May 30, 2025

Welcoming The RLS Foundation's Newest Team Member!

Elyse Hopfe is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her degree from the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations. During her academic years, Elyse developed a strong foundation in strategic communication, public engagement and community outreach. She has extensive experience facilitating both group and individual peer support meetings, with a strong emphasis on mental health and wellness. Elyse joined the RLS Foundation as Program Manager in May, where she will oversee several key initiatives, including the Foundation’s volunteer support network, social media, webinar series and other outreach programs aimed at supporting individuals affected by RLS. Her passion for advocacy and communication will be instrumental in expanding the Foundation’s reach and strengthening its connection to the RLS community.

How were you introduced to the RLS Foundation and what sparked your interest in pursuing a position here?

I was introduced to the RLS Foundation through a job listing that one of my UT professors sent me. I applied as quickly as I could when I found out that I could make a difference for RLS patients using health communication. I know by experience the difficulty of living with a chronic condition, and I know that feeling less alone is a tether of support that I want to always provide people with. Once I met and shared stories with the kind and passionate RLSF staff, I knew that the position was meant for me.

Based on what you’ve learned about RLS at this point, why do you feel it is important to increase awareness of the disease?

I am still discovering more and more about RLS every day, but I know that increasing awareness is essential because of how much life-changing progress is yet to be made. By hearing the stories of RLS sufferers and watching doctors recount their extensive research and experience in treating RLS patients, I learned the absolute necessity of making things better for those with RLS, which starts with making the rest of the world listen. The RLS Foundation has such an impactful history surrounding its growing community, and increasing awareness about the disease will lead to more discoveries and discussions for everyone who becomes involved.

What influenced your passion for mental health and wellness advocacy? What practices or philosophies do you want to integrate into the support meetings hosted by the Foundation?

My passion for mental health and wellness advocacy derives originally from my own battle with mental health, but it has since evolved after my collective volunteer experience leading both group and individual support. Having a therapist can be amazing, but there is a differently beautiful and powerful connection to be gained from supporting and receiving support from fellow community members who have shared your experiences in a non-clinical environment. Talking circles are an ancient practice from Indigenous cultures, including those in Canada and in the US, and I want the restorative effects of support groups to be recognized as a gift from that learned practice. As the manager of the volunteer support program at the Foundation, I want all of our support spaces to be nonhierarchical, to feel safe for leaders and attendees, and to be inclusive for anyone seeking support for their lived experiences with RLS.

What aspects of the RLS Foundation’s mission resonate most with you?

I really resonate with the action-oriented idea behind our mission. The Foundation is not passively existing to host the connections within the RLS community, but it is alive and working to make change for people who have the disease through advocacy, research, and overall education and awareness. I want to be the change, not just someone witnessing it.

What are you most excited about in your new role as program manager?

I am most excited to get to know you: whoever is reading this. I am very willing to learn more personal stories about what living with RLS can be like and I want to be extra informed when I get to contribute to exciting things like our monthly webinars, social media, and chats with support group leaders, too.

What would you like volunteers and community members to know about you as you get started?

I want everyone to know that while I do not experience RLS myself, I am devoted to amplifying the voices of the people that do. I will surely make mistakes as I acclimate to my role at the Foundation but rest assured, I am open to reframing how I navigate the complexities involved with providing the best experience for all volunteers and community members at RLSF. Please reach out to me at elyse@rls.org if you want specific resources or if you feel inclined to get to know me a bit better. I am very grateful to be part of this very personal mission.

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

I absolutely love the Texas heat, and I very often swim or walk outdoors. I am an avid reader, thrifter, and video editor when I’m not spending time with my friends. My nightly routine often includes cooking something nostalgic with my television playing in the living room. Recently, I’ve been teaching myself how to play bass guitar, but I’ve never played for an audience!

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires your work?

A motto that I have internalized from yoga class is “kind mind, kind body, kind spirit.” Whenever I feel lost, or purposeless, or not good enough, I remind myself that acting through kindness will result in work that is honest and true.