Students working to make a difference
Our organization was founded on the belief that everyone has the power and ability to make the world a better place. This is us doing our part.
Jump to:
- Leadership & Founding Members
- Advisory Committee
Anya Andalusia Gupta
President
After a couple of years of volunteering as a translator in a nursing facility, I witnessed first hand the heartbreaking loneliness faced by many older adults. This loneliness is even more acute among non-English speaking residents who often struggle to communicate even basic needs to staff.
Inspired by this experience, I founded Senior Check In with the purpose of helping of doing what I can to help alleviate the feelings of isolation felt by older adults.
Nicole Arno
VP
Hi everyone, I'm Nicole! I love sports, singing, pink and everything fun. Remember to smile today!
Sophia Park
VP
Sophia Park is a Vice President for Senior Check In. She has always enjoyed working with the elderly, whether performances at veterans homes or volunteering at care centers. She enjoys reading and is an aspiring baker.
Heesoo Kang
Treasurer
Heesoo Kang is a member of Senior Check In. While it is her first time working with the elderly, she is passionate and eager to do more with seniors. Heesoo enjoys playing instruments and reading in her spare time.
Yena Kim
Head of Design
My name is Yena, and I am a student at Bergen County Academies and the Head of Design for Senior Check In. I was inspired by its mission, and I am proud to work for the visual aspects of the initiative.
Audrey Won
Outreach Director
Hi, my name is Audrey Won, and I'm the Co-Head of Outreach! I really enjoy volunteering, and I'm very grateful for the opportunities Senior Check In provides to connect with the people in our community.
Shriya Agarwal
Outreach Director
Hello! My name is Shriya Agarwal and I’m a freshman in the medical academy at BCA. I am passionate about giving back to my community, especially the elderly.
Michael Bassily
Secretary
My name is Michael. I love playing soccer and helping people out- especially my grandparents, their stories are always fun and their advice is wise. I look forward to hearing and connecting with many more of our valuable seniors.
Bella Gonzalez
Social Media Manager
Anna Ekmekci
I am a senior at Bergen County Academies dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between students and seniors. Through my involvement with Senior Check In, I strive to combat loneliness and create lasting bonds that make a positive impact on both generations.
Steffia George
Hi! My name is Steffia and I am in 12th grade. I love to code and read in my free time. I also really like music whether that be playing instruments such as the piano and violin or listening to Spotify while I study!
Ashwika Chittadi
Hi! I’m Ashwika and I am a sophomore at Bergen County Academies and outside of the club, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my friends, and watching tv shows. I love being a part of Senior Check In and being able to share meaningful conversations with our senior community!
Nimi Agarwal
Nimi is a 10th grader at Bergen County Academies. She enjoys baking, art, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about helping the elderly, and monthly she organizes art workshops with groups of seniors.
Shreya Aby
Hi! I'm Shreya Aby, a founding member of the Senior Check In Club. I love to talk to people and make new friends, so when I saw this opportunity to volunteer and talk to seniors, I thought it was perfect for me. I aspire to give back to the community through my volunteer work.
Mariella Nissirios
Mariella is currently a sophomore at Bergen County Academies. Mariella likes swimming, baking, and science. She is interested in connecting with others and making a difference in her community.
Divya Thirumala
Deshna Shah
Deshna is a freshman in high school. She is an avid reader and crocheter. She is excited to meet elder people and talk with them!
Annelise Ronquillo
Kara Velazquez
Hello, my name is Kara Velazquez! I first joined Senior Check In during my freshman year of high school and now I’m a sophomore. In my free time I look to cook and bake, go horseback riding, sing, act, and partake in community service both online and in my neighborhood.
Hellen Ramos de Oliviera
My name is Hellen Ramos de Oliveira! I am a junior and I love the color green :)
I adore summer, swimming and hanging out with family/friends!
Natalie Cabisaca
Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m 16 and I love spending time with my friends and family. I play softball and like trying new things. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and love having fun.
Clarimar Sanchez
My name is Clarimar Sanchez, I am 17 years old. I am entering my senior year at East Side High School and play volleyball, hockey, and run track! I enjoy trying new things especially different cultural foods.
Ashley Romero
My name is Ashley! I love to socialize with my friends. Being around family is something I enjoy and cherish. I just ended my sophomore year of high school, now heading into my junior year. I’m focusing on growing into the best version of myself.
Nathalia Correia
Hi! My name is Nathalia Correia, an East Side High School Senior Check In volunteer. I’m 16 years old and an upcoming junior next school year. The Duke of Edinburgh program gave me this opportunity that I’m very grateful for.
Yousof Abdalkadar
I am a junior at Bergen County Academies. I joined the Senior Check In program because I always had a natural ability to comfort my older family members and wanted to bring that same support to others. I enjoys fitness activities like running and weight lifting, and hope to become an engineer in the future so I can design and build things that make a difference.
Golan Yoskowitz
I am a junior at BCA who loves volunteering in the community and learning about science.
Nikhil Shah
Hey! I'm a rising sophomore at BCA. I like technology, hanging out with friends, and I also work as a lifeguard.
Sonia Serghe
Allison Guallpa
Rudy Jani
Ashka Shah
Advisory Committee
We are grateful to Mr. Larobis, Mrs. Block, and Mr. Blotner for all their support and guidance.
Jump to:
- Leadership & Founding Members
- Advisory Committee
Charles Larobis
Advisor
Charles is the Director of Quality, Clinical & Regulatory Services at HCANJ (https://www.hcanj.org/).
His responsibilities include assisting members with their quality, clinical and regulatory
operations.
The foundation of Charles’ nursing career is rooted in acute care setting – mainly in critical care
as Clinical Coordinator in the Emergency Department. Charles is an Instructor for the Certified
Medication Aide (CMA) Program and is a Certified Dementia Instructor and Practitioner.
Charles shares the simple mission of Senior Check In, which is to alleviate social isolation of
seniors by way of intergenerational support and engagement..
Mackenzie Block
Advisor
Mackenzie is a Project Specialist at HCANJ (https://www.hcanj.org/).
She is responsible for the administration of a grant received from the New Jersey
Department of Health and for working with association staff to develop programs and to
schedule trainings in the long-term care centers that would like to have the educational
programs brought to them for staff development.
Mackenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of South Carolina
as well as an MPH from George Washington University.
She is passionate about initiatives such as Senior Check In because they address the critical
issue of chronic loneliness among seniors, a factor closely tied to overall health and well-being.
Her work in long-term care has deepened her understanding of the importance of meaningful
social connections in improving quality of life for the elderly.
Brian Blotner
Advisor
Brian Blotner is the owner of a one person motivational companion company called Silver Stage Motivators . He works with older adults and need-based individuals. His one-on-one energetic and engaging motivation is extremely fulfilling to his clients, their families and to Brian himself.
(www.silverstagemotivators.com)