As a member-led organization, the Collective is committed to listening to, learning from, and following the voices of those most affected.

Our Elected Leadership

  • Rachel Madison

    Chair

    Rachel is a co-founder of the Collective with experience in nonprofit management and communications. Her life-changing experience with post-viral illness has led her to pursue a new career in multimedia journalism and share inspiring stories of Long Covid and chronic illness survivors. She is excited to collaborate on the LCC’s photo-documentary project to spread awareness through creativity. Rachel loves to spend her time in nature, reading, and playing music.  

  • Jason Lanier

    Vice-Chair

    As a long-hauler since 2021, Jason is excited to apply his organizational growth and development skills to advocate for this community and drive awareness and support for Long Covid and post-viral illness.  Jason is a product management director and works on strategic innovation programs, and has experience with the Austin software start-up scene.  He and his partner Christine are blessed with two wonderful teenage sons.  For fun they enjoy adventurous trips and quality time with a large extended family in central Texas. 

  • Maggie Moore

    Secretary

    All her life, Maggie has managed chronic illness, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and major depressive disorder for decades. Even so, Her Covid infections left her with debilitating symptoms and new diagnoses that suspended her 20-year archeology career. She now focuses on building a brighter future for folks with chronic illness through the Collective, and fostering kittens for her local animal shelter with her husband and teenaged son.

  • Jamie Wheeless

    Treasurer

    Jamie has dealt with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain for years and now faces her Long Covid and diabetes diagnoses. Her lifelong passion is small business, and she's been involved with both owning and working for them, often concurrently. Jamie volunteered and served on non profit boards for years and is grateful to get to be useful to the Collective. She hopes to continue her art lessons which she loves.

Our Coordinators

  • Virginia Hernandez

    Newsletter Coordinator

    Virginia was inspired to work with the Collective and create the Long Covid photo documentary project while watching her best friend struggle through symptoms, diagnosis, and life changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia is a professional photographer based in Austin, Texas, specializing in portraiture, event, and concert photography. She enjoys spending time with her son, family, and kitties, performing amateur standup comedy, cooking, and playing bass guitar. 

  • Cindy Kohler

    Social Media Coordinator

    Cindy is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in real estate development, but now faces the daily challenges of living with Long Covid. Still, she finds love and joy in her Scottish Terrier, Fitz, who not only keeps her laughing but also inspires her creativity as the star of her Instagram videos. Through her role on the leadership committee, Cindy is committed to raising awareness about the invisible and debilitating nature of Long Covid while fostering a supportive community for those affected.

We are seeking Coordinator positions!

We are currently seeking coordinators for our remaining volunteer positions! Review our available positions below and reach out via email to express interest; longcovidcollective@gmail.com.

  • Chronic Cooks Coordinator

    Manage our Chronic Cooks meal delivery program for the Greater Austin Area. Coordinate program volunteers, contribute to our healthy recipe index, organize recipient forms, and develop cook and delivery plans for our growing list of members.

  • Fundraising Coordinator

    Oversee our organizational fundraising efforts. Explore fundraising opportunities, conduct outreach with potential donors and sponsors, launch and manage fundraising campaigns, draft grants, and coordinate fundraising team volunteers.