Board of Directors
ERIC NOSTRAND
Chairman
Eric Nostrand is a local businessman whose background includes owning a small chain of restaurants in the East Bay, as well as real estate management and development. He is a 1985 graduate of U.C. Berkeley.
In 2006 Eric was awarded the Small Business Advocate of the Year by the California Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, Eric was recognized by the East Bay Leadership Council as one of its Small Businesses of the Year and in 2015 became the youngest recipient of Pleasanton’s Ed Kinney Community Service Award.
Eric was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2010 and founded Eric’s Corner with Kim Z in 2011 to help those affected by an epilepsy diagnosis. “There were no epilepsy support groups or other resources in the area, so we changed that.” He’s working hard every day to not let epilepsy get in his way.
Eric is supported by his wife Julie and daughters Carly and Maggie.
PARVIN MANUCHEHRI
Treasurer
Parvin Manuchehri serves as the Treasurer for Eric’s Corner. She is a financial planner and has been in the financial services industry since 1997 and started her own Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in 2011.
Parvin received her CFP® certification in 2002 and earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. She has also taught courses for the College for Financial Planning where she focused on areas such as retirement planning, income tax planning, and employee benefits.
Her brother was diagnosed with epilepsy as a young child and Parvin is proud to be part of Eric’s Corner as the group has helped her brother and her family with learning more about the resources available.
RICHARD SCHEIDT
Secretary
Richard was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 45. Following his first seizure, he had several more Focal Aware seizures (formerly Simple Partial seizures) within a five week period. Under the supervision of his Neurologist he was prescribed an anti-seizure medication and has been seizure free since late 2010.
Considering his seizures under control, he sought to help others with Epilepsy. He found Eric’s Corner online and began going to support group meetings in early 2013. “The best part of Eric’s Corner is the exchange of information between group participants. I have seen it changes people’s lives and outlook,” he is often heard saying.
Richard and his wife Kathleen moved to Portland, Oregon in 2018 to be closer to family. Richard works in the horse racing industry and serves as Secretary on the Eric’s Corner Board. He is involved with the e-newsletter, Web site and other projects.
Heidi Simarro
Board Member
Heidi Simarro is the owner and Esthetician of Phoenix Skincare & Waxing in Lafayette, California. She has worked in Lafayette for the past 15 years. She graduated from DeLoux Cosmetology in 2004, after a successful career in the restaurant business.
She is an active member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and enjoys volunteering in community events.
In 2012 her husband Chris began having Grand Mal seizures. It was the beginning of a long journey of his Epilepsy diagnosis that finally came in 2017. Having to fight and advocate for her husbands care and treatments she became passionate about bringing awareness. Finding Eric’s Corner in 2017 and going to a few meetings, she knew this was a special community that brought comfort and joy for those living with Epilepsy.
Heidi has been on the Eric’s Corner Board since January 2020.
Previous Board Members
KIM ZAMRZLA
Director Emeritus
Co-founding Eric’s Corner in 2010, Kim served at Vice-Chair from the time Eric’s Corner formally gained non-profit status in February 2010 until she retired in February 2023. As the backbone of Eric’s Corner; her goal was to help others living with similar medical situations. As acting facilitator for the ongoing support group, she has helped to bring conversation discussing topics that bring knowledge and resources to those affected by seizures. Additionally Kim helped form relationships with guest speakers, community groups and between group participants.
Kim is the mother of an amazing young adult that grew up with epilepsy. Her daughter was diagnosed with a seizure disorder when she was in kindergarten. Kim has been an advocate for epilepsy awareness for over 25 years.
Kim’s contributions to Eric’s Corner and the epilepsy community in the tri-valley area are unparalleled. The Board, epilepsy community and support group participants can’t thank Kim enough for her time and effort to make our world a better place.
RON HOLMAN
Director Emeritus
Ron served as one of the original Eric’s Corner Board Members from February 2014 through January 2020. His contributions to the board are a big part of what the organization is today and will be in the future. While he will no longer be active on the board, Ron’s infectious smile and quick wit will remain a staple at Eric’s Corner events. The entire Eric’s Corner community thanks Ron for his service. Thank you Ron!
Ron is a true Epilepsy Survivor. Having suffered a Tonic Clonic (grandmal) Seizure while surfing one sunny day really changed his outlook on life! Hug a Life guard next time you see one for Ron. Feeling alone at age 16 when he was told about his Epilepsy, but Support groups were non-existent. Eric’s Corner is a safe friendly environment and a place to talk to your peers, share and learn. Together, we support caregivers and their needs too.
Board Meetings
Eric’s Corner’ Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who have been affected by epilepsy, either having been diagnosed or having a loved one who has been. The mission of Eric’s Corner is to raise awareness of epilepsy and seizures disorders and connect with our community with resources to effectively manage an epilepsy or seizure diagnosis.
The Board meets on a quarterly basis and would like to hear from you. If you have a topic or suggestion for the Board, please feel free to e-mail info@ericscorner.org with the details. The Board will do its best to address your topic or suggestion at their next meeting.
The Board requests your topic or suggestion be received no later than the first of the month that a meeting is scheduled to be considered for discussion. A proposed schedule of meetings is listed below and is subject to change without notice.
Board meeting materials are available upon request. Please e-mail info@ericscorner.org with your request and the specific meeting minutes you would like to review. Verifiable identification and contact information must be included in your request to be considered. Once your request is received, a Board member will respond to verify your identity and facilitate delivery of the requested materials. Eric’s Corner reserves the right to deny requests for meeting materials.
Upcoming Board Meetings:
Subject to change