Meet Our Team
People who care.
Connections that matter.
Through counselling, education, advocacy, and peer support, our team helps individuals and families living with epilepsy find support, build confidence, and feel connected.
The people behind our work
Get to know the experience, perspectives, and personal commitments each member brings to Epilepsy South Central Ontario.
Leadership
David Charchalis
Chief Executive Officer
David leads Epilepsy South Central Ontario with a commitment to compassionate support and inclusive communities for people living with epilepsy.
Since joining the agency in 2012 as Manager of Volunteer Services, David has helped shape its volunteer programs, fundraising initiatives, children’s camps, and awareness events. He served as Chief Operating Officer from 2017 to 2023 before becoming CEO in 2023.
A Social Service Work graduate of George Brown College and Certified Life Skills Coach, David brings a practical, people-first approach to leadership. His personal mission, TASK, stands for Teach, Advocate, Support, and Knowledge.
David also brings 45 years of theatre experience as a producer, director, choreographer, stage manager, designer, and performer.
Beyond the office
Outside of work, David is an enthusiastic Survivor fan.
Client Services
Carly Smith
Client Service Coordinator
Carly helps youth and young adults living with epilepsy build confidence, navigate challenges, and find connection.
Through the Youth Empowerment Program and support groups, she provides counselling, advocacy, and resources in a welcoming space where people can be themselves.
A Child and Youth Worker graduate, Carly draws on experience in schools and mental health settings, including work with autism, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric disorders.
Her approach centres on each person’s strengths and recognizes how past experiences can affect their needs. She helps young people feel understood while supporting them as they build skills, relationships, and confidence.
Carly also delivers seizure first aid education and is a certified memory coach for people living with epilepsy. Her experience includes coordinating ESCO’s past Family and Youth Conference.
Her message to young people
“You are not alone.”
Communications & Community
Trevor Gordon
Media and Government Relations Manager
Trevor connects epilepsy organizations with the people, partners, and communities they serve.
At Epilepsy South Central Ontario, he leads media relations, community engagement, and digital communications, including television appearances, social media, website content, and public awareness materials. He also supports sponsorships, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising.
As National Digital Strategy and Communications Lead for the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance, Trevor coordinates bilingual content, national campaigns, and awareness initiatives such as Purple Day.
He also manages communications for Epilepsy Ontario and leads the Epilepsy Shop, which helps fund programs for people living with epilepsy.
Trevor serves on a Best Medicines Coalition committee and monitors drug shortages across Canada to help keep the epilepsy community informed.
Beyond the office
Trevor enjoys concerts, travel, and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays. He is also the colleague people turn to when technology needs troubleshooting.
Peer Connection
Steve Kieffer
Adult Support Group Host and Peer Support
Steve brings lived experience, empathy, and a listening ear to his work with people affected by epilepsy. After several years as a member of ESCO’s adult support group, he became its host in 2025.
Drawing on more than a decade of living with epilepsy, Steve facilitates virtual group conversations, offers one-on-one peer support, and delivers educational presentations.
He creates space for people to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others who understand.
Steve was among the first people in Canada to benefit from a new epilepsy surgical procedure. His experiences inform his commitment to helping others navigate their own journeys.
With a professional background in technology, Steve brings communication, problem-solving, and team leadership skills to his peer support work.
Beyond the office
Outside of these conversations, Steve enjoys cycling, kayaking, and outdoor adventures.
Meet the people who guide ESCO’s governance.