Meet the Team: GG deFiebre
Welcome back to another blog spotlighting SRNA’s incredible staff. SRNA is a small but mighty team, expanding across the country and beyond. We’re excited for you to get to know the faces behind the work!
This month, we’re spotlighting GG deFiebre. GG joined the SRNA team in 2015 as a Research Associate and now serves as our Director of Research and Programs. In 2010, GG earned a bachelor’s degree from New College of Florida, and in 2013 received a master’s degree in public health from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy at Hunter College. She then earned a PhD in Community Health and Health Policy at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. GG was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in December of 2009 and is a C6/7 quadriplegic.
We asked GG a few questions to help you get to know her a little better. Read her answers below!
What’s something new you’d like to learn?
I would love to learn a second language. I took nine years of Spanish throughout school and college, but I’ve lost whatever limited language proficiency I had. I also used to sing in choirs at school but haven’t taken voice lessons since being diagnosed with transverse myelitis in 2009. Since my diaphragm and breathing muscles are weakened from TM, I think learning to sing again would be both fun and a good form of exercise.
What is something you’re really good at outside of work?
It probably overlaps with my work, but I’m the person many of my friends go to when they need answers about things. I’m good at diving into different topics and explaining what I’ve learned in a clear way. I always tell my friends they shouldn’t listen to me because I’m not an expert in most things—but they still keep coming back!
What energizes you?
Because of the fatigue I experience from TM, caffeine literally energizes me and helps me get through the day! Emotionally, I feel energized when I see people working together to make the world a better place.
What does a “typical day” of work look like for you?
I’m more of a night owl than a morning person, so I usually start my day around 10 a.m. I typically begin by checking and answering emails—some SRNA staff like to work early in the morning, so I need to catch up. I spend time connecting with our community, supporting staff with their projects, and working on research efforts like the SRNA Registry. I often focus on “big picture” work and rely on a detailed to-do list to keep track of everything. I feel incredibly lucky to work from home and to not have to commute. My workday also often includes my cats trying to get my attention while I stare at a computer screen.
What’s something that has made you smile recently?
I recently went on a weekend trip to Providence with two friends. We explored the city and laughed so much. At one point, we even had to be assisted by the fire department (!!) because the strongest winds I’ve ever experienced made it nearly impossible to push our wheelchairs up a massive hill to the train station on our way back to New York City.
Three books, blogs, or podcasts you love
I enjoy podcasts about some of my favorite shows—for example, Buffering the Vampire Slayer, which covers the 90s show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I also like public health and science podcasts like This Podcast Will Kill You and the clinical updates from This Week in Virology. I’m currently reading a book that my sister, Sophie Dess, recently published called What You Make of Me—which is such a cool experience. I have talented siblings!
