Acton Elementary

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, sharing stories, and highlighting the importance of support for individuals living with Epilepsy. This year, FTCSC is honored to share the story of Ashleigh Brandenburg and her two daughters, Alyssa and Olivia, who are both navigating life with Epilepsy. Please join us in celebrating their family and the dedication of the FTCSC staff who have supported them along the way! Together, we make a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and community through the power of partnership, advocacy, and inclusion.

Alyssa’s Story: Courage, Community, and Growing Independence

Alyssa Brandenburg’s journey with Epilepsy began when she was just nine months old. In December 2010, she experienced a 32-minute seizure that required intubation and an emergency flight to Riley Hospital for Children, where she remained for a month and a half. She continued to face seizures throughout childhood and was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome at age seven, eventually requiring four medications to manage her condition.

Despite these challenges, Alyssa’s FTCSC school experience has been defined not by limitations but by support, understanding, and opportunity.

Beginning in first grade, Alyssa was supported by Mr. Matt Taylor, Special Education teacher at Kitley Elementary. Alyssa’s mother, Ashleigh, describes him as a constant source of comfort and care. Light sensitivity was one of Alyssa’s daily challenges, and Mr. Taylor routinely adjusted lighting, rearranged activities, and ensured the classroom environment helped her feel safe and included. When Alyssa needed to wear sunglasses at school, Mr. Taylor let her wear his own, and turned a moment of potential worry into one where Alyssa felt confident and “cool.”

“Once Alyssa began to feel comfortable and successful in the classroom, her enjoyment of school improved, and her parents were consistently supportive partners. We navigated various challenges together, including redistricting and COVID protocols, but I always knew I could rely on their support to continue to challenge and help her grow into the fine young lady she is today.” Mr. Taylor shared. “What truly stood out was the family’s determined mindset and their shift from hesitation to powerful advocacy. They refused to let her condition be a silent, limiting factor. Instead, they embraced the challenge of learning how to manage it, ensuring that the health aspect never eclipsed her potential as a student or her identity as a person. Alyssa's story is defined by her determination and her kindness, not by a diagnosis.”

Another deeply influential relationship in Alyssa’s life has been with Mrs. Amy Miller, who served as Principal at Kitley and now serves as Assistant Principal at Franklin Central High School. “I first met Alyssa and her family when I became principal at Kitley Elementary School. She was in third grade at the time and was one of the first students I had the pleasure of meeting. Alyssa’s mother was very involved in her education and consistently communicated with the school about Alyssa’s health conditions. I always appreciated her openness, as it allowed us to ensure Alyssa’s safety while also supporting her in developing greater independence. It was important to all of us that Alyssa had as typical and inclusive an experience as possible, and her family’s collaboration made that goal achievable. Because of their strong foundation at Kitley, Alyssa’s transition to high school was smooth and reassuring.” Amy added, “Today, I continue to be part of Alyssa's Journey now that she and I are both at the high school. Seeing students that I had at Kitley Elementary and Intermediate work to complete their educational journey with us at the high school is truly bittersweet.”

Today, Alyssa is a vibrant, involved student at FCHS. She participates in SPARKLE Cheerleading and works at Shakers through the school’s work-study program. Ashleigh credits these inclusive programs with helping her daughter find purpose, independence, and joy, despite continuing to experience 100s of absence seizures each day.

Olivia’s Story: Strength, Bright Spirit, and Finding the Right Support

Alyssa’s younger sister, Olivia, also lives with Epilepsy—but her experience looks very different. At around one year old, Olivia woke from a nap with one side of her body stiff, and later developed drop seizures, in which a person suddenly collapses without warning.

Olivia was also diagnosed with autism and began her educational journey through First Steps before attending preschool at Kitley and later Wanamaker Early Learning Center. Throughout her early years, support from staff such as FTCSC Behavior Consultant Sarah Reeves helped Olivia build confidence and stability.

As Olivia moved through elementary school, she first attended South Creek, then Acton, and is currently at Kitley Intermediate. FTCSC staff have worked closely to find the environment that best fits her needs.

Mrs. Brook Wessel-Burke, Principal at Acton Elementary, immediately connected with Olivia’s warmth:

“When Olivia transferred to Acton a few years ago, we instantly fell in love with her big heart, bright personality, and her desire to feel part of our school family. From the very beginning, we worked to help her feel safe, valued, and loved, and she quickly became a special part of our community. We had already heard from her previous school that she was an amazing young lady and that we would love having her, and they couldn’t have been more right. ”

At Kitley, Resource Teacher Erika Hoffman has played a key role in helping Olivia thrive. With consistent medication and a collaborative team supporting her, Olivia has gained independence, stability, and confidence.

“Olivia never allowed Epilepsy to stand in her way,” Mrs. Wessel-Burke added. “She faced each day with courage and optimism, refusing to live in fear. Instead, she focused on spreading joy and kindness, always finding ways to brighten the day for those around her.”

A Mother’s Mission: Advocacy and Education

Alongside caring for her daughters, Ashleigh Brandenburg has become a dedicated advocate for Epilepsy Awareness, especially in November, as it is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Through her work with Epilepsy Indiana, she helps educate families, schools, and communities about the realities of Epilepsy.

Ashleigh has partnered with FTCSC to train bus drivers and monitors on recognizing seizures and responding effectively—ensuring safety and awareness from the moment students step onto the bus.

She is deeply grateful for the support her daughters have received in FTCSC.

“Our schools are incredibly inclusive—from SPARKLE Cheerleading, to Unified sports, to work programs. Not many districts have all of that,” she shared. 

Honoring Epilepsy Awareness Month

Alyssa and Olivia’s story is a powerful reminder that Epilepsy looks different for everyone—and that support, understanding, and partnership make all the difference. FTCSC is proud of the inclusive culture our schools continue to build, and grateful to families like the Brandenburgs who share their journeys to help others learn and understand.

This November, we celebrate the strength of Alyssa, Olivia, and Ashleigh—and the teachers, administrators, and staff who walk alongside them every day!