By Deron Hamel
Josh Gieg says the most exciting part of his new position as Epilepsy Ontario’s case manager is connecting people living in under-served areas of Ontario with epilepsy services.
Josh, who stepped into his role May 29, also says he enjoys promoting collaboration and diversity within the epilepsy community.
But helping people with epilepsy and their families who are living in remote regions of the province connect with the services they need is what feels most rewarding, he says.
“I’m really excited to be in a position to connect with those folks who may not have access to those same services that others do in other regions of the province,” Josh tells Voices of Epilepsy.
As case manager, Josh also provides individual counselling and group support to people accessing Epilepsy Ontario’s services.
When people recently diagnosed with a seizure disorder need help navigating the system, Josh is there to offer education, advocacy and support catered to their individual needs.
Josh says he’s also looking forward to providing the HOBSCOTCH (Home-based Self-management and Cognitive Training) and UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favourable Thoughts) programs, which have been specifically designed for individuals impacted by epilepsy.
Josh received an honours degree in psychology from the University of Guelph in 2021. After completing his education, Josh took a job as case manager at Epilepsy South Central Ontario (ESCO) overseeing the agency’s adult and family services, a position he continues to hold on a part-time basis.
Looking ahead, Josh says there are many opportunities for him to make a difference in people’s lives by advocating for them, creating a sense of belonging, raising awareness and reducing epilepsy’s stigma.
“I have been a part of this epilepsy community for close to three years now, and in this new role I am just so excited to carry forward with that work while also being able to serve people in areas that may not have had these services prior,” he says.
“I’m just really looking forward to making that difference.”
