Though we are not the ones having seizures, epilepsy deeply impacts our lives. This group is a safe place for sharing experiences and resources in our journeys with epilepsy. You are not alone.
Parenting with Epilepsy: Meet Kel and KariAnn
📅 2nd Tuesday, Monthly | ⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
Zoom
Adults living with epilepsy who are also parents are invited to come together to meet others, share the triumphs and challenges of living with seizures, and connect with those who understand the epilepsy journey. Significant others and children are welcome to join the meeting.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Kel Schaefer
kelannschaefer@gmail.com
KariAnn Buntrock
buntrock@bektel.com
Meet Kel:
My first seizure was almost 10 years ago with the birth of my son, John. He was born at 36weeks 6days due to severe Eclampsia and PRES (significant brain swelling) and had our dog, Kaya not alerted his Father to the seizure we would not be here today. She saved our lives and has been my shadow ever since. After some time in ICU and a day of NICU for John we were able to go home, but for me it was a long journey to begin the healing process, something I would not have changed for the world, as it meant my baby was healthy and it was me that took to brunt of all the complications.
I started having regular seizures (which we weren’t diagnosed for nearly 2 years) after a TBI when he was 3 months old. Fast forward to diagnosis after having several Neurologists, I was diagnosed with Complex Partial Epilepsy (now called Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures) originating from my Left Hippocampus (the memory center of the brain) with Left Mesial Temporal Lobe Sclerosis.
As many of us experience trying to find the right medication regimen to control our seizures, failing and going through the gambit of testing, I had an RNS (Responsive Neurostimulator) implanted in my brain in Fall of 2024. I am still in the early stages of working with my Epileptolgist to control the remaining seizures that I have on a regular basis and have been through a year’s worth of specialized Speech and Occupational Therapy to help as well.
With the improvements to my health that the RNS device has granted me, I am now allowed to do more things that I truly enjoy such as; watching my son play sports (Basketball and Baseball), going on trips with my family to visit new places or see family in Colorado, work on home improvements alongside my Husband, James, and hopefully one day begin working on rebuilding my family’s Stained Glass business (something I grew up with as a child). I just bought an adult tricycle and cannot wait for the late spring to start trying it out!
My little family of 3; James, John, and myself, plus our two dogs, Bob and Kaya, live in the Twin Cities Metro, close to the MN Zoo in Rosemount. John is in 4th grade and is such a sweetheart. He loves Math, Chess, and of course Video Games, plus is learning to ice skate, swimming, basketball, and baseball throughout the year. James works as a Software Developer by day and is a Super Dad by night and loves woodworking, he also is part of EFMN as a support group leader for Significant Others of People with Epilepsy.
For me this group is a space where I feel understood and can share my feelings about what it is like to be someone with epilepsy and all of the extra steps/struggles we go through to parent our children.
Email: kelannschaefer@gmail.com
Meet KariAnn:
I was 30 years old when I had my first tonic clonic seizure in the middle of the night.
I joined EFMN in 2024 and it is one of the best things I have ever done! I spent nearly eight years keeping my epilepsy to myself and only my immediate family knew as I was embarrassed and felt I would be judged. I couldn’t even use the word epilepsy, just seizure! I was just so lucky to be on a call with my doctor who connected me with Lisa P. and I called her right after my doctor’s visit. They just happened to have a group meeting that night I joined and I am here today!
I live in the country outside of Bismarck, ND. My family and I spend a lot of time outdoors hunting, and we also raise pheasants in the spring.
Knowing that I am not alone and there are others to talk with has made the world. My heart no longer crumbles with each seizure knowing I can call a new close friend who understands.
Duluth Area Adults: Meet Desiree
📅 2nd Thursday, Monthly | ⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
Caribou Coffee – Duluth 2100 London Rd Duluth, MN 55812
Adults impacted by epilepsy are welcome to attend this quarterly peer-led in-person group to meet others who can relate to their experiences of managing epilepsy. The group will meet at an open table, and guests are welcome to order their own food/beverage.
Contact the facilitator with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Desiree Gregorich
pugtekk@gmail.com
Meet Desiree:
Hi, I’m Desiree! I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 14 years old. I’m also a brain injury survivor and mother of 2 teenage girls and 1 dog. I’ve been volunteering with EFMN for over a decade.
Meeting others impacted by epilepsy is very important so we do not feel alone on our journey. Making that connection builds both personal and community strength for us all!
Coffee + Conversation + Creativity for Adults in the Twin Cities: Meet Babs
📅 2nd Saturday, Monthly | ⏰ 9:00–10:00 AM
Mojo Coffee Gallery, 2205 California St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Anyone impacted by epilepsy is welcome to join for coffee and conversation at this monthly opportunity to connect. If you enjoy a creative activity such as writing or crafting, you’re welcome to bring your project with.
Contact the facilitator with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Babs Larson
babsandbeijing@icloud.com
Meet Babs:
I strongly feel that writing, be it a book, daily journal or a a few written observations is a healing factor in living our special lives. All Epileptics are welcome as well as family members and caretakers. There are no assignments or compulsory work just a social gathering of meeting others. I work with each person according to their wants and needs.
In my early youth, I received the diagnosis of Epilepsy and am well over half a century on seizure medication. My sister is also an Epileptic.
Constant medication changes were hard. Living 6 miles from the Canadian border, we were isolated from any emotional help. My parents were outstanding in their understanding that I had a normal life.
I became the Public Librarian for 33 years and an actress in Summer Theater for 33 years. Then I moved to Minneapolis on June 2015. I wrote a book of poems, Howling to be Heard, created clipboards with Epileptic poems and now I write short stories. I welcome any chance to speak about my Epilepsy to any group.
Moms Supporting Moms with Adult Children with Epilepsy: Meet Shelly
📅 1st Tuesday, Monthly | ⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM
Zoom
Moms of adult children with epilepsy are invited to attend this support group where moms come together and share their journey and experiences. This group provides a safe space to express feelings and talk about both the challenges and joys of parenting an adult child with epilepsy.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Shelly Toregerson
shellynd@yahoo.com
Meet Shelly:
I live in Minot, ND with my now 27-year-old son,
Matt.
I created a group for moms of adult children with epilepsy after my son had seized for hours and I had no one to talk about it with.
I was scared, alone and lived in fear of my son having seizures. He had some seizures in the past but nothing compared to him being intubated in the ICU for 6 nights. I read all I could learn yet was still alone. I needed to talk, to ask questions and vent.
Matt was diagnosed with epilepsy almost a year after that event.
This hasn’t been easy on either of us, but with support groups and knowing what others
have gone through and sharing our journey to help others makes it somehow better. Knowing
you’re not alone in this journey helps and I always tell the moms I share with “there is hope”
Parents/ Caregivers of a Nonverbal Child with Epilepsy: Meet Carissa and Joel
📅 Quarterly | ⏰ Varies
Zoom
Join other parents/caregivers of a nonverbal child with epilepsy for a space to share your experiences and support and encourage one another.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Carissa Burns
crpfarr@gmail.com
Joel Virtue
joeljvirtue@gmail.com
Meet Carissa:
Epilepsy came storming into our world seven years ago. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with her seizure disorder at 5 months old. Since that day, our family has been in the trenches everyday battling seizures. Though my daughter carries the weight of her diagnosis, my husband and I had to and still are navigating life as caretakers. We were introduced to EFMN early in our journey. EFMN connected us with other families who helped us face our fears, normalize what should not be normal, and connected us with people who truly understand the path we are walking. ‘
My daughter is non-verbal and has a laundry list of other diagnoses in addition to epilepsy. This specific group is a place where we as caregivers can openly discuss what is going on with our non-verbal kiddos whether it is a hardship we’re currently facing, a victory in treatment, or a simple check in to see how we’re all doing.
In our free time, we love visiting the North Shore. Dance parties happen frequently in our household. Though we love MN winters, we are eager for summer to play in the sprinkler, go swimming, have water fights, and take long boat rides!
Meet Joel:
I am the parent of a 32 year old son with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who is nonverbal. Epilepsy has been part of our family life for decades and has shaped how we plan, respond, and measure progress. Living with severe epilepsy teaches patience, persistence, and how to keep going through long periods of uncertainty.
I own a website design and marketing company and am actively involved with local chambers of commerce, where I focus on supporting small businesses and strengthening community connections. Alongside that work, I volunteer as a peer group leader with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, supporting parents of nonverbal children with epilepsy. I bring both lived experience and a practical mindset to this role, offering support grounded in reality, shared understanding, and respect for how demanding this journey can be.
Adults Navigating Life After Epilepsy Surgery: Meet Traci and David
📅 2nd Monday, Monthly | ⏰ 7:00-8:00 PM
Zoom
You’re invited to connect over Zoom with other adults to discuss navigating life after epilepsy surgery. This group is for those who have had any type of surgical intervention for epilepsy including lobectomy, hemispherectomy, RNS, DBS, VNS, Visualize (laser guided ablation), etc.
Whether your impacts include continued seizures, memory difficulties, employment changes, applying for benefits, communication struggles, family dynamics, changes in energy level, mental health impacts, or any other life impacts, this is a space for you to know that you are not alone.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Traci Kokke
tlkokke@hotmail.com
David Elmergreen
heygreenman@yahoo.com
Meet Traci:
I currently live in Galesville, Wisconsin with my husband, my son, and our Golden Retriever. I enjoy listening to music, cleaning, spending time with family and friends, and walking our dog, Lucy.
My passion for advocacy is both professional and deeply personal. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005, and I know firsthand how life‑changing this disease can be—and how vital it is to have access to strong support networks and compassionate care. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Viterbo University in La Crosse in 2007 and spent more than 18 years serving others through public health and infectious disease nursing.
My career included pandemic preparedness, communicable disease response, and immunization programs as a Public Health Nurse, followed by work alongside infectious disease physicians at Mayo Clinic Health System during COVID. In 2019, I underwent a right temporal lobectomy with removal of my hippocampus and amygdala. I was seizure‑free for three years following surgery. Due to my epilepsy and possible lifelong complications, I was later terminated from my role as a registered nurse. This experience has further strengthened my commitment to helping others living with epilepsy feel supported, understood, and empowered.
My medical journey includes multiple brain surgeries, two brain tumors, a shunt with a magnetic siphon valve, surviving a brain infection that required a prolonged ICU stay, mental health challenges, failure of more than 10 epilepsy medications, and migraines since the age of 11.
I am honored to serve as a peer facilitator for the Adults Navigating Life After Surgery support group.I am also a member of the Epilepsy Policy and Advocacy Committee, a volunteer with the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and an ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin.
Meet David:
My name is David Elmergreen. I live in Alma Wisconsin. I am 55 years old and was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2004 at the age of 33.
I enjoy walking and running and listening to music and audiobooks while doing so.
I appreciate the chance to help others affected by epilepsy.
I volunteer for walks, camps, and any events that I am able to help with in both Wisconsin and Minnesota as living on the border allows me the ability to do so.
My goal is to educate and help others to try and prevent some of the discriminatory policies that are associated with epilepsy.
Grand Rapids Area Community Epilepsy Awareness Group
📅 2nd Thursday, Monthly | ⏰ 6:00-7:30 PM
Kiesler Wellness Center, 3130 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Anyone personally impacted by epilepsy or interested in learning more about epilepsy is welcome to join us for a monthly opportunity to connect with others who can relate to your experiences.
The meetings start with a light dinner followed by a time of connecting while enjoying activities such as playing pool, fuse ball, Legos, board games, and more. This is a safe space to know that you are not alone in your journey with epilepsy.
Contact one of the facilitators with any questions.
Facilitator(s)
Brittanie Danzl
brittanieboldt@yahoo.com
Joss Parantala
parantalajoss@gmail.com
Kasey Cundy
mamacundy@gmail.com
Have Questions or Facing a Barrier to Joining?
Reach out to us. We’re here to help.
What to Expect
- Connect Groups are guided by respect, trust, and shared experience.
- Most meetings are open discussion, while others may focus on a topic or feature a guest speaker.
- We keep the format flexible, so there’s room for both structure and open sharing.
Group Guidelines
- What’s shared in the group stays in the group. We protect privacy and confidentiality.
- Share the air. Everyone who wants to speak gets a chance.
- Speak from your own experience. Use “I” language and avoid giving advice unless asked.
- Be kind and respectful. We welcome different views and value supportive conversation.
- Join on time. Meetings begin promptly and follow a guided format.
- Seizure safety is a priority. Facilitators are trained in seizure first aid.
- Make new friends, safely. We don’t share contact info — but you’re welcome to connect outside of meetings.
Upcoming Connect Groups
View all events07
May
Young Adult Connect Group
A space for young adults with epilepsy to meet others and talk about life updates, challenges, and successes with others who understand the epilepsy journey. This is a young adult-led group looking to create peer-to-peer support and connection. For more information, please contact Lisa Necastro at lisa.necastro@efmn.org or 651-287-2358.
12
May
Teen Connect
This space is for teens with epilepsy to meet others who understand the journey they’re on. Join us to hang out, make new friends, and talk about growing up and living with epilepsy. For more information, please contact Lisa Necastro at Lisa.necastro@efmn.org or 651-287-2358.
21
May
Parent/Caregiver Connect
Meet other parents, grandparents, and caregivers who live day-to-day caring for a child with seizures and/or epilepsy. This is an opportunity to meet others, offer peer-to-peer support, share resources and experiences, and talk honestly about the triumphs and challenges of a child’s epilepsy journey. For more information, please contact Erik
Thriving with Epilepsy
Meet Ryan Lais
Ryan found Connect Groups helpful when he became an adult and had a totally different set of anxieties in his life. That support led him to joining our Regional Advisory Committee and working to help others.
Ryan's Story
Looking for more ways to connect?
Our social events are also a great way to meet other people who understand, and to have some fun!
Social Events