Meet Our Team
Larry Rubin, President & CEO • [email protected]
Rena Loughlin, Vice President, Programs & Advocacy • [email protected]
Rena Loughlin joined the EFEPA team in July 2019 as the Program Director. Prior to the Epilepsy Foundation, Rena worked in a non-profit as a Mental Health Professional serving children and families in the community, home, and school setting. Rena first became involved in the EFEPA in 2007 as a volunteer counselor for Camp Achieve where she met her husband Michael who has epilepsy. She was inspired by the resiliency of the epilepsy community and found her calling as an advocate for them. Every summer Rena and Michael return to Camp Achieve, which they consider their second home. Rena received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Haverford College and her Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from the University of Scranton. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Rena brings a strength-based and trauma-informed perspective to her work and enjoys empowering others.
Dave Raible, Vice President, Development • [email protected]
Andrew Chmielowiec, Director, Camp & Community Engagement • [email protected]
Andrew Chmielowiec joined the EFEPA team in September 2021 as the Camp and Community Outreach Coordinator. Prior to his time with the Epilepsy Foundation, Andrew has worked in the field of youth development for over fifteen years, directing summer camps, mentoring youth, and supporting families with The YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Andrew received his Bachelor’s degree in English and Gender Studies from Rowan University in 2010. Outside of work, he is a board-game enthusiast, voracious reader, avid bicyclist, and aspiring writer.
Zoe Heller, Senior Media Manager • [email protected]
Zoe joined the EFEPA team in August 2022 as the Communications Manager. Before joining the Epilepsy Foundation she worked in advertising and branding, using her passion for writing and the arts to help businesses and organizations better represent their message and vision. Prior to that, She received her Master’s Degree in Publishing from Drexel University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Kutztown University. Being a Philly-native, when Zoe’s not working she can be found reading a book in her neighborhood park, exploring new local restaurants, taking a yoga class, or hanging out with her cat, Honey! She is excited to work with the rest of the team to elevate the EFEPA brand and continue to educate the community on everything the organization has to offer.
Chloe Harvey, Assistant Director, Development • [email protected]
Chloe joined the EFEPA team as the Development Associate in April 2023. She received her MPIA in Human Security with a concentration in public and social policy from the University of Pittsburgh. Before moving to Philadelphia, she interned as a Content Strategist with the Mayor’s Initiative for Reentry Affairs (MIRA), an initiative that provides linkage to community resources and pertinent information for the empowerment of convicted persons. Before joining the Epilepsy Foundation, she worked at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School as a Grant Coordinator; a community- based organization that empowers young people to obtain their diploma and engage in restorative practices. Chloe loves exploring Philly and trying new restaurants, spending time with her kitties Beau and Olive, and checking movies off of her ‘to-be-watched’ list. She is excited to help educate the community about our vast program opportunities.
Mary Loughlin, Director, Northeast Region • [email protected]
Mary started to volunteer for the EFEPA in 2000 while actively looking for help and resources for her son, Michael, who had just been diagnosed with epilepsy. Retiring after 32 years with Verizon as a Technician she stepped up her volunteer time and eventually became the Wyoming Valley Coordinator in 2004. Since then an office was established in Wilkes-Barre which she can use to serve the six most northern counties. Having served on the Wyoming Valley United Way Board, the Penn’s Woods Girl Scout Board of Directors, an Associates Degree from Penn State’s Labor Leadership Academy, and living daily as a parent of a child with epilepsy, she brings a variety of experience to the Foundation. Mary loves being a counselor at Camp Achieve each summer and enjoys talking with people and doing educational programs the best. Shopping is her favorite hobby, which fits in well while she travels around her counties doing work. Mary lives in Plymouth, Luzerne County with her husband Bill, son Mike and his wife, Rena.
Ellen Baca, Director, Lehigh Valley Region • [email protected]
Ellen Baca joined the EFEPA as the Lehigh Valley Coordinator in September 2008. Having cared for children with special needs, Ellen brings many years of experience advocating for effective support and services for the disability community. Ellen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Desales University. She, her husband, Mike, and three children live in Coopersburg. She likes to golf but never seems to have the time!
Janette Locke, Director, Greater Philadelphia Region & Multicultural Outreach • jlocke@efepaorg
Bilingual in English & Spanish
Janette has recently joined EFEPA as the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, however she has been connected to us since 2017, participating in walks and fundraisers. Prior to joining us, she worked in management, bilingual communications with the Philadelphia Police Department, and has spent years serving in missions and outreach through ministry work. One of her most profound life experiences has been as a mother of three wonderful children including two sons both of whom face the challenges of epilepsy. Janette began advocating in the epilepsy community when faced with a lack of knowledge and information available to her. For that reason, she began a page on Facebook called “Moms Fighting Epilepsy” where mothers who have children with epilepsy or, themselves, have a diagnosis of epilepsy go for information and share their lives, frustrations and fears. The journey has given her firsthand insight into the struggles faced by individuals with epilepsy and their families, fueling her determination to raise awareness, provide support and to advocate for families in need of guidance and information.
One of Janette’s greatest joys is spending time with her growing family, she loves being in the kitchen in any capacity and she is a coffee enthusiast.
Kerri Michnya, Director, Lancaster & Berks Region • [email protected]
Kerri Michnya serves as the Lancaster & Berks Resource Coordinator for the EFEPA. Her passion for the subject matter is organic and derives from her personal and lifelong journey living with epilepsy. Over 15 years experience serving in various roles within the field of social services, coupled with a constant desire to stay informed and relevant on all matters of epilepsy, has allowed Kerri to provide a value added service to those she works with. She currently resides in Lancaster County with her husband and daughter.
Rachel Robinson, Executive Administrator • [email protected]
Rachel Robinson joined the EFEPA team as the Administrative Assistant in April 2018. Rachel brings more than 20 years of diverse experiences including software engineering, project management, working with large corporations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Rachel began volunteering with the EFEPA in 2005, shortly after being diagnosed with epilepsy. The EFEPA has provided immense support and encouragement to her over the years.
Rachel’s passion is to be part of the efforts to ensure that all living with epilepsy continue to benefit from the Foundation’s much-needed programs and services. Rachel earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Villanova University in 2000 and her Master’s degree in Information Science from Penn State University in 2003. She and her husband Gregg love to spend time with friends and family over game nights, movie nights and dancing salsa.