Built with Path

I am a queer, disabled Filipine-American writer and educator working at the intersections of care, chronic illness, grief, and relational dynamics. My background spans clinical research, death work, and accessibility consulting.

Christa Lei

Christa Lei

Writer, Educator, Editor & Social (Care) Worker • New York, United States

About

I am a queer, disabled Filipine-American writer and educator working at the intersections of care, chronic illness, grief, and relational dynamics. My background spans clinical research, death work, and accessibility consulting.

Experience

2026 — Current

Social Work Intern at Selfhelp Community Services

Supporting social work initiatives in a community setting.

2021 — Current

Independent Consultant at Self Employed

Spearhead trauma-informed workshops on disability justice and lead strategic partnerships for healthcare access. Advise nonprofits on accessibility frameworks and manage complex project pipelines.

2018 — Current

Writer & Editor at Freelance

Provide expert editorial guidance and personalized coaching for medical school and residency applicants. Develop customized writing strategies to craft compelling narratives.

2022 — 2022

Clinical Research Associate at IQVIA

Ensured compliance with operational procedures across multi-site clinical trials. Coordinated cross-functional teams and developed training programs for clinical staff.

2021 — 2022

Clinical Research Coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Managed participant recruitment, data collection, and regulatory documentation for multi-phase clinical trials. Streamlined workflow efficiency and maintained complex databases.

2019 — 2019

Research Coordinator at NYU Langone Health

Coordinated multi-site clinical trials and oversaw data collection and quality assurance processes. Led participant recruitment efforts and developed communication workflows.

2008 — 2019

Special Programs Coordinator and Diabetes Educator/Patient Advocate at Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls

Coordinated community-based health programs for underrepresented populations. Provided direct patient advocacy and education for diabetic patients.

2008 — 2019

Medical Office Assistant at Charlie Y. Sonido MD Inc.

Managed front and back office operations and acted as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers. Maintained accurate medical records using EHR systems.

2017 — 2018

Ophthalmic Technician/Medical Assistant at Eyecare Associates of San Francisco

Streamlined office workflow during EHR transition and conducted comprehensive patient eye exams. Assisted physicians with minor outpatient procedures.

2016 — 2017

Clinical Research Coordinator at UCSF- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing

Spearheaded patient recruitment initiatives and managed study operations from start-up through close-out. Supported clinical teams during participant visits.

Projects

1/2 a Day in the Life of a Wicked Stepsister

Published work.

A Traveler's Guide to Flying With Chronic Hip and Back Pain

Published work.

Education

2025 — 2028

Master's degree in Social Work at Binghamton University

2026 — 2028

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Randolph College

2012 — 2014

Bachelor's degree in Psychology at DePaul University

2010 — 2012

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Creighton University

2010

High School Diploma at Punahou School

Skills

Student WelfareManuscript DevelopmentTechnical WritingClinical ResearchProject ManagementTrauma-Informed CareAccessibility ConsultingData AnalysisPatient AdvocacySpanishTagalog

Awards & Recognition

2023

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) from Not specified

Certification in clinical practice standards.

2023

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Certification from Not specified

Certification in psychological first aid.

2023

Medidata/RAVE Certified Research Coordinator from Medidata

Certification for research coordination.

2014

Summa Cum Laude from DePaul University

Academic honor for B.A. in Psychology.