Navigating Epilepsy Together: Family Voices and Real Experiences

This webinar brings together three mothers, Nicole Pizzini, Mashayla Hanson, and Jennifer Nelson, who are living the day-to-day realities of epilepsy and seizures.  They will share their stories, challenges, and wisdom. Through an honest panel discussion, participants will hear directly from parents and caregivers about what it’s really like to navigate diagnosis, daily management, school, healthcare systems, and the emotional ups and downs that come with this journey.

Panelists will reflect on their own family experiences, sharing how epilepsy or seizures have shaped their lives and relationships. They will talk openly about challenges they have faced—such as fear, uncertainty, advocacy, or finding the right supports—and the strategies, resources, and mindsets that helped them move forward. These real-world examples are meant to offer both reassurance and practical insight.

This webinar is designed for individuals and families who experience epilepsy or seizures. Participants will walk away with practical advice, hope, and a stronger sense that they are not alone. By hearing from families who have been there, attendees can build confidence, resilience, and a clearer sense of what might help as they navigate their own path forward.

Participants will:

✅ Hear personal family stories from panelists about living with epilepsy or seizures.
✅ Learn about real challenges panelists have faced—and the strategies that helped them overcome those challenges.
✅ Gain practical advice and encouragement to build confidence and resilience for individuals and families new to this journey.

Join us on March 16th from Noon to 1:00 PM.

Register Here

Special Guest Speakers:

Jen Nelson is a mom of two boys and lives with her family in the Urbandale–Waukee area. Her 17-year-old son, Michael, a senior at Waukee High School, was first diagnosed with epilepsy in 2nd grade. Since then, Jen and her family have navigated the long and often unpredictable road of complex partial seizures, medication-resistant epilepsy, and—most recently—Michael’s brain ablation surgery at the University of Iowa. Their experience has given Jen a deep, firsthand understanding of the emotional, medical, and everyday challenges that come with caring for a child with a chronic neurological condition.

Mashayla Hanson is a mom to four boys. Her third born, Nolan was born with multiple brain abnormalities causing epilepsy. Nolan has a few different seizure types which can make it difficult to always spot them. He has been in school since he was 3 and this fall transitioned into kindergarten. Mashayla spent a lot of time teaching and advocating for Nolan and those who care for him in school. 

Nicole Pizzini, was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa and is a current resident of Solon, Iowa.  She is a Professor at St. Ambrose University in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. She has a PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling focusing on mental health, addictions, and those involved with the criminal justice system.  She is a mother of children with disabilities, including various learning disorders and epilepsy.   She is an active advocate and volunteer with Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, the Epilepsy Foundation Iowa, and the Epilepsy Foundation of America.  She loves traveling, watching wildlife, and exploring our National Parks.