Board of Directors
Empowering Lives, Advocating for Change
At Epilepsy Alliance Florida, our esteemed Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding our journey towards a world where epilepsy is no longer a silent struggle. These passionate leaders are dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by epilepsy, and their diverse experiences enrich our alliance.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024
NICHOLAS X. DURAN | CHAIR
BETH ALCALDE | VICE CHAIR
Beth Alcalde serves as managing partner of Akerman’s Palm Beach County offices. A noted employee benefits lawyer, author, and speaker. She represents Fortune 500 companies and other public and private entities, including those in the hospitality, healthcare, and higher education sectors, throughout the United States. Beth provides counsel on employer-sponsored benefit plans, from compliance with ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and other federal regulations to internal audits and benefits-related implications of corporate transactions. She assists clients in defending and responding to audits conducted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Beth is a contributing author on benefits compliance topics for the Employee Benefits Institute of America and a frequent speaker on employer compliance, privacy, and security issues. South Florida Business Journal has recognized her as a “Power Leader in Law” and one of the “Top 25 Influential Businesswomen”.
PATRICIA DEAN | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Patricia Dean, ARNP, MSN, is Clinical Coordinator of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. Patricia Dean received her BS in Nursing from Downstate Medical Center and her Master of Nursing at the University of Miami. Ms. Dean is nationally recognized for her work with children with epilepsy and has been involved with the consumer side of epilepsy on local, state, and national levels. She was formerly a Board member of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and is Immediate Past President of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. Patricia is the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award from the national Epilepsy Foundation organization. She served on the Governor’s Task Force on Epilepsy. Patricia is a highly sought-after lecturer and has published numerous articles. Her research interests are on the antecedents of developmental pathology in intractable epilepsy and self-management skills in epilepsy. The EFL annual award, the Beacon Award, was renamed the Patricia Dean Beacon Award in 2012 in honor of Pat’s “diligent and tireless efforts to improve the lives of those living with epilepsy through exceptional and passionate care services”.
KEVIN FEIG | TREASURER
Kevin Feig is the President of Foreign Parts Distributors, Inc. He lives in South Florida with his wife Marissa and their two children, Brody and Becca. Kevin and his family place great value on the importance of giving back to the community. His parents Donna and Steve Feig are active in various charities and non-profit organizations. Kevin’s wife, Marissa, currently serves on the Board of Directors at the David Posnack JCC, located in Davie, FL. The Feig family tragically lost Clayton Feig at a young age from Epilepsy complications and they are committed to epilepsy education and advocacy in Clayton’s memory. Kevin is a graduate of Portland State University, with a B.A. in Sociology.
ADAM ADACHE | SECRETARY
Adam Adache has extensive experience in various aspects of the real estate industry, including finance, acquisition, development, and construction. He is a managing partner of Cavache Properties, a real estate development and Investment Company, and manages the various aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations. As a principal in multiple entities, he has been involved in various commercial, multifamily, and residential real estate projects throughout Florida. He currently serves as managing partner of Adache Real Estate and is a partner in Adache Group Architects. Adam is also a principal and co-founder of Cavache, Inc., a dredging, marine, and land development contractor that has site developed over 2,000 acres of land throughout Florida and has performed dredging and marine work for various private and public entities. He is a certified, licensed General Contractor and a licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida. Adam lives in South Florida with his wife Monica and two daughters, Maya, and Ana Camila. His oldest daughter Maya has had intractable epilepsy since her first seizure at six months old. She has been on multiple medications throughout her life and had brain surgery at the age of 8. Adam and his family continue to fight the fight. They know firsthand how epilepsy and many of the associated health issues can affect a family. Finding a cure, new treatment options, and improving the lives of patients and families with epilepsy is significant to Adam and his family.
VANCE A. ALOUPIS | DIRECTOR
Vance Aloupis joined Strategos Group in March 2023. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2022 and was, chairman of the House’s Early Learning and Elementary Education Subcommittee. Vance previously served as the CEO of The Children’s Movement, advocating for a strong start for all Florida children. He spoke across Florida and the U.S. on issues specific to the first five years in children’s lives, becoming a new face in the conversation around early childhood investment. Before The Children’s Movement, Vance practiced law in South Florida. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. Vance graduated from the Harvard Business School Executive Education program, Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management.
ESTEFANIA DIAZ-BALART | DIRECTOR
Estefania Diaz-Balart is Vice President of Latin Business Development at Seminole Gaming, joining in March 2023 with over 15 years of experience in business development, public relations, marketing, and events. She is responsible for expanding brand awareness, customer base, and partnerships in the U.S Hispanic and Latin American markets. She leverages her relationships with business leaders, media, influencers, and stakeholders to create impactful brand campaigns and events showcasing Seminole Gaming’s portfolio. Passionate about mentoring women and young people in entertainment, Estefania speaks at conferences on Latin marketing, sports, and public relations. She advocates for diversity and inclusion. Estefania holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in psychology from Florida International University. Fluent in Spanish and English, with basic French knowledge, she is originally from Venezuela and has lived in Miami most of her life.
STEVE FEIG | DIRECTOR
Steve Feig is the founder and owner of Foreign Parts Distribution, Inc., located in Hialeah, Florida. Mr. Feig received his Master’s in Psychology from Mont Claire State College. He has served on the boards of various non-profit and business organizations. For ten years, Mr. Feig served on the board of Epilepsy Florida and became Board President during his tenure. As the Clayton Feig Fund founder, he has continuously held annual fundraisers to help support several Epilepsy Alliance Florida programs for children with epilepsy. Steve created the fund in memory of his son, Clayton Feig, who, in 1993, at the age of 18, passed away from complications he suffered due to epilepsy. Each year, Epilepsy Florida will select one youth in each location to receive the Clayton Feig Youth Award. The award commemorates those like Clayton who battle with seizures and highlights the vital work of those dedicated to removing the stigma and misunderstandings associated with epilepsy.
BRYAN P. FILSON | DIRECTOR
Bryan Filson is a Financial Planner and earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. He has spent the past 14 years in the financial services industry working with Trust Departments, Private Banking Departments, Certified Financial Planners®, CPA’s and Estate Planning Attorneys. Bryan concentrated his efforts on incorporating banking and securities training to create a composite background geared toward customized Financial Planning. Through a previous firm, Bryan held the FINRA Series 6 and 63 licenses. Bryan currently holds the Series 7, 66, Florida Long-Term Care Certification and the Life, Health, and Variable annuity license. He also has his CRPS® Designation from the College for Financial Planning. Bryan formerly was on the board of the Economic Development Council for the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. He was previously a Trustee for the General Pension Fund for the Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District. Bryan is currently a Board Member for The Heights Foundation. Bryan uses his experience and community involvement to create financial plans like fingerprints customized to each situation.
NATALIA GUERRA | DIRECTOR
COMING SOON
HIND KETTANI, M.D. | DIRECTOR
Dr. Kettani is a board certified neurologist who specializes in epilepsy at Advent Health in Tampa. Dr. Kettani earned her medical degree from Université Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco, in 2001 and completed her residency in Neurology at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan in 2009. She completed her fellowship in epilepsy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She served as an assistant professor of Neurology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Kettani is fluent in English, French, Arabic, and Moroccan.
JAMIE MOODY | DIRECTOR
Jamie Moody has been a resident of Northeast Florida for 25 years. Professionally, Jamie has been working in the healthcare industry in various roles for over fifteen years. In her personal life, she is the mother of an epilepsy warrior. Her family’s epilepsy journey began nine years ago with her daughter’s diagnosis at age four, and advocacy has become a high priority for her. Jamie is excited for the opportunity to serve the epilepsy community in Florida and make a difference in the lives of epilepsy warriors and their families.
MOHAMED NASSER, M.D. | DIRECTOR
Dr. Mohamed Nasser is a board-certified neurologist at Memorial Neuroscience Institute where he cares for patients with various neurological diseases. His clinical interests are epilepsy and neurophysiology with a focus on seizure semiology, epilepsy pharmacology and surgical planning.
After experiencing many patients who are desperate because their lives have been harmed by seizures, he became driven by the potential of returning quality of life to these individuals with careful diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Nasser says, “Living with epilepsy is about much more than just seizures. I am committed to promoting the health of my patients and advocating for their well-being by not only treating the disease but also allowing them to be in control of their lives again and providing appropriate counsel.”
SUSAN NELSON, D.O. | DIRECTOR
Dr. Nelson is the Medical Director of Physician Health Centers, overseeing multiple occupational medicine facilities in Miami-Dade, northern Monroe, and southern Broward counties. With three decades of experience as a physician after graduating from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, her dedication to epilepsy awareness is her most remarkable achievement. Driven by her daughter’s diagnosis 15 years ago, she actively participates in fundraising events for EAFLA and established WWO FL, a nonprofit supporting epilepsy awareness. As a top fundraiser, she continues to advocate tirelessly for a cure, having explored various treatments and surgeries.
KATIA M. PHILIPPEAUX | DIRECTOR
Katia Philippeaux is a dedicated professional with a background in Political Science and International Relations. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff of the Office of the City Manager for the City of North Miami. Katia is deeply engaged in epilepsy awareness, having founded The Robert Philippeaux Epilepsy Organization in memory of her brother. The organization focuses on educating and raising awareness in the Caribbean community. She holds positions on multiple boards and committees. She serves as a spokesperson for Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Healthcare Navigation Program, advocating for the Haitian community.
STEVE SCHALE | DIRECTOR
Steven Schale is a highly respected Political Strategist based in Tallahassee Florida. He is renowned for his expertise in Florida politics and is frequently quoted as an expert on the subject. Schale has provided strategic advice to notable clients such as Walt Disney World, AT&T, State Farm, and the Florida Hospital Association. He played a pivotal role in helping the craft beer industry win a significant legislative battle against major beer companies and distributors. With almost a decade of experience in the Florida Legislature, Schale served as the Communications Director for the House Democratic Caucus and worked closely with former House Democratic Leader Doug Wiles.
SYNDI SEINFELD, D.O. | DIRECTOR
Dr. Seinfeld is the Medical Director of Epilepsy at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Neuroscience Center. She holds a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and has completed extensive postdoctoral training, including pediatric residency, child neurology fellowship, and neurophysiology fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. Dr. Seinfeld is board certified in child neurology and epilepsy, and she is an active member of national professional societies. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Translational Science. Dr. Seinfeld’s research contributions include numerous published manuscripts, reviews, and book chapters.
MANUEL B. TORRES, M.D. | DIRECTOR
Dr. Torres is a family practitioner residing at the Medical Center at Ocean Reef. Dr. Torres graduated from the University of Miami and received his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His medical interests and experience include physician leadership, physician advocacy, nutritional counseling, weight management/obesity education, chronic care management, and preventive medicine. Dr. Torres is fluent in English & Spanish and well-versed in Italian. His community involvement includes Fight for Francesco – a personal campaign for epilepsy awareness in honor of his son, and he has been an active fundraiser and advocate for families with epilepsy since May 2018.
