Jessica Keenan Smith
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
The Backstory
Living Well With Epilepsy was created by Philadelphia area-based writer, Jessica Keenan Smith. As a woman living with epilepsy, Jessica brings a unique perspective to Living Well With Epilepsy, as she was diagnosed as a teen after having several grand mal seizures.
In 2009, after more than two decades of living with the stigma associated with epilepsy, she was ready to speak out. With limited resources, she created a simple blog using the lessons learned throughout her career in healthcare marketing.
Initially, Jessica simply hoped to reach someone else dealing with similar side-effects, frustrations and struggles. Along the way, she discovered a world-wide community of readers in need of news and information on epilepsy.
Today
Since it’s humble beginnings, Living Well With Epilepsy has grown into a boutique media brand that is completely focused on epilepsy. This makes Living Well With Epilepsy a resource to the millions living with and caring for those affected by epilepsy as a primary diagnosis, as well as those living with epilepsy as a secondary (or tertiary) diagnosis. That’s why healthcare marketing and pr, hospital systems, startups in the neuro space, and others interested in exciting new developments in epilepsy, all rely on us to get the word out through the Living Well With Epilepsy platform and the site’s robust social media channels.
Jessica brings more than 20 years experience in marketing and digital media to Living Well With Epilepsy. Download our media kit to view the many ways we are reaching out to the epilepsy community.
Download a Media Kit
Her Role
As Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Living Well With Epilepsy, Jessica is responsible for design, strategy, content, business development and enhanced functionality on the site. She works directly with our writers, makes all final editorial decisions, drives business development and is continuously on the lookout for trends in health, online marketing, and epilepsy.
Speaking Engagements
In this role, Jessica also speaks regularly to the media and health organizations such as WHYY, Healtheo360, AbilityExpo, Living Well With A Disability Conference, Epilepsy Foundation, Wharton School and MASAE. Below are a few of the more commonly requested topics:
- Engaging Epilepsy Advocates
- Patient Engagement: Lessons learned in the Epilepsy Community
- Epilepsy 101: Raising Awareness
- Navigating Social Media
- Maximizing Your Childโs Strengthโs
- Using Fundraising Fundamentals to Plan Your Membership Campaign
Accomplishments
2018 Attended AES Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA
2018 Received Web Health Award
2018 Nominated for Her Abilities Award
2018 Recognized in Forbes as a leader in personal blogging
2018 Attended ASENT Annual Meeting in Rockville, MD
2018 Attended BlogHer in NYC, NY
2017 Presented at University of Pennsylvania Epilepsy Support Group
2017 Presented at Sunovion All Company Meeting in Boston, MA
2017 Judged Web Health Awards
2017 Presented at National Epilepsy Walk in Washington, DC
2017 Attended ASENT Annual Meeting in Rockville, MD
2017 Joined the CDC AES Public Health Interest Workgroup
2016 Led Epilepsy Blog Event with Greg Grunberg at American Epilepsy Society
2016 Presented to Variety Charities National Meeting in Las Vegas, NV
2016 Ran three successful Epilepsy Blog Relays
2015 Guest on H360LIVE
2015 Guest on WHYY’s Voices in the Family
2015 Brought on three new writers
2015 Launched the first Epilepsy Blog Relay
2015 Judged the International Web Health Awards
2015 Presented at BIO International Convention
2015 Judged the eHealthcare Leadership Awards
2015 Attended the Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
2014 Presented at Mid-Atlantic Society for Association Executives
2014 Presented at NYMetro AbilitiesExpo
2014 Brought on first writer for Living Well With Epilepsy
2014 Named About.com Epilepsy Expert
2013 Presented at Boston AbilitiesExpo
2013 Became American Neurological Association’s Director of Education and Member Services
2013 Presented at Living Well With a Disability in Lancaster, PA
2013 International Web Health Awards Judge
2013 Web Marketing Association Judge
2012 Re-Launch Party featuring Grammy-nominated artist Jann Klose
2012 Named a Wharton Management 100 Client Partner
2011 Shorty Award Nominee
2011 International Web Health Awards Judge
2010 Named Interim Director, Stewardship Wharton School
2010 Participated in University of Pennsylvania Stewardship Guidelines Committee
2009 Participated in University of Pennsylvania Campaign Recognition Committee
2009 Established Living Well With Epilepsy on Blogger
2008 Awarded Design and Design – Best of the Best for Wharton Stewardship Campaign
2006 Began work with the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania