Meet the Staff

Sarah Danella she/her Graduate Assistant
Sarah Danella is a graduate of Loyola's class of 2024 from Cranston, Rhode Island. She is in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Masters Program here at Loyola and in her spare time enjoys expertly painting her nails and experimenting with face paint. Sarah has a unique passion for the McAuley Women's Center as a survivor of sexual assault. Because of her experience, Sarah wants to help victims understand that they are heard and know that at the McAuley Women's Center you will always feel welcomed and have access to a great confidential resource.

Melissa Lees she/her Director and Sexual Violence Prevention, Education, and Response Coordinator
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.
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.

Grace McCarty she/her Administrative Assistant
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.
Contact Us
4504A Seton Court
Baltimore, MD 21210-2699
womenscenter@loyola.edu
410-617-5844
Instagram
@mcauleywomenscenterloyola