Compassionate & Friendly Staff Members
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut is dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy and their families. We are Connecticut’s only affiliate of the national Epilepsy Foundation.
We are the leading resource of information, education, advocacy, and support for people with epilepsy in Connecticut
Our Staff
Cherie Poirier
Executive Director | cherie@epilepsyct.com
Cherie Poirier has a personal passion for—and background in—epilepsy, seizures, and healthcare.
Poirier brings her talent and passion from her former position as The Health Education Center, Inc Director of Development & Marketing. There she provided outreach to partner organizations and individuals servicing the communities of eastern CT and beyond. In doing so, she helped in expanding and developing educational programs and trainings such as Community & Medical Interpreting and Community Health Worker Core Competencies training–the first authorized training vendor in Connecticut. So far, these trainings were provided to hundreds of individuals serving communities and serviced patients in clinics, vaccinations, and practicums.
In addition, Poirier represents her community and shares her passion by serving on boards such as Federally Qualified Health Center, Agency on Aging, non-profit and community-service collaborations. She volunteered and worked in bettering healthcare throughout New London and Windham counties for over 25 years. Her goal: to bring healthcare to all and to do so with teaching, sharing, listening and collaborating toward systemic change.
With a master’s degree in business, a background in non-profit community building, and a passion to eliminate health disparities, Poirier looks forward to joining EFCT’s team to reach the foundation’s mission and improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Poirier and her husband, Sean Lefevre, spend family time with their two dogs, Oliver and Grace, and their cat, Beanie. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, yoga and time with family and friends.
Monica Anzelone
Programs and Services Director | monica@epilepsyct.com
Monica joined our team in 2016 as program coordinator. She has many years of experience in the field of social services with a BA in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island. Prior to accepting her position at EFCT she worked with adults diagnosed with chronic psychiatric disorders and developed an appreciation for and interest in ways of improving both mental and physical health.
She has learned a great deal about the brain and seizure disorders and has been trained as a facilitator of two Epilepsy self-management programs that address memory and mental health in people with epilepsy. She appreciates the diversity of her job and particularly enjoys time spent one on one with clients. Monica has also received a police instructor certification from the state of CT to educate police officers about Epilepsy.
In her free time, Monica enjoys exercising and engaging in a variety of activities outdoors. She volunteers with an addiction ministry at her church, and is a huge animal lover!
Amy Placeres
Program Coordinator | amy@epilepsyct.com
Amy is a proud latina woman who recently joined The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut in February of 2023 with a goal to educate and raise awareness about epilepsy. She is an experienced healthcare professional with more than nine years in the medical industry. Originally from Brooklyn, New York Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table.
Outside of work, she loves to travel and explore whether it is trying new foods, visiting historical landmarks or meeting new people she finds inspiration in the diversity of the world. She also enjoys spending time with her two daughters. Overall, she is a dedicated woman with a passion for helping others and a love for adventure and family
Elizabeth Styblo
Development Coordinator | elizabeth@epilepsyct.com
Elizabeth joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut in November 2021. She works on planning fundraising events, increasing awareness of EFCT, and engaging with volunteers. Elizabeth enjoys the creative aspects of her job and loves working for an organization that helps so many people.
Elizabeth grew up in Middlebury, Connecticut and graduated from Western Michigan University in 2021. She majored in Interpersonal Communication and minored in Event Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Leadership.
Outside of work, Elizabeth likes baking, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Sage Mackin
Fundraising and Communications Coordinator | sage@epilepsyct.com
Sage joined EFCT in February of 2023, the day after her favorite team won the Superbowl. Originally from Chester, she has spent the last 25 years living in Boston where she worked on the infamous “America Runs on Dunkin” campaign, planned events for Boston Event Guide and helped grow an apparel line. She brings years of experience to her role as Event & Fundraising Coordinator and is excited to dive in and grow Epilepsy awareness.
After a tragedy affected her family last year, she knew she wanted to give back and help other families. We’re excited to welcome her to the team. Aside from spending time with her family she enjoys exploring the shoreline, football and being an Airbnb Superhost.
Lataysia Patterson
Office Manager | lataysia@epilepsyct.com
Lataysia joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut in May 2022. As office manager, she works on executing activities associated with administration, finance, systems, fundraising, and development. She enjoys helping people.
Lataysia grew up in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Southern Vermont College in 2017. Prior to joining our team, she spent four years working with a non-profit organization in Middletown, Connecticut.
In her free time, she loves playing video games and reading, and spending time with her nieces and dog, Tag.
Elsa Gomez
AmeriCorp member & Community Health Worker | egomez@epilepsynewengland.org
I am Elsa Gomez, an AmeriCorp member and a Community Health Worker.
For almost a year, I have been supporting individuals impacted by Epilepsy and their families through the Epilepsy Foundation of CT. During this time, I have increased my knowledge about Epilepsy and experienced great satisfaction in helping others with this condition. I have a background in tutoring college students and collaborating in other areas of public and private entities.
One of my best accomplishments happened in 2020 when our daughters and I graduated from college…An event of great satisfaction for our families and friends. During my free time, I enjoy visiting new places with my family, reading, walking, and taking care of our lovely cat.