# Christa Lei

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

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.

Profile: https://path.cv/christalei

*Last updated: August 2026*

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## Experience

### Social Work Intern at Selfhelp Community Services
*Aug 2026 – Present*

Supporting social work initiatives in a community setting.

### Independent Consultant at Self Employed
*May 2021 – Present*

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

### Writer & Editor at Freelance
*May 2018 – Present*

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

### Clinical Research Associate at IQVIA
*Jan 2022 – Dec 2022*

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

### Clinical Research Coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
*Jan 2021 – Jan 2022*

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

### Research Coordinator at NYU Langone Health
*Jan 2019 – Dec 2019*

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

### Special Programs Coordinator and Diabetes Educator/Patient Advocate at Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls
*Dec 2008 – Dec 2019*

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

### Medical Office Assistant at Charlie Y. Sonido MD Inc.
*Dec 2008 – Jan 2019*

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

### Ophthalmic Technician/Medical Assistant at Eyecare Associates of San Francisco
*Jan 2017 – Jan 2018*

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

### Clinical Research Coordinator at UCSF- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing
*Aug 2016 – Oct 2017*

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

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## Skills

Student Welfare · Manuscript Development · Technical Writing · Clinical Research · Project Management · Trauma-Informed Care · Accessibility Consulting · Data Analysis · Patient Advocacy · Spanish · Tagalog

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## 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.

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## Education

### Master's degree in Social Work
*Binghamton University*
Aug 2025 – Dec 2028

### Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
*Randolph College*
May 2026 – Jun 2028

### Bachelor's degree in Psychology
*DePaul University*
Jan 2012 – Jan 2014

### Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
*Creighton University*
Jan 2010 – Jan 2012

### High School Diploma
*Punahou School*
Jan 2010 – Jan 2010

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## Awards

- **Good Clinical Practice (GCP)** — Not specified (Jan 2023)
- **Psychological First Aid (PFA) Certification** — Not specified (Jan 2023)
- **Medidata/RAVE Certified Research Coordinator** — Medidata (Jan 2023)
- **Summa Cum Laude** — DePaul University (Jan 2014)

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## Links

- **LinkedIn**: https://linkedin.com/in/christalei
- **Website**: https://christalei.me
- **LinkedIn**: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christalei
- **Personal Website**: https://christalei.me/
- **Blog**: https://isthiswhatyouwant.org/