Our Board

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Board Member

Dr. Leona Gilbert is a Docent of Cell and Molecular Biology and the CEO of Te?ted Oy. This university spinoff company aims to get the patients tested so they can be treated and recover quicker. She has a doctorate in biotechnology and a very long experience in bio-innovation and bio-business. She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc and BSc students, and her various peer-reviewed articles span turning research results into a translational value by developing novel delivery vectors and diagnostic platforms. In addition, Gilbert’s publications also demonstrate a thorough investigation of how a common virus or bacterium can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Another highlight in these publications is demonstrating a multi-disciplinary background and collaborative efforts between clinicians, microbiologists, diagnostic developers, nano-scientists, physicists and engineers. Gilbert’s research initiatives into complete diagnostic platforms and clinical profiling of patients for tick-borne and autoimmune diseases will allow a better understanding of how chronic conditions could be established with infectious pathogens. 

Kunal Garg

Board Member

Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Tezted Ltd, a Finland-based IVD manufacturing company specializing in innovative diagnostic tools for infectious and chronic diseases. With a Master’s degree in Nanoscience from the University of Jyväskylä and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology, Kunal has pioneered advancements in multiplex diagnostics and nanoparticle-based detection systems. Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for his contributions to tick-borne disease diagnostics, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and holds patents for cutting-edge diagnostic methods. His work bridges science, entrepreneurship, and public health, driving impactful innovations globally.

Dr. Lynn Klassen, ND

Board Member

Dr. Klassen maintains a focused practice on Lyme disease and chronic illness.  As a Lyme Literate ND (LLND), Dr. Klassen is trained in the latest developments in the testing and treatment of these difficult diseases. She served on the Board of Directors with British Columbia’s Naturopathic Doctors (BCND) between 2020 and 2023, volunteering to take on the role of Vice-President in her first year and was voted in as President of the Association for 2022 and 2023. She also has served on the BCCDC’s Community Antimicrobial Stewardship program’s Advisory Committee since 2021. Dr. Klassen has developed Canada’s first and only CNME accredited naturopathic Residency focused on Vector-borne Illness and Chronic Complex Disease.

Markus Berger

Board Member

Markus Berger graduated in 2012 with a degree in sports economics at the German University for Prevention and Health Management in Leipzig.

Until August 2018 he worked as a health coach, nutritionist and rehabilitation trainer in a clinic for tick-borne diseases.

Since September 2018, Markus Berger is Sales Manager of ArminLabs, a laboratory specialized in the diagnosis of tick-borne infections and other chronic infectious pathogens. Besides this position, Markus Berger is the managing director of PhytoBox. He advises patients, patient groups and therapists regarding physical training, nutrition and dietary supplements.

Dominic D. Smith

Board Member

Horticulturist, Dipl. Hort, landscape designer, qualified in IPM Integrated Pest Management. He has a broad interest in, and extensive knowledge of, tick-borne diseases and PAIS (Post Acute Infectious Syndrome) and serves as a member, patient representative or ambassador of several tick-borne disease organisations. Broad work-experience and experience as an entrepreneur. Involved in local politics.

Founder member, Board member, CiPRESS Chronic Infection Pathology Related Education and Science Society.

Committee member, Lyme Global Coalition.

Ambassador for Netherlands, GLA Global Lyme Alliance.

Representative, LDAA Lyme Disease Association of Australia.

Chair, Patient Advisory board, Biobank, NLe Dutch Lyme Expertise Centre, Netherlands.

Panel member, Panel Infectious Diseases, Cooperation Infectious Diseases (Samenwerking Infectieziekten), Collaborating Health Funds (SGF Samenwerkende Gezondheidsfondsen), Netherlands.

Panel member, Care-panel and Panel member Reference-panel, Patient Federation Netherlands.

Panel member, Patient-panel and Patient representative, target group Groningen Lifestyle Intervention Model GLIM (Groningen Leefstijl Interventie Model GLIM), UMCG University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands.

Projectcoördinator, Patientalliance PAIS, Netherlands.