Justin Liao

committee InteRn

Serving with NAB since 2022

Justin is a recent graduate from UC Santa Cruz where he studied neuroscience, and co-directed the UCSC NAB chapter in 2021-2022. He is also a research assistant in a neuroscience lab at UC Santa Cruz, and works as an EMT for Royal Ambulance, a private inter-facility medical transport company in the Bay Area.

“My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s and Dementia most of her adult life, and seeing the struggles and isolation she went through due to the diseases was the catalyst to strive for a career in medicine. NAB is an amazing opportunity to help others in my grandmother’s position through bridging the emotional gap caused by the disease with genuine compassion and connection, and I could not be more proud to be a part of this mission.”

Ashley Suh

committee InteRn

Serving with NAB since 2023

Ashley is a recent graduate from Vanderbilt University, where she formerly served as the director of the Vanderbilt Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter. She majored in Medicine, Health, and Society, as well as Communication of Science and Technology during her studies, and is now working as a clinical/translational research coordinator.

“After I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s disease, I felt compelled to imagine a world in which individuals and their families navigating this disease are most cared for, and their stories honored. NAB’s mission continues to resonate with me, as I hope to bridge connections and advocate for this necessary fight.”

Andrea Huang

committee InteRn

Serving with NAB since 2022 (Cornell Alzbuddies Chapter since fall 2022) 

Andrea is currently a graduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill pursuing an MPH in Health Policy. She graduated from Cornell University in 2023 where she studied Biomedical Engineering. She co-founded and co-directed the Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter at Cornell.

“Being involved with National Alzheimer’s Buddies has helped bridge gaps between the local Alzheimer’s residents and their families and created a community that is passionate about learning about the disease and its impact on so many individuals. I hope to expand NAB’s impact on communities to positively influence more people’s lives.”

Yash Jain

committee InteRn

Serving with NAB since 2023 

Yash is currently a student at Indiana University, majoring in epidemiology and statistics. He actively contributes to the community as a member of the community relations team. Yash has a strong ambition to establish a chapter at IU, allowing him to further the organization's missions and make a positive impact on the community.

“I became aware of NAB through some mutual friends and I really resonated with the message the organization has. With Alzheimer’s becoming more and more prevalent in elderly populations it is vital for an organization like NAB to exist and help the population as much as possible. And I am so thankful to be able to contribute  to such an organization.”

Michelle Flanagan

Blog Writer

Serving NAB since 2023

Michelle Flanagan is a nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. She feels strongly about giving back to the Alzheimer’s community after helping care for her grandfather who struggled with severe dementia. She is pursuing her doctorate in nursing (DNP) degree to improve quality of care in our healthcare system.

Stephanie Lam

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2021

Stephanie is currently a senior at Purdue University studying Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. She has not had the opportunity to volunteer with NAB yet but is hoping to start a chapter at Purdue soon to continue to help spread NAB’s missions. 

“No matter what an individual is going through, I feel that having a support system is very important. After reading about NAB’s mission and what they are aiming for, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of this organization. By joining NAB, I feel that I can make an impact— no matter how big or little and help provide a support system for the individuals and their families during these difficult times.”

Natasha Sambaya

Committee InterN

Serving NAB since 2023

Natasha Sambaya is a dedicated student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. Her passion for computers and coding has driven her journey, and with a background in data analytics and the achievement of the Google Data Analytics Certificate, she is eager to blend these experiences into the realm of software engineering. However, beyond her love for technology lies a profound interest in Alzheimer's disease and its impact on individuals and families.

“Being a member of National Alzheimer's Buddies has allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those affected. I am determined to use my software engineering skills to spread awareness about Alzheimer's and develop innovative applications and technologies that can positively impact the lives of patients and caregivers. My vision is to create tools that facilitate early detection, monitoring, and support, ultimately contributing to the fight against this devastating disease. Together with like-minded individuals and the National Alzheimer's Buddies community, I am excited to embrace the challenges and opportunities in this thrilling journey of coding and innovating solutions that can make a difference.”

Ivan Yu

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Ivan is currently a Junior at Fort Myers High School, driven to pursue pre-med and aspiring to take on a career in the health sciences field.

“As an intern with NAB, I hopes to spread awareness regarding the impacts of Alzheimer’s disease and help in fighting against its effects on society. Outside of NAB, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and volunteering locally within my community."

Katarina Conces

Committee Chair

Serving with NAB since 2021

Katarina is currently a junior studying biology on a premed track double majoring in Finance and Neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago. She is on the eBoard for Loyola’s Alzbuddies Chapter.

“I became interested in working with Alzheimer’s patients after my grandmothers diagnosis. I felt I could/needed to do more, so I applied for a position with the finance committee for NAB. I am very thankful for the opportunity to better the lives of those with Alzheimer’s/dementia and hope to continue to make a difference.”

Tom Sheffield

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Tom is a sophomore at Indiana University studying finance at the Kelley School of Business.

“I became interested in working with National Alzheimer's Buddies after learning about the incredible work that the organization does to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's disease. I am proud to be a part of such a great team and excited to leave my footprint on the organization.”

Avery Napolitano

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Avery is a rising senior at Moravian University majoring in Financial Economics and a minor in management.

“Growing up, my mother was a therapist, which has emphasized the importance of mental health. It has sparked an interest in rare disease treatment, particularly with Alzheimer’s. I am grateful for the opportunity to join NAB and hope to further understand what a diagnosis means for a patient and the impact it will have on an individuals community.”

Charmi Patel

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Charmi is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago studying Public Health. She is involved in her school's chapter as the marketing chair and has volunteered with NAB since her freshman year.

"Growing up, I witnessed my grandmother suffering from Dementia, and my family was grateful to be there for her and help provide her comfort during the isolation and fear that can come with this disease, both for the individual and their family members. She passed away before I started college, but it has been so gratifying to help individuals and families going through a similar experience to my family through NAB. I am so excited to participate in such a meaningful mission and help make a difference for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease."

Abhi Ankaraju

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Abhi Ankaraju is currently a Sophomore at Indiana University studying Quantitative Economics and Psychology. He is a Finance Intern for this upcoming cycle and looking forward to getting involved with NAB.

"My interest in becoming a part of NAB stems from my experience shadowing various doctors. Seeing their approach to tackling the disease, including both the medical and social dimensions, made me more aware of the challenges that are faced when treating and preventing Alzheimers. Alzheimers has always made me curious because of the depth of knowledge we still have to unpack on it and I hope through NAB that I can play a part in curving that gap and offering help to those who are affected by Alzheimers."

Grace Scuderi

Social Justice Chair

Serving with NAB since 2021.

Grace is a fourth-year at Oregon State University studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with minors in Chemistry and Writing, and a certificate in Medical Humanities. She is also a Co-director of the OSU’s Alzheimer's Buddies Chapter.

"After learning about the biological ramifications of Alzheimer’s, I was impelled to learn more about its social implications. The pandemic spurred me to find meaningful solutions to this silent epidemic knowing that those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease are more susceptible to COVID; as a result, I found Alzheimer’s Buddies! I was so grateful because it inspires such caring, mutualistic relationships between its buddies and volunteers. Even though Alzheimer’s Disease is relentless, Alzheimer’s Buddies is working relentlessly to help its buddies."

Bhavhunar Pannu

Committee intern

Serving with NAB since 2023

Bhavhunar Pannu is a second year student at University of California, Santa Cruz studying Intensive Psychology. She is the Co-Director of UCSC'S NAB Chapter. She is passionate about the mental health field with hopes to become a Clinical Psychologist in her future, and is excited to contribute to the wonderful ongoing work done by National Alzheimer's Buddies.

Abhishek Kona

Committee intern

Serving with NAB since 2024

Abhishek Kona is currently a Sophomore at Rice University in Houston TX, majoring in Cell Biology and minoring in Medical Humanities on the pre-med track. He also serves as the co-activities coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter at Rice.

"Watching the joy of our Alzheimer’s Buddies as they interact with each other and fellow volunteers has inspired me to become someone who facilitates this sense of camaraderie. Each new friend I make at NAB becomes more than a mere “stranger” - they become a cherished friend who enriches my life with entertaining stories, enlightening conversations, diverse values, and cultures. I am committed to making a cultural impact and continuing to create meaningful bonds with my buddies here at NAB."

Andi Beaudouin

Committee Intern

Serving with NAB since 2022

Andi Beaudouin (they/them) is a rising junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and minoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Anthropology on the pre-medical track. They are a volunteer and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intern at the Loyola NAB Chapter.

"My mother worked in a nursing home while I was growing up, so I would often see patients battling Alzheimer's disease. NAB holds a place in my heart and brings me back to the nursing home my mother worked at. It's nice to be able to continue giving back to the people I saw the most. I am also passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the role they play in Alzheimer's care. The patients I spent time with while I was growing up were mostly part of marginalized groups whose care for their dementia was lacking prior to their arrival in the nursing home. Everyone deserves accessible care regardless of their identity, and I hope to break these barriers of care discrepancies while also forming lasting relationships with patients.”

Vidushi Razdan

Committee intern

Serving with Alzbuddies since 2017, NAB since 2023

Vidushi Razdan is currently serving as an intern for the DEI committee. Although this is her first year working directly under NAB, she volunteered at the UC Davis chapter back in 2017. Through my years at UC Davis, she got more assimilated into the Alzheimer's awareness community, met her wonderful buddies, and served as President her senior year at UC Davis. During her gap year, she volunteered to set up the Walk-to-End Alzheimer’s in the bay area as well as participating in Alzheimer’s and dementia based research articles. She is currently in her second year of medical school and hopes to provide more resources to underrepresented communities both near her school as well as working with her team to reach out across the nation.

“While no one can change the outcome of dementia or Alzheimer’s, with the right support you can change the journey.”

Douaa Yassine

Committee intern

Serving with NAB since 2024

Douaa Yassine is a senior undergraduate student at Wayne State University. She is double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology which reflects her passion and commitment to understanding the complexities of the human brain and contributing to societal well-being. Aspiring to apply to medical school after completing her bachelor's, she anticipates a future career in medicine where the principles of inclusivity and advocacy will guide her interactions with patients and communities.