Pam Hughes

​​Executive Director

Pam has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2001. She was a supervisor at the Education Development Assessment Center for Goodwill before coming to the Foundation. She lives in Dandridge with her husband of 33 years. Pam received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson Newman. Like all of the staff at the Foundation, Pam helps with all of the programs. A great deal of her time goes towards seeking grants and funding for our programs, but also enjoys helping coordinate the support group and social outings for the clients. When not at work, Pam enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Paula Ellis

​Public Education Coordinator

​Paula has been with the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee since 2004. She grew up in the Knoxville area and currently lives in Walland with her husband of 28 years. Before coming to the Epilepsy Foundation, Ms. Ellis worked for Kroger for 20 years and then went on to work for the TVA Credit Union. Her daughter, now 36, had seizures as a young child, which gives her great insight and passion for the mission of the Foundation. In her position as Public Education Coordinator, she is responsible for recruiting, coordinating and scheduling first aid training presentations throughout 24 counties in East Tennessee. She travels to schools, day cares and businesses throughout the East Tennessee community to educate attendees in appropriate seizure first aid and other social issues surrounding the disorder of epilepsy. In addition, Paula keeps up with new research information from the National Office and other resources to ensure all presentation information is up to date. In her free time, Paula and her husband are involved in marriage ministry.

Selena Lonas

​Client Services Coordinator

Selena has been with the Epilepsy Foundation since 2018. She lives in Knoxville with her husband of 18 years, and 15-year-old daughter, (who has epilepsy).  Selena started volunteering for the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee in 2012 and joined our board of directors in 2014 until she started working for the foundation in 2018.  As the Client Services Coordinator, Selena sends materials and application for pharmaceutical programs in order to get long term assistance with their epilepsy medication; coordinates with doctor and dental offices to assist patients who need these services; coordinates camp scholarships for epilepsy camp; helps coordinate support group and assists with fundraising. In her free time, Selena loves to spend time with her family and friends.