Deb McGrath, Executive Director/Co-Founder
Deb McGrath is co-founder of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and developed not only her skills to successfully operate the agency, but a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of children and adults with epilepsy. This passion comes from her daughter, Victoria, developing epilepsy 26 years ago. Debbie's commitment to advocate for those whose civil and ADA rights have been violated, has proven beneficial in supporting the special needs of the Foundation’s clients. Debbie was awarded the Excellence in Advocacy Award in 2002 from the national Epilepsy Foundation for the conviction she has against the discrimination of epilepsy.
Debbie’s commitment to providing vital support services to everyone impacted by seizures is evident with the expansion of services and development of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. In 1993, the Foundation went from being a local support group to a program of the Epilepsy Foundation of Cincinnati, to then becoming an independent 501 (C) (3) health organization in 1996, to reaching the goal of affiliation with the National Epilepsy Foundation in 2001. Recently, Debbie’s journey has come full circle with the expansion of services to include all of Kentucky. Debbie envisioned when she started down this path that every county in Kentucky would be represented and served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana.
Debbie is married to John and between them they have three adult children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cooking, camping, fishing and living life to its fullest! Debbie has a warm spirit and knows she has been blessed by the support of many who have touched her life along the way.
Deb McGrath is co-founder of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana and developed not only her skills to successfully operate the agency, but a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of children and adults with epilepsy. This passion comes from her daughter, Victoria, developing epilepsy 26 years ago. Debbie's commitment to advocate for those whose civil and ADA rights have been violated, has proven beneficial in supporting the special needs of the Foundation’s clients. Debbie was awarded the Excellence in Advocacy Award in 2002 from the national Epilepsy Foundation for the conviction she has against the discrimination of epilepsy.
Debbie’s commitment to providing vital support services to everyone impacted by seizures is evident with the expansion of services and development of the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. In 1993, the Foundation went from being a local support group to a program of the Epilepsy Foundation of Cincinnati, to then becoming an independent 501 (C) (3) health organization in 1996, to reaching the goal of affiliation with the National Epilepsy Foundation in 2001. Recently, Debbie’s journey has come full circle with the expansion of services to include all of Kentucky. Debbie envisioned when she started down this path that every county in Kentucky would be represented and served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana.
Debbie is married to John and between them they have three adult children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, cooking, camping, fishing and living life to its fullest! Debbie has a warm spirit and knows she has been blessed by the support of many who have touched her life along the way.
Beth Stivers, MS, Director of Education
Beth Stivers joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana on May 21, 2007. She received her Masters of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Louisville in 2001. Following graduation, she worked at the Louisville Science Center (now, Kentucky Science Center) as the life sciences coordinator developing informal educational science exhibits and writing/presenting informal science curriculum to school age children, science educators, and the general public. Since joining the Foundation staff in 2007, she has provided educational training programs to thousands of school nurses, school personnel, child care workers, students, law enforcement officials, EMS personnel, as well as, individuals directly affected by epilepsy and their family members.
Beth Stivers joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana on May 21, 2007. She received her Masters of Science in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Louisville in 2001. Following graduation, she worked at the Louisville Science Center (now, Kentucky Science Center) as the life sciences coordinator developing informal educational science exhibits and writing/presenting informal science curriculum to school age children, science educators, and the general public. Since joining the Foundation staff in 2007, she has provided educational training programs to thousands of school nurses, school personnel, child care workers, students, law enforcement officials, EMS personnel, as well as, individuals directly affected by epilepsy and their family members.
David Pettit, Western Kentucky Education Coordinator
David joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana in April, 2013 as the Western Kentucky Education Coordinator. In the past, the Foundation has striven to provide quality services to the far-reaching areas of the state, but due to proximity has not had an ideal presence in western Kentucky. In an effort to provide more epilepsy awareness and response programs, as well as meet client needs, David will be working as a dedicated satellite employee in western Kentucky, providing all of the Foundation’s training offerings and assisting clients in this region.
David recently retired after teaching for many years in middle schools and juvenile facilities in the Owensboro and Daviess County school districts. He has also served as community education director for both districts and as the Newspaper in Education coordinator for the Messenger-Inquirer. David and his wife, Betty Jane, have three children and six grandchildren. In their spare time, they enjoy gardening, landscaping, and spending time with family. David was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy in his fifties, and looks forward to raising public awareness of the neurological condition.
David joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana in April, 2013 as the Western Kentucky Education Coordinator. In the past, the Foundation has striven to provide quality services to the far-reaching areas of the state, but due to proximity has not had an ideal presence in western Kentucky. In an effort to provide more epilepsy awareness and response programs, as well as meet client needs, David will be working as a dedicated satellite employee in western Kentucky, providing all of the Foundation’s training offerings and assisting clients in this region.
David recently retired after teaching for many years in middle schools and juvenile facilities in the Owensboro and Daviess County school districts. He has also served as community education director for both districts and as the Newspaper in Education coordinator for the Messenger-Inquirer. David and his wife, Betty Jane, have three children and six grandchildren. In their spare time, they enjoy gardening, landscaping, and spending time with family. David was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy in his fifties, and looks forward to raising public awareness of the neurological condition.
Gary Zortman, Events Manager
Gary A. Zortman joined the team in October as the agency’s Events Manager, but he is not a newcomer to the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. Gary began volunteering for the Foundation in 2009 securing donations for food and door prize items for the Foundation’s annual fundraising Walks. In 2011, he became the Chairman of the Walk Around Kentucky for Epilepsy planning committee and eventually joined the board of directors in early 2012. Gary was also instrumental in the planning and execution of the inaugural Walk in Paducah, Kentucky in 2013, as well as planning other fundraisers to help raise epilepsy awareness and funds for the Foundation. Since his volunteer work with the agency began, Gary has had a growing passion to make a difference in the lives of those living with epilepsy on a more daily basis. When the Events Manager position became available, he jumped at the chance to join the team.
Gary is a western Kentucky native. He moved to Louisville in 2008 and has since settled in Mount Washington with his wife Ashley, and their 10 year old daughter, Hailey. Gary knows first-hand the challenges those living with epilepsy face as Hailey has been living with epilepsy since age 1. Hailey has struggled to gain control of both generalized tonic-clonic and absence seizures. Ashley shares Gary’s passion in serving individuals affected by epilepsy, and has also been volunteering for the Foundation since 2009. When not at work Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends, landscaping, and creating marketing materials.
Gary A. Zortman joined the team in October as the agency’s Events Manager, but he is not a newcomer to the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. Gary began volunteering for the Foundation in 2009 securing donations for food and door prize items for the Foundation’s annual fundraising Walks. In 2011, he became the Chairman of the Walk Around Kentucky for Epilepsy planning committee and eventually joined the board of directors in early 2012. Gary was also instrumental in the planning and execution of the inaugural Walk in Paducah, Kentucky in 2013, as well as planning other fundraisers to help raise epilepsy awareness and funds for the Foundation. Since his volunteer work with the agency began, Gary has had a growing passion to make a difference in the lives of those living with epilepsy on a more daily basis. When the Events Manager position became available, he jumped at the chance to join the team.
Gary is a western Kentucky native. He moved to Louisville in 2008 and has since settled in Mount Washington with his wife Ashley, and their 10 year old daughter, Hailey. Gary knows first-hand the challenges those living with epilepsy face as Hailey has been living with epilepsy since age 1. Hailey has struggled to gain control of both generalized tonic-clonic and absence seizures. Ashley shares Gary’s passion in serving individuals affected by epilepsy, and has also been volunteering for the Foundation since 2009. When not at work Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends, landscaping, and creating marketing materials.
Donald Bow, USN, MCPO (ret) - Veterans Outreach Coordinator
Donald joined The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana in February, 2018 as the Veterans Service Coordinator. Donald is retired from the United States Navy after 20 1/2 years of service where he served as a Hospital Corpsman, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Instructor, Recruit Division Commander, and Command Master Chief. Donald earned his Master of Health Sciences from Trident University and is a graduate of various military leadership schools to include, the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Donald is looking forward to being an advocate for our veteran community and raising awareness with veterans, their families, and medical providers.
Donald lives in Mount Washington with his wife Hayley and their two sons. Donald and his family enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and spending quality time as a family.
Donald joined The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana in February, 2018 as the Veterans Service Coordinator. Donald is retired from the United States Navy after 20 1/2 years of service where he served as a Hospital Corpsman, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Instructor, Recruit Division Commander, and Command Master Chief. Donald earned his Master of Health Sciences from Trident University and is a graduate of various military leadership schools to include, the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course. Donald is looking forward to being an advocate for our veteran community and raising awareness with veterans, their families, and medical providers.
Donald lives in Mount Washington with his wife Hayley and their two sons. Donald and his family enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and spending quality time as a family.
Connie Costelle, Administrative Assistant
Over the past 20 years, Connie has been a dedicated employee to the Epilepsy Foundation working as the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. Connie's positive and caring attitude flows throughout the office setting as she handles the many day-to-day activities and is eager to support the needs of the staff. Connie prefers working behind the scene and her devotion to persons with epilepsy is heartfelt and instrumental to the Epilepsy Foundation. The rest of the staff could not do what we do without Connie and each of us are so very thankful for her giving heart and commitment to service. has been a dedicated employee to the Epilepsy Foundation and has worked as the Administrative Assistant since August, 2000.
Over the past 20 years, Connie has been a dedicated employee to the Epilepsy Foundation working as the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. Connie's positive and caring attitude flows throughout the office setting as she handles the many day-to-day activities and is eager to support the needs of the staff. Connie prefers working behind the scene and her devotion to persons with epilepsy is heartfelt and instrumental to the Epilepsy Foundation. The rest of the staff could not do what we do without Connie and each of us are so very thankful for her giving heart and commitment to service. has been a dedicated employee to the Epilepsy Foundation and has worked as the Administrative Assistant since August, 2000.
Our Board of Directors
President: Michael W. Wallace, UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Vice President: Linda O'Bryan, retired, Kindred Healthcare, Inc.
Secretary: Kristie Jones
Treasurer: Tim Morris, CFO, CMTA Engineering
Medical Advisor: Developing PAB
Past President: Jeff Davis, Kwantek
Vice President: Linda O'Bryan, retired, Kindred Healthcare, Inc.
Secretary: Kristie Jones
Treasurer: Tim Morris, CFO, CMTA Engineering
Medical Advisor: Developing PAB
Past President: Jeff Davis, Kwantek
