Our Team
The COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project is entirely led by a team of people with Long COVID. We work tirelessly to support the Long COVID community by advancing awareness and understanding of Long COVID and its associated conditions as well as helping to shape research, clinical care, and policy ensuring patient and caregiver perspectives and lived experience are centered.
Board of Directors
At the COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project, we are grateful to have a dedicated board of directors who are committed to giving guidance and direction to our team. Our patient-led focus drives our efforts, and we are proud of the team of experienced advocates who help us provide the support and advocacy longhaulers need.
Founder and President
Karyn Bishof
Karyn Bishof is a first-wave March 2020 Longhauler, mixed-indigenous single mom, and now former firefighter/ paramedic due to Long COVID and its associated conditions. Karyn served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicines (NASEM) committee tasked with developing the U.S. Government's definition of Long COVID, and serves on the NIH RECOVER Initiatives Ancillary Studies Oversight Committee, and as an external contributor to the AHRQ Long COVID Care Network.
Director of Policy and Programs
Krista Coombs
Krista Coombs likely contracted COVID-19 in February 2020 and has had multiple reinfections. Krista has a background as a TCM Acupuncturist specializing in chronic, complex illnesses for over 20 years. Krista now works part-time as Long COVID Advocate at the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL), providing peer support, resources and congressional advocacy. She also serves as a Caregiver Representative in the NIH RECOVER Initiative where currently involved in the NCEG Publications Subcommittee and the Pregnancy Cohort Coordinating Committee. Krista is especially focused on advocating for pediatrics, drawing from her personal experience caring for her children.
Director of Education
Netia McCray
Netia McCray is a March 2020 Longhauler and founder of a STEM nonprofit, Mbadika. Netia is involved with NIH RECOVER Neuro through Duke University and Project Echo with clinicians in New Mexico and California. Netia has also been invited to serve on the New York City Department of Health’s Patient and Community Advisory Committee for a multi-year study on the long-term public health outcomes of COVID-19.
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Director of Communications & Community Outreach, Secretary
Ken Todd
Ken Todd is a February 2021 Longhauler and Emmy-nominated former television marketing and communications executive with an MBA in corporate strategy and marketing. Ken is a long-time member of C19LAP, an 18-time marathoner, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and has served as a C19LAP Division Lead for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island since 2023 . Ken has participated in multiple Long COVID studies and clinical trials at Mount Sinai and Yale University, and has shared his patient experience with multiple media outlets to help raise awareness of Long COVID.
Treasurer
Michael Clark
Michael Clark is a March 2020 Longhauler, accounting and finance executive, and a certified public accountant with over a decade of experience working in biotechnology and Big 4 public accounting. Michael has shared his personal experiences as a patient throughout the media aiming to lend his voice to the millions with Long COVID, its associated conditions, and others with infection-associated chronic conditions to find treatments, support, and dignity in their journey.
Community Administrative & Support Team
Our community administrative and support team works to make sure that the COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project is operating smoothly. By providing graphic design, website assistance, and other administrative services, our team ensures that crucial information is readily available to community members. We're dedicated to making sure that every longhauler gets the support they need to make a full and speedy recovery.
Georgia is a first wave longhauler from March 2020, assisting with Facebook community administration and outreach.
Georgia Linders
Wisconsin
Holly is a first wave longhauler from early March 2020, assisting with web and media design.
Holly Broman
Hawaii
Cynthia is a first wave longhauler from March 2020, assisting with graphics and social media.
Cynthia Adinig
Virginia
Anne is a January 2021 Longhauler, assisting with Facebook community administration and administrator & moderator training.
Anne Richards
New York
Administrator/ Moderator Division Leads
The COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project exists to provide a platform for Longhaulers to come together and support each other. Our administrators and moderators work to ensure that the information we provide is up-to-date, reliable, and relevant. We want to increase public awareness of the challenges Longhaulers face and advocate for better healthcare, research, and policies to support them. Join us in our mission by becoming a member of our community or by contributing to our cause.
Our Community
C19LAP FB Chapters
These chapters are a great way to meet other longhaulers near you or within your community who can relate to life with Long COVID, to find local or relevant resources, and organize local or community specific actions.