Meet Our Team

I’m Leeza and I’ve had an extraordinary opportunity to live the life of my dreams as a TV journalist, speaker and author. I love telling the stories of people’s lives. The biggest story in my life happened when my mom got Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother, my granny faced the same fate. By watching these important women show up with such grace and dignity as they battled the thief of memories, I learned that there is great power in facing our fears and great humanity when someone opens up to receive the help of others. Mom asked me to tell the story of our family’s journey and to “make it count”. That is part of why I created LCC. To make sure those who are forgetting will not be forgotten and to honor the courageous caregivers who stand by someone they love. My dad learned to summon his strength when he cared for my mom until her death and now, through Leeza’s Care Connection, I get to share with many others who have found courage they never knew they had. I am profoundly grateful for this blessing and honor. It is a treasure in my life, a daily reminder of the power of the human spirit and a great “story to tell.”

I am the Chief Program Officer over our national programs and Managing Director of our center in Irmo, SC at the Mary Meech & Michael J Mungo Home. I am originally from Charleston and graduated from Summerville High School. I received my bachelor's in psychology with an emphasis in social work from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. My family and I stayed in Nashville for a while, where I had wonderful career experiences in counseling, nonprofit management, and lastly program management, providing free events for families who have a child with a life-threatening illness. I am an experienced nonprofit leader with a passion for community. Most recently, I have experience supporting caregivers receiving respite across South Carolina. I have a passion for helping communities and am thankful to be a part of the LCC community, where we provide free resources to caregivers with a focus on care and compassion. Outside of LCC, you can find me with my son Coleman and husband Will or fostering dogs through the local shelter.

A thirst for learning and leaving the world a better place has been instilled in me by my parents since I can remember. In 2016, during a gap year from college, I took a leap of faith and moved across the country to serve a year with the National Health Corps AmeriCorps program as a Youth Domestic Violence Advocate, a pivotal moment in my life. After finishing my B.A. in Public Health and Human Service, I went on to work with the Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, St. Lawerence Family Shelter and eventually with Leda Health as a the Assistant Director of Holistic Programming creating and managing support groups for college aged survivors of sexual assault. I am so grateful to now be leading our Public Health AmeriCorps program helping to fill gaps in service for the communities we serve and guide others on their journey of giving a year of service that so impacted who I am today. In my free time, I love to read fantasy novels, knit, play video games, and bother my partner and cats with lots of love!

I am honored to serve as the Managing Director of the California chapter of Leeza’s Care Connection, where I bring nearly a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, ranging from hospitals and startups to agencies and nonprofits. My passion for gerontology and caregiving was kindled by growing up with four incredible grandparents, all of whom were advocates and activists in their own right. One of the most meaningful roles in my career was working on the memory care unit at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Hospital. There, I supported families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnoses. In my other work, I’ve had the privilege of running volunteer and grassroots community engagement programs. I’ve also leveraged strategic communications and digital marketing to deploy social impact campaigns. I earned my BA in sociology from UC Berkeley and my MSW from Columbia University. During the pandemic, I had the honor of becoming a Coro Women in Leadership Fellow. Currently, I serve on the Advisory Committee for the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children.

I earned a Bachelors of Science from the University of South Carolina. I have volunteered and worked with individuals dealing with various forms of Dementia for the past 15 years. Working with these individuals and their families has shown me I am doing what I was put on this Earth to do. I have a strong passion for helping provide respite care for families, working to improve the quality of life of my clients, and being the best patient advocate I can be.

Xotchil is passionate about helping people and is enthusiastic about growing the Leeza’s Care Connection community in Burbank. Xotchil has spent the last 13 years in post secondary education, growing and helping others achieve personal goals while passionately guiding the creation of innovative new programs to assist in the success of students and her team. Xotchil has a passion for non-profit organizations and has spent countless hours volunteering with many organizations including, The Fred Jordan Mission, Make a Wish, E-beauty, No Limits and the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Xotchil found Leeza’s Care Connection as a volunteer, and is proud to officially be part of this beautiful organization.

I am an Atlanta native, lived all over the US (husband Mark was military for many years) and have called SC home since 2002. Mark & I have been married almost 42 years and wish we had 42 more. Our daughter has just started her PhD program in genetics at the University of Florida; her undergrad is from Clemson and her Master's from University of South Carolina, so we are somewhat conflicted when it comes to college football. I enjoy yardwork, crocheting, and books of almost any genre. My full time caregiver journey took a number of twists & turns as my mother suffered from both vascular and Lewy Body dementia while living with my family. Mom had been the caregiver for my father for many years as well, so we have seen the struggles from all sides. It thrills me beyond words to be a part of the Leeza's Care Connection team! I look forward to becoming a part of the HUGS program and continuing to serve this community in every way possible.

I am blessed to be an AmeriCorps Alumni of our program and now on staff full-time as our Program Coordinator. When not at LCC, I spend most of my time as a professional caregiver or connecting with others around the community. Being able to connect both my passions, caregiving and outreach, together with an organization that is compassionate about me and others is an opportunity of a lifetime for me. I'm currently a college student pursuing my teaching degree. As a country girl born and raised, I have always had a love for the outdoors and enjoy exploring all the opportunities that nature provides. Helping others has always been a passion of mine, guiding my choices throughout my life. As I continue in life, I will do my best to help others as best as I can.

Cyndi Boot spent 15 years as a hospice Chaplain working extensively with families facing terminal illness by providing emotional and spiritual support. She is a trained facilitator of HealthRHYTHMS®, an evidence-based wellness program utilizing group drumming and rhythm to help reduce stress, boost the immune system, and inspire creativity. Cyndi is passionate about empowering caregivers through compassion, connecting families to resources, and encouraging self-care. She has been a valued member of Leeza’s Care Connection in SC since inception, leading group drumming sessions for caregivers and their loved ones. Cyndi has also provided her healing rhythms as a facilitator for our grief support group.

I had the most loving Dad in the world and to watch him go through Alzheimer’s for over 6 years was one of the heart wrenching thing I have ever gone through, although I can honestly say that it was my goal every day to make sure he knew how much he was loved. Upon retiring from a 40 year career in advertising, I wanted to do something to honor my Dad and that’s when I became a helpline volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association which was so rewarding, yet I still felt the need to do more to help caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. It was that desire that led me to be trained by the Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator as well as a Memories in the Making facilitator. This training allowed me to lead two support groups with the association and opened the door for me to be part of Leeza’s Care Connection, where I’ve become a hugs ambassador, support group facilitator, and resource specialist. I am so blessed with the opportunities Leeza’s Care Connection has provided me, and I am honored to pay it forward to other caregivers who, like me, provide love and support for their family members.

I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA degree in Early Childhood Education. Following graduation, I taught Kindergarten and Second Grade for a brief period of time. I was employed with Eastern Airlines as a Flight Attendant for 16 years, I worked for Delta Airlines for 4 years in Customer Service and Marketing. After 20 years of employment with the airlines I made a career change to pharmaceutical sales. I was employed with Sanofi Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Sales Professional. I called on Specialty Physicians in the state of South Carolina and parts of North Carolina promoting and selling oral agents and insulin for patients with Diabetes.I retired from Sanofi after a 20 year career. Following my retirement I served as a Caregiver for my sweet Mother who was diagnosed with Dementia. It was a challenging and stressful time; however it was a Joy to care and Love her during this time. Two years ago I was presented with the opportunity to be a Facilitator at Leeza Gibbons Care Connection, What a Blessing it is to support, love and encourage family members who are taking care of a loved one with Dementia/Alzheimers.I am thrilled to have recently joined the Leeza Gibbons Care team serving as a Care Specialist.

I am Felicia Thomas and I am excited to be a HUGS Coordinator and Public Health AmeriCorps Team Lead at LCC here in Irmo, SC. I recently graduated from Grace Coaching Academy as a Certified Domestic Violence, Life Skills, and Family/ group coaching. I am also the owner of A Peace Of New Beginnings where I provide affordable coaching to those in need. I followed my family legacy and joined the United States Army in 2006 after serving in the military for a little over 12 years. After I retired I returned back home to Cayce, South Carolina to take care of her ill grandmother who has since gone on to be with the Lord. After that traumatic experience, it was also the turning point for Felicia… A new journey began. I became a foster parent of her three nieces and nephew while also raising her own three sons . With all seven kids by my side I poured my love and passion into my community, I became a leader and community activist. Over the last several years I’ve hosted community meet & greets, back to school events, Easter egg hunts and much more. I am an event planner and work very closely with Cayce public safety with which I have involvement in the development of making my community safe and lovable again. My goal is to one day open a community center with a food bank, after-school program and serve as a community information center with a special emphasis on residential transportation and aid assistance for those in need of government benefits. I have a passion for helping communities and am thankful to be a part of the LCC community.

I am Angela Membrino and I am so excited to be an Public Health AmeriCorps program assistant here at LCC! I recently just graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. My previous role at Keep the Midlands Beautiful allowed me to experience working closely with volunteers and the community which made me find my true passion within Public Health through connecting with the community and developing strong relationships. In my free time, I like to crochet, play video games, and go on trail walks with my friends and family. I am eager to see all that LCC has to offer and cannot wait to work with the team while helping serve the community!

Joining the AmeriCorps program at LCC as the new Volunteer Coordinator is an exciting opportunity for me to combine my passion with action. I'm Maya Smith a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina - Columbia where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. I look forward to working with a dedicated team, empowering volunteers, and contributing to the incredible work being done to support caregivers and their families.

I have recently graduated with my Masters from USC and I am excited to work with Leeza’s Care Connection! Before I became a LA transplant I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. I was born and raised in Texas by my grandparents and have seen first hand how much caregivers need what LCC provides. I am a big dog lover and I have a collie! In my free time I binge-watch tv shows, hike with my dog, crochet, woodwork, and do puzzles!

Over the past 45 years, I have dedicated my career to health care, including 20 years as an EMT Communication Record Coordinator at Washington Hospital Center-Medstar in Washington, D.C. In 1994, I relocated to South Carolina, where I worked as a Clinical Assistant at Low Country Medical Group before spending the last five years at the Medical Laboratory for Pediatric Associates in Columbia. Additionally, I have been a caregiver to my husband of 30 years and am now proud to care for my friend ACE, a beautiful Black Lab. I have always embraced the role of caregiver in various capacities and feel grateful to be a part of Leeza’s Care Connection, where I help others navigate their challenges. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, bowling, swimming, reading, and traveling.

My name is Diba, and I am looking forward to serving Public Health AmeriCorps as a program assistant at Leeza's Care Connection! Since earning my bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA, I have sought opportunities that fill gaps within my community. I previously served as a college adviser with UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program, whose mission is to help low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented high school students become competitive applicants for college admission. I also volunteer as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, where I provide mental health support and resources to those facing personal hardships. In my free time, I love spending time with my cats, reading, and trying new boba shops. I can't wait to embark on my year of service with LCC and give back to families in my community!

I am a retired educator who taught and was an administrator in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. My journey as a leader began much earlier, as I took on the role of the older sister to my siblings. While my mother worked, she often left me in charge, and my younger sisters would follow my guidance. Over time, I found myself in situations where I acted as a caregiver or semi-caregiver to individuals with cancer. While these circumstances were challenging, I am grateful to God for granting me the resilience, perseverance, and determination to support my family and friends who desperately needed my assistance during that period. Some friends facing terminal health diagnoses also sought my help for their care. I have also been and continue to be a listening ear for those who need someone to talk to. I live in Orangeburg, SC and am an active member of the community and church I attend. My hobbies include exercising, planning and organizing events and activities, decorating, and helping others.

Service has always been at the core of who I am. While I hold a bachelor's degree in Public Relations and an MBA, my true passion lies in public service and public health—working to uplift communities and improve the well-being of others. From volunteering with the Girl Scouts and Meals on Wheels to serving in my second AmeriCorps position, I have found deep fulfillment in connecting with people and providing support where it’s needed most. AmeriCorps has given me a profound sense of peace and purpose, strengthening my commitment to service. Whether through my work or my active involvement in the community, I strive every day to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

My name is Destiny and I am a recent graduate of the University of California, Merced. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Community Research and Service. My main goal has always been to serve a community and become a pillar of support for them in any way I can. My acceptance into the Public Health AmeriCorps program and Leeza’s Care Connection came at the perfect time to help me explore my passions, grow, and achieve my goals. More than anything, I am ready to assist and give back to caregivers, especially since I know first-hand the responsibility that is taken on when you claim that role in a loved one’s life. I was my grandmother’s caregiver for most of 2024 and I know the struggle of watching a family member suffer from a chronic illness. I hope to comfort those who have experienced what I have and let them know they are not alone. I hope to one day obtain my master’s in public health and further not just my career, but my knowledge as well. I love to learn and am constantly seeking new way to stimulate my brain. In my free time, I like to curl up with a good book and some hot tea or de-stress by painting my feelings out on a canvas. I love spending time with my dogs Bailey and Mochi, binge-watching TV, and spending hours and hours in my local Barnes and Noble.

I am a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in social work and minoring in psychology. I came to South Carolina from Maryland to attend USC because I wanted to go a big school in a warmer place. I want to be a social worker to help others and make a positive impact in their lives. Currently, I serve as the Philanthropy Vice President of Alpha Xi Delta and plan fundraising events for our philanthropy which supports children and teens experiencing foster care and homelessness.

I take great pride in working with the team at the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. I bring over 30 years of experience working in accounting with all kinds of companies, but I especially enjoy being of service to non-profits. I’m a Toronto native with a Bachelor’s Degree and MBA in Psychology and Business from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. Even though my first experience with California was being awakened to the earthquake in 1994, I am a very happy west coast resident and I love working with Leeza and her team.