Lea was the 2002 Olympic silver medalist in the first Olympic competition held in the women's skeleton event. She was also a coach for the US Skeleton team at the 2006 Olympic Games. In addition to being an athlete Lea is a firefighter and registered nurse with a doctoral degree in community health nursing.

This is what she said when asked why she joined Team Darfur:

I don't think that someone has to be an expert in political science or understand all of the causes behind this terrible crisis in order to join Team Darfur and make a difference. As human beings all we should have to do is see the extent of the suffering and devastation which should move us to be a voice for those to weak to cry out for themselves. As athletes we can join together to create one strong voice for those unable to be heard.