Meet Our Hosts

Monica Cipriani
Inspired by her mother’s experience with Lyme disease, Monica turned a personal connection into a lifelong commitment to tick-borne disease research and advocacy. Through her work as an epidemiologic researcher and PhD candidate, she has come to understand how deeply these illnesses can affect people far beyond what can be captured in research or data. She helped create Ticked Together NYC to bring the community together, create meaningful connections, and remind people that there is life beyond illness.

Nicole O'Donnell
After years of navigating Lyme disease and Long COVID, Nicole O’Donnell understands firsthand how isolating life with an invisible illness can feel. Her experience inspired her to write Resilient Hope, a memoir that shares her story alongside those of nine other warriors. Nicole is passionate about bringing people together, raising awareness, and reminding those living with tick-borne disease that they are not alone. Through Ticked Together NYC, she hopes to create a welcoming space where people can connect, share experiences, laugh, and enjoy life beyond illness.

Jasmin Perdomo
Jasmin Perdomo is a poet, Lyme disease advocate, and author of bittersweet body: a poetic memoir, a collection shaped by her experience navigating chronic illness and the emotional toll that can come with it. Through her writing, Jasmin explores identity, resilience, and the parts of illness that often go unseen, using creativity as a way to give voice to experiences that can be difficult to explain. Through Ticked Together NYC, she hopes to help create the kind of community and connection that reminds people they do not have to navigate those experiences alone.

Kristen Harris
Kristen Harris leads the Education Programs at Global Lyme Alliance, working closely with patients, volunteers, and community partners. Her own Lyme journey spans decades, giving her a deeply personal connection to the community and a passion for creating spaces where people can connect, share resources, and feel less alone while navigating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Global Lyme Alliance
Global Lyme Alliance is proud to support Ticked Together NYC and opportunities that bring the Lyme and tick-borne disease community together. Through research, patient support, and education, GLA works to empower patients, provide trusted resources, and strengthen connections across the community.

Ticked Together NYC

Community and Connection