Staff Page

Suzanne Tierney

CEO/President Suzanne@lupusgreaterohio.org

I have spent the last 30 years dedicated to the lupus patients in Ohio. The goal is to provide a better quality of life until a cause or cure for lupus is found. My passion is providing programs to empower those affected by lupus so that they will have a better journey with lupus through education and emotional support. Lupus does not have to be a lonely, miserable, and misunderstood illness. My goal is to provide my chapter with the tools and resources to provide such services to all those in the state of Ohio.

Leslie Vizcarra

Vice President of Operations & Patient Navigator Leslie@lupusgreaterohio.org

I’m a registered nurse and have a BSN from Ohio University. My primary role is to help people understand lupus and provide general health education. I strive to build working relationships, solve problems and support patients while they learn how to best manage their symptoms. I started volunteering for the LFA, GOC over 20 years ago. My dedication is driven with a passion to help fight lupus and was inspired by all the people I have met along the way.

Kathy Holmes

Finance Manager Kathy@lupusgreaterohio.org

I was diagnosed with lupus in 1989 and joined the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Cleveland Chapter the same year. I have been able to grow with the organization, as it became the LFA, GOC. Knowing how important it was to have somewhere to turn when I was first diagnosed is what motivates me to do all I can to help our chapter continue in our mission. Being in remission for the past 20 years has enabled me to take an active part in the growth of our chapter.

Stephanie Holmes

Administrative Assistant Stephanie@lupusgreaterohio.org

I have a very long history with the LFA, GOC. My mom has lupus and she has worked here my entire life. I have seen this organization grow into what it is today, and I am so honored that I get use my skills and learn new ones. As a little girl, I would seal envelopes while my mom was working and now, I am posting to social media and editing videos for the LFA, GOC. I graduated from Capital University with a BA degree in media communications and a minor in public relations.

Lindsay Rinehart

Marketing Coordinator Lindsay@lupusgreaterohio.org

I am a master of marketing and all things design. My passion for communication, design, and advocacy led me to a rewarding career in non-profit marketing through organizations like the American Lung Association and LFO, GOC. I love helping to empower patients by listening to their stories and helping to spread the word so others might be encouraged through their lupus journeys. When I’m not designing content calendars or strategizing marketing plans, I’m an avid reader, traveler, and dedicated 26 LIVING WITH LUPUS MAGAZINE LIVING WITH LUPUS MAGAZINEdog parent.

Adrienne Rice-Fernandez

Lead Project Coordinator Adrienne@lupusgreaterohio.org

I help with anything from grant writing, coordinating advocacy efforts, managing projects, writing/editing, and whatever else our office needs. I’m also a patient, so finding a cause and a cure is especially important to me. I love speaking with patients and caregivers when they call the office because I can empathize and offer a sympathetic ear. I am the devoted mother of two wonderful sons, they are the reason I fight lupus daily. I share my story every day hoping that it might help or encourage someone else on their journey. I try to leave lupus patients with these thoughts and that keeps your environment positive in all aspects and do what you can while you can!

Aletha Acree

Community Outreach Coordinator Aletha@lupusgreaterohio.org

I am the devoted mother of two wonderful sons, they are the reason I fight lupus daily. I share my story every day hoping that it might help or encourage someone else on their journey. I try to leave lupus patients with these thoughts and that is: keep your environment positive in all aspects and do what you can while you can!

Kay Adams

Fundraising & Events Coordinator Kay@lupusgreaterohio.org

I am a people person and an unrelenting communicator. I talk fast and I like action. I was drawn to the LFA, GOC to work in events and promotions but I also harbor a soft spot for editing and proofreading. I have worked in various aspects of events for a while now and I am excited about the shift to non-profit events and development. Among serving the lupus patients of Ohio, my passions also include, reading, traveling, snowboarding, a never-ending search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie, and loving my dog.

Melissa Betts

Fundraising Melissa@lupusgreaterohio.org

I joined the team here at LFA, GOC in 2021 after having served in the non-profit sector for 15 years. It has been a pleasure to get to know some amazing lupus warriors and they continue to be my motivation in my fundraising role. Their strength and determination inspire me to do everything in my power to support the fight. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 24 years and our pets, three dogs and one cat. I am also the very proud mother of three adult children, Andrew, Philip, and Emma, all of whom are serving our country in the United States Military.

THANK YOU FOR READING OHIO’S LUPUS MAGAZINE! FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FROM THE WORLD OF LUPUS, PLEASE VISIT US AT WWW.LUPUSGREATEROHIO.ORG. THE FUNDING FOR THIS CAMPAIGN IS FROM AN EARMARK FROM THE STATE OF OHIO AND MANAGED BY THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EMAIL INFO@LUPUSGREATEROHIO.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

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