Meet the Staff

Melissa Lees is the Director of the McAuley Women’s Center and the Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Response Coordinator at Loyola University Maryland. She is a confidential resource for ANY student who experiences any form of sexual or dating violence. Melissa can provide resources both on and off-campus. She is available to walk with students through both the campus disciplinary process and the city’s criminal process. Obtaining peace and protective orders, getting a S.A.F.E. (sexual assault forensic exam) exam at Mercy hospital and navigating the criminal system are a few of the many resources she can provide. Melissa is a Step Up! and Escalation Workshop facilitator. Faculty and staff can reach out to Melissa to meet with student clubs, organizations, classes and meetings to do training's on a variety of topics related to sexual violence.

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Marywood University in Scranton, PA and her Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton in Ohio. Melissa has been a senior advocate with TurnAround, Baltimore’s rape crisis and domestic violence agency for the past nine years and a Domestic Violence Advocate at North West Hospital's DOVE program for three years. In her free time, she is a die-hard NY Giants fan, loves cooking, running and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Princesse is a joyful and easygoing person who enjoys both connecting with others and finding peace in solo activities. She is a junior and began working at the Center this year. Some of her interests and hobbies include traveling, exploring trails, exercising/lifting weights, painting, listening to music, watching TV, and trying new restaurants. These interests reflect the balance she seeks in her personal and professional life. She values meaningful connections which she believes will support her growth here at the McAuley Women's Center.

Grace is the Administrative Assistant for the McAuley Women's Center. She is a recent grad of Loyola. She majored in Political Science with minors in Peace & Justice Studies and Writing. Prior to her position as Administrative Assistant, Grace served as both an Ambassador and an Intern in the office. During her free-time, she enjoys baking sourdough, going for runs, and practicing yoga.