Our Case Managers: From Right to Left Linda Ware, Anthony Griffin, Brianna Prebeck & Lacey Wood

I am Lacey Wood LISW-S and I am the new (since October 2012) Director of Community Programming.  I may be biased, but I think the Epilepsy Association case managers are pretty fantastic! I was a case manager for children and an early childhood therapist at my previous place of employment so I know how difficult this work can be and how hard it is smile through the rain sometimes. 

Case Managers wear many hats: advocate, teacher, secretary, networker of services, taxi cab driver, and the list goes on and on.  For those trying to manage their Epilepsy while dealing with a mental illness a Case Manager is priceless. The calls that I get regarding our Epilepsy Association Case Managers are full of appreciation for what our CM’s are able to assist them with and how different their lives are because of what our program has to offer them. Case Managers have the ability to take on many roles and responsibilities specific to each individual client. They are caring, resourceful, and dedicated to helping others. Many of our clients would not be where they are today if it wasn’t for their case manager coaching them and being their own personal cheerleader. 

The population that we serve is very specific and challenging and our case managers easily and compassionately assist our clients with the day to day tackling of the complications of managing epilepsy as well as a mental illness. Our Case Managers need to have a broad knowledge base consisting of epilepsy, mental illness, resources, and creative interventions to assist clients in promoting their well-being. There has been a stigma that case managers are very “thick skinned”- case managers are not. They take setbacks and negative situations and are able to use them to motivate themselves and clients to make a positive change, all with a smile on their face. It isn’t being “thick skinned” or “tough” that makes them this way- It is a gift that they possess that allows them to see the silver lining in dismal situations and celebrate every success no matter how small!

Case Management services can be accessed by adults with an epilepsy diagnosis and mental health concerns by calling 216-579-1330. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding our case management services as well as any of the other services that we provide.