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 2025-2026
BETH ALCALDE | CHAIR
ADAM ADACHE | VICE CHAIR
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.
NICHOLAS X. DURAN | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Nicholas Duran was elected in November 2016 to the Florida House of Representatives for District 112. During his tenure, Representative Duran served on several health care committees and was the ranking Democratic member of the Appropriations Committee. Over the years, he has served in various executive leadership roles for health care organizations. He is now the Lead Director of Medicaid Business Strategy and Health Policy at Aetna. Nick is a member of Leadership Florida. He served as a board member for the Miami-Dade Public Health Trust, Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Children’s Trust. A University of Florida and New York Law School graduate, Representative Duran is a native South Floridian and lives in Miami with his wife, Danielle, and two kids.
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.
KATIA M. PHILIPPEAUX | SECRETARY
Katia Philippeaux is a dedicated professional with a background in Political Science and International Relations. She currently serves as the Assistant City Manager for 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.
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.
NATALIA GUERRA | DIRECTOR
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.
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.
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.