Meet the Team: Krissy Dilger
We’re excited to introduce a new series of blogs spotlighting SRNA’s incredible staff. SRNA is a small but mighty team, expanding across the country and beyond.
This month, we’re spotlighting Krissy Dilger. Joining the team in 2017 as a Program Associate, Krissy now serves as our Research and Program Manager. She is passionate about public health and healthcare advocacy within underserved communities and has done amazing work with our organization over the last eight years.
We asked Krissy a few questions to help you get to know her a little better. Read below!
What is something you’re really good at outside of work?
I don’t know if I’d say I’m really good at it, but I do enjoy cooking and trying new foods! I recently purchased a Dutch oven, and I made chicken and dumplings for the first time. I’m excited to experiment with some other recipes like short ribs and no knead bread. I would also say I’m good at traveling. I love to explore new places and go outside of my comfort zone. I feel quite confident navigating new cities and using public transportation, and I love meeting new people despite any language barriers. I have been to 16 countries outside of the US, and I hope to visit many more.
You’re a world traveler! Do you have a favorite memory from one of your trips?
I recently went on a road trip around Ireland with some friends. One night in Dingle, my friend and I went to a local pub, and while we were there, one group of people just started singing an Irish folk song. The bar got quiet as the group sang, and then the entire bar just started singing different Irish folk songs while my friend and I sat there enjoying the moment. The man across from us tried to get us to pick a song and start singing, but we had to tell him that we’re American and therefore didn’t know any Irish folk songs. He started singing “Bye Bye, Miss American Pie” so we could join in. It was one of those magical moments you can’t recreate.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
I attended a professional piano concert for the first time last year. It was an amazing experience to see someone perform, who is so dedicated to their art and who has mastered such intricate pieces of music. Honorable mention: I recently went skiing for the first time since I was a teenager. I had only gone once before, over 15 years ago, so it was as if I was learning it for the first time again. I really enjoyed it and plan on going again!
What’s something that has made you smile recently?
My nephew, Desmond, was born in November. Seeing his face and getting to hold him for the first time is a memory that continues to make me smile. Also, seeing my sister and brother-in-law come into their own as new parents has been wonderful.
What energizes you?
I love taking long walks and exploring new neighborhoods. I currently live in New York City, so there are infinite nooks and crannies to discover. I could live here a decade and still not have seen all the city has to offer. I also love going to concerts and listening to music. I’ve found music to be a great healer of many stressors, soothing my anxiety when needed and amplifying joy when I’m in good spirits. Finding a song or an artist that I jive with gives me the energy to get through even the most tedious tasks.
What does a “typical day” of work look like for you?
I am not a morning person, so I typically start working around 9 or 9:30am. I am unfortunately reliant on caffeine, so I will either make coffee in my French press or run across the street to Dunkin. Once I’ve gotten through my emails, I’ll work on some of my main tasks as the Manager of Research and Programs, including scheduling podcasts, communicating with medical professionals in the SRNA network, and reviewing surveys for the SRNA Registry. If the weather is nice, I enjoy taking a walk in Central Park around midday. Some days I work later than others, depending on my schedule for the week and what needs to get done. Since our work is fully remote, I enjoy working in libraries and coffee shops some days for a change of scenery, and I recently signed up for a coworking space.
Three books, blogs, or podcasts you love:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Educated by Tara Westover, and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.
Any other thoughts or comments you’d like to share with the readers:
I’ve been with SRNA almost 8 years now, and I have really enjoyed getting to know the amazing community SRNA has built. I am so grateful and humbled to do this work every day, and I am hopeful for the future of research and care for those with rare neuroimmune disorders.
