Patricia L. Bruno, RN, BSN is a pediatric epilepsy nurse specialist in the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) where she has worked as both a clinical and research nurse for over 21 years.  She received her degree from the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College.   Tricia has more than 35 years of experience in caring for children and their families in the field of pediatric neurology encompassing diagnoses of epilepsy, neurometabolic disorders, genetic disorders, and behavioral health.  She has been the nurse coordinator for the Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Sunflower Syndrome (SS) comprehensive clinical programs at the MGH as well as a lead nurse in clinical research trials exploring new therapies for those with DS, SS, and Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). She particularly played a pivotal role in the development of purified cannabidiol as a now-FDA-approved medication for treating epilepsy in DS, LGS and tuberous sclerosis complex.   Tricia has served on the board of the Association of Child Neurology Nurses and has chaired several of their committees.  She has been an active participant with the American Epilepsy Society and has served on the educational professional advisory board for GW Pharmaceuticals/Jazz Pharmaceuticals.  Prior to joining MGH, Tricia worked in the Division of Pediatric Neurology and the pediatric emergency room at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.  Her primary focus for the past 20+ years has been caring for children with epilepsy to help improve their seizures as well as their social and emotional well-being.    

Chris Ryan is a Social Work Supervisor in the Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he has spent more than a decade advancing clinical care, family support, research, and transition services for children and young adults living with epilepsy. He has led initiatives in mental health screening, caregiver support, and healthcare transition, and has contributed to numerous epilepsy research studies and national presentations. Chris also serves as an adjunct staff at Boston University School of Social Work, mentoring the next generation of social work professionals.  He is actively involved with the American Epilepsy Society and the International League Against Epilepsy, helping to advance education, advocacy, and psychosocial care for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. 

Christine Naoum, RN is a dedicated nursing professional with over 30 years of service.  Her mission is to empower patients and families to recognize their strengths, build confidence, foster resilience, and envision a hopeful future.   Known for her uplifting energy, enthusiasm, and deep compassion, Christine acknowledges the many challenges that epilepsy can bring while helping patients and families achieve meaningful “small wins” along the way. She combines evidence-based nursing care with integrative, patient-centered approaches, including trauma-sensitive yoga, Reiki, aromatherapy, and stress reduction techniques.     Christine has special expertise in supporting patients with epilepsy and comorbid autism as well as a special focus on Functional Neurological Disorders (FND). She works closely with schools to support each child’s educational experience and is deeply committed to community engagement through seizure education and outreach.   A strong advocate for youth transitioning to adulthood, Christine teaches essential self-management skills and empowers patients to take an active role in their care. She has served as a HOBSCOTCH coach, supporting shared decision-making and patient autonomy, and contributes to community outreach initiatives, including epilepsy walks and conferences, as well as research efforts.   Christine is proud to be part of the pediatric neurology team at Boston Medical Center, where she collaborates with a multidisciplinary group of providers dedicated to improving the lives of children with epilepsy and their families.  

I graduated cum laude from the University of Vermont in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in nursing.  I began working on the inpatient neurology unit in August 1981 and worked with patients with all neurology diagnosis including epilepsy.  I remained on the inpatient neurology unit working as staff nurse, then assistant nurse manager then nurse manager until 1998.  In 1998, I move to outpatient neurology.  In 2004, I began to work exclusively with epilepsy patients and the epileptologists who provide care for them.  I became active in working with the Epilepsy Foundation of VT and was named their “Person of the Year” in November 2013  Post Covid when the Epilepsy Foundation of VT ceased to exist and we began our relationship with the Epilepsy Foundation of New England, I have worked closely with our VT representative Kathy Hatch and have served on the VT Council.  I continue to provide care to patients and families on a full time basis and have very much enjoyed getting to know them over the course of the years. I hope I have been able to make a difference in their lives.  

When I was a nutrition student, I watched the movie “First do no Harm” and was fascinated by the ketogenic diet and how fat can be used in the right proportion to treat a condition as complex as a seizure disorder. When I started working at Rhode Island Hospital and was asked to work as a ketogenic dietitian, I was delighted!     Successfully eliminating and reducing seizures through diet therapy is extremely rewarding. I love getting to know all my ketogenic families of both children and adults and helping them find a diet ratio that works best for them. I am also very fortunate to work with supportive staff from neurology, nutrition and the inpatient and outpatient medical teams.   

My name is Amy and for a little over five years, I have had the privilege of working in the neurology department at Rhode Island Hospital, where I now serve as the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Coordinator. My true passion lies in seeing the clinical outcomes for patients following epilepsy surgery. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing firsthand how these advanced procedures allow patients to reclaim their lives, independence, and futures from beginning to end. I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized at this year’s Gala, I share this honor with my extraordinary colleagues at Rhode Island Hospital, whose teamwork and shared commitment make this comprehensive care possible and I remain inspired every day by the resilience of the patients and families we serve right here in Rhode Island.

Maureen Quigley, MSN, FNP-BC is a graduate of the family nurse practitioner program at the University of New Hampshire.  She has worked in various health care settings in the Northeast, including cardiac care, emergency care and general surgery.  Inspired by the experience of a family member with epilepsy and their amazing epileptologist, she obtained a certification as a HOBSCOTCH cognitive coach following retirement. The HOBSCOTCH Institute for Cognitive Health and Wellbeing at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center has provided a deeper appreciation for being part of a team, with ongoing learning, support, sharing best practices and mentorship. Coaching also supports her longtime interests in patient and family education and advocacy. 

Amy Melanson earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in 2007. After several years working in real estate, she joined MaineHealth Neurology in January 2022 as a Scheduling Specialist. Through that role, she recognized the growing need for neurodiagnostic professionals and the critical role they play in caring for patients with epilepsy.  Motivated to make a greater impact, Amy returned to school in 2023 with the encouragement and support of MaineHealth’s neurologists and nursing team. She graduated from Trusted Neurodiagnostic Academy in 2024 and now serves as an EEG Tech, where she is passionate about providing patient centered care. Amy is dedicated to increasing awareness of the neurodiagnostic profession and inspiring the next generation of EEG Technologists. She believes many young adults are unaware that neurodiagnostics offers a meaningful healthcare career outside of traditional nursing. By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage others to pressure this rewarding field.  Amy’s passion lies in pediatric care. She recently partnered with the MaineHealth Glickman Lauder Center for Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders to develop a storybook that helps children and families prepare for an EEG. The resource is designed to reduce fear and anxiety by explaining the procedure in a child-friendly way. Known for her warmth and compassion, Amy strives to make every patient and family feel comfortable, supported, and cared for throughout their experience. In recognition of her exceptional patient care, she was nominated for the Sunshine Award in 2023 for the kindness and compassion she demonstrated to patients during their Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) stay. One parent shared, “There are not many reasons why my son will wake up early during summer vacation, but Amy is one of those reasons.” Amy considers it a privilege to care for children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments and is honored to be part of their healthcare journey. 

I am a Registered Nurse with seven years of experience specializing in care of adults with epilepsy. A personal experience with epilepsy led me to this field and deepened my passion for supporting others living with the condition. I enjoy breaking down complex information into clear, meaningful education that patients can understand. I also value sharing my knowledge with other colleagues that are not as familiar with the condition.  I spend most of my spare time playing with and chasing after my energetic toddler. When I get some time for myself, I enjoy video games, anything with a mystery, or playing with my pet bunnies. I’m very fortunate to work alongside an incredible team. We enjoy what we do and support each other every day, allowing us to provide exceptional care for our patients in and out of the office. 

is a Pediatric Registered Nurse and Certified Epilepsy Nurse at MaineHealth Neurology. Since earning her nursing degree in 2013, she has focused her career on caring for children with epilepsy, autism and other neurological conditions. She began her nursing career at Maine Behavioral Healthcare, where she supported children with severe autism, before joining MaineHealth Neurology in January 2019.   \ Passionate about advocating for children and families who are often misunderstood or underserved, Lea knows that relationships built on trust are essential to delivering exceptional care. She works to help families navigate complex neurological conditions with compassion, empathy and clear communication. Lea considers it a privilege to support patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments and is honored to be part of their journey.  

As a Medical Secretary/Administrative Assistant in the Neurology Department at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Jacqueline McGlone has demonstrated exceptional clinical support over four years of dedicated service. Specializing in the coordination of routine EEGs, ambulatory EEGs, and video EEG (VEEG) admissions, Jacqueline manages complex interdepartmental logistics with precision and meticulous attention to detail. Her role requires seamless coordination among neurology providers, prior authorization personnel, admissions departments, and inpatient units to ensure optimal patient outcomes and efficient diagnostic workflows.  Jacqueline's commitment to patient-centered care and her collaborative approach to problem-solving have established her as an indispensable member of the neurology team. Her capacity to anticipate clinical and administrative needs while maintaining high standards of organization directly contributes to improved patient experiences and streamlined departmental operations.

Born and raised in Boston, Melissa graduated from Labouré College in 2004 with a degree in Neurodiagnostic Technology.  After completing her clinical rotation at Brigham and Women's Hospital in 2005, she happily accepted a staff position there and has built a rewarding career ever since. 

Linh Phan (Alex Phan) serves as an Administrative Assistant at the Epilepsy Division in the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dedicated to delivering exceptional patient-centered care, she aims to create a reassuring, high-quality experience that inspires patients and families to choose BIDMC for comprehensive epilepsy and seizure care.  

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