We’re thrilled to welcome three exceptional new members to the Center for Lyme Action team, each bringing unique expertise, energy, and personal commitment to advancing our mission of growing federal support for Lyme and tick-borne disease research.
Deanna Lebel, MHS — Government Relations Manager
Deanna joins CLA from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she served as an ORISE Lyme Innovation Fellow in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. There, she advanced federal initiatives including LymeX, the world’s largest public-private partnership to address Lyme disease, and the Vector-borne Disease National Strategy (2024), a collaboration between HHS and CDC.
Her professional experience spans behavioral health, traumatic brain injury, and nutrition. A Lyme patient herself, Deanna brings a unique perspective on how chronic physical conditions intersect with mental health. She holds a Master of Health Science from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University.
Melinda Sander — Community Engagement Fellow
A passionate patient advocate from north central Missouri, Melinda Sander has served as the Missouri Team Lead with the Center for Lyme Action for the past five years and now steps into the role of Community Engagement Fellow.
Melinda is currently pursuing a degree in Public Health at Western Governors University and is dedicated to strengthening state-level advocacy teams across the country. Her leadership and grassroots experience will be instrumental in expanding CLA’s network of engaged advocates.
Sofia Ciminello — Bernadette Clavier Public Health Innovation Fellow
Sofia Ciminello is a senior at New York University, pursuing an individualized major in Medical Advocacy and Patient-Centered Care with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. After graduation, she plans to complete a pre-med postbaccalaureate program and attend medical school to become a Lyme-literate medical doctor (LLMD).
Having been directly impacted by Lyme disease, Sofia brings heartfelt passion and insight to her work. She is eager to contribute to CLA’s mission of increasing federal funding, awareness, and innovation for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
Please join us in welcoming Deanna, Melinda, and Sofia to the Center for Lyme Action team!
