Executive Director – Nikki Porter, PhD

Shortly after completing her PhD in Communication Studies, Nikki Porter began working in the epilepsy not-for-profit sector. Nikki had a dual role at Epilepsy Support Centre as Public Education Coordinator for Windsor, Ontario and Communications Liaison for Southwestern Ontario. As Public Education Coordinator, Nikki fostered a community of individuals and families living with epilepsy while building partnerships with local neurologists, like-minded community organizations, and other stakeholders. Her work as Communications Liaison included integrating educational material into the agency’s Purple Day for Epilepsy activities, rebranding the agency, and involvement in regional, provincial, and national campaigns.

Prior to moving to Ottawa, Nikki worked for Epilepsy Ontario as Project Manager on the Ontario Trillium Foundation funded project From Isolation to Inclusion, which was tasked with building the capacity of community epilepsy agencies across the province. She was also an editor of Epilepsy Ontario’s blog in The Huffington Post Canada and wrote the July 2014 column Let’s Shift Our Language When Talking About Epilepsy.

Although Nikki did not have a personal connection to epilepsy prior to working at Epilepsy Support Centre, her experiences at epilepsy organizations have made this personal. She is committed to supporting individuals and families living with epilepsy, and working to break down barriers that inhibit their full participation in our communities.

Epilepsy Educator – Jamie Everitt, RSW

Jamie Everitt has recently completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University. Jamie has been involved in the agency since beginning her Social Work Placement at Epilepsy Ottawa in September of 2017 and has been involved as a Summer Student and Epilepsy Connect Ottawa Coordinator ever since. She steps into her new role at Epilepsy Ottawa as an Epilepsy Educator with additional experience in the not-for-profit sector, in areas such as young parenting and low-income families. She also has experience in developing and facilitating workshops and skill building activities.

Jamie’s passion for helping those with chronic illnesses stems from experience of her own. The drive to assist and educate those who are in need are the primary reasons she feels so at home at Epilepsy Ottawa. The organization is growing both in physical size and in the dedication each staff member has to the epilepsy community, making it incredibly special for Jamie to see the growth over the past two years.

Although Jamie is just at the start of her career she is confident that a pair of fresh eyes will be able to help the organization flourish and help those who need it the most.

Epilepsy Educator – Sandi Reggler

Sandi Reggler graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts, Concentration in Music and German.  After running her home-based daycare for 17 years, she decided it was time for a career change. Sandi and her family began as Epilepsy Ottawa clients seeking support after her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy in October 2018.  Sandi, her husband and their three children became further involved in the agency, attending event events like the Purple Day Celebration, Family Frolic BBQ, and Winter Potluck and volunteering at the Ottawa Firetruck Pull.

While this is a new adventure for Sandi, she hopes that her acquired knowledge and experience with her own daughter will be beneficial in promoting epilepsy education and awareness as well as assisting our clients and their families.