EXECUTIVE TEAM
Jillian Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2018
Jillian is currently in graduate school at Wake Forest University. She is in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program with a primary focus in Alzheimer’s Research. She graduated her undergraduate studies at Boston College ‘21 studying Neuroscience and Philosophy. Jillian got involved with NAB as a Co-Director for the Boston College Chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies from 2019-2021.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a close and personal relationship with Alzheimer’s patients. These relationships have fueled my drive to be a part of the fight for an Alzheimer’s cure. Being a part of the Alzheimer’s Buddies Chapter at Boston College has given me the opportunity to continue fighting Alzheimer’s by allowing me to develop a meaningful bond with patients, in dire need of company.”
Rohan Meda
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2021
Rohan currently works at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a research fellow. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2021 where he majored in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and minored in Bioethics. He co-founded and co-directed his undergraduate Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter for two years.
“The neurodegenerative conditions of Alzheimer’s and dementia affect identity, perception, and personhood. This can be incredibly draining on our Buddies and their families. I’m honored to be a part of this NAB team that strives to improve our Buddies’ quality of life by establishing and maintaining these ever so crucial connections.”
KUSH MODI
CHief OPerating Officer
Serving with NAB since 2022
Kush Modi is currently a sophomore at Georgetown University in Washington DC, majoring in Neurobiology and minoring in Economics on the pre-med track. He is also the co-founder and co-director of the Alzheimer's Buddies chapter at Georgetown University.
“Ever since my first exposure to an Alzheimer's research lab in 10th grade, I have been captivated by the molecular and neurodegenerative mechanisms of the disease. However, it wasn't until I discovered NAB's mission that I fully grasped how the disease affects the patients' and, more importantly, their loved ones' daily lives. It is truly an honor to be a part of NAB's team and assist in the development of these crucial, intergenerational connections that are mutually beneficial.”
Madison Sirota
Chief Marketing Officer
Serving with NAB since 2023
Madison Sirota is a senior at Yale University and previously served as an intern for the chapter relations team for NAB. She is a neuroscience major pursuing a certificate in advanced Spanish studies, and plans on attending medical school in the Fall of 2024. Outside of her academic studies, she enjoys tap dancing at school, giving tours to prospective undergraduate students, and working in her research lab.
"Throughout high school, I volunteered in a nursing home and soon realized how important it was for the residents to have regular company regardless of how the time was spent. After growing close connections with a resident who had Alzheimer's Disease, I became increasingly passionate about the subject, and have been doing research on Alzheimer's Disease since the start of my undergraduate studies. Although my research has been incredibly fulfilling, nothing is more rewarding than volunteering and building new connections with current residents through Alzheimer's Buddies. It truly has been the highlight of my undergraduate career and has helped me reaffirm my passion for volunteerism and medicine."
Leo Zhang
Chief Diversity Officer
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2022
Leo Zhang is currently a Junior at Rice University in Houston TX, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Medical Humanities on the pre-med track. He also serves as the co-director for the Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter at Rice.
“I am forever inspired by the personal stories told by my Buddies. Through volunteering with NAB, I continue to grow in my understanding of what it means to listen and approach with empathy. I am so grateful for the opportunity to become more deeply involved with an organization that acknowledges, honors, and represents the diverse experiences of those living with dementia.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RYAN CHRIST, dphil
Cofounder
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2011
Ryan completed his doctorate in statistics at Oxford in 2017 and is currently a postdoctoral research associate at Washington University in St. Louis. Inspired by his childhood experiences taking care of loved ones with dementia, Ryan teamed up with Robin (see right) to launch the first chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies at Harvard College when he was an undergraduate in 2011. He has served on the Board of Directors since NAB was incorporated in 2015.
"Students across universities have big hearts: many want to connect with isolated residents with dementia and grow from that experience. NAB is about empowering them to reach out."
Mekaleya Tilahun
President
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2015
Mekaleya is a 3rd year MD student at University of California San Francisco. She co-founded the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter during undergrad. She served as the CEO of NAB for a year before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2019.
“Spending time with my Buddy was enlightening in many ways: She experienced isolation not only because of her loneliness living in the senior center, but also because she was one of the only black residents there. I am so grateful to have been an extension of the community that she had once been an active part of; for her to see a familiar face every week was incredibly important, and I hope that I can encourage others to continue forming these bridges with other communities of color.”
ROBIN STEWART
Treasurer & cofounder
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2011
Robin has dedicated many years to helping individuals with dementia and their family members find joy and meaning. She cofounded the first chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies with Ryan (see left) in 2011 while she was the head of Life Enhancement at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale, MA. She went on to become the Senior Community Life Leader at HRC Roslindale and New Bridge on the Charles. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017. Now in retirement, she continues to lead and grow Alzheimer’s Buddies.
"It’s all about meeting people where they’re at.”
RENAJD RRAPI
Director
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2012
Renajd is a 4th year MD student at Harvard Medical School. He’s started as an Alzheimer’s Buddies volunteer during undergrad at Harvard College. He served as the CEO of NAB for a year as a Harvard Pforzheimer Public Service Fellow before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2017.
"Caring for my grandmother as a young adult showed me the existential meaning and emotional value of developing a strong bond with a senior citizen. My experience directing the Harvard College Alzheimer’s Buddies program and my interest in end-of-life care inspired me to facilitate similar meaningful friendships across the country."
MEKDES GETANEH
Director
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2012
Mekdes, aka Duni, is a 4th year MD student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She trail-blazed the creation of national chapter network when she launched the second Alzhiemer's Buddies Chapter at Gordon College in 2012. After graduating from Gordon College '14 with a Bachelor's in Biology, Duni was elected to the Board of Directors in 2015.
"I can have an immeasurable impact on my Buddy by showing a simple act of kindness and genuine care. What keeps me motivated is the nice sweet smile I see on my Buddy’s face as a sign of thankfulness for being there."
Vy Ly
Director
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2017
Vy is a UC Davis ‘19 graduate where she studied Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and was a Co-Director for the UC Davis chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies. She served as the CEO of NAB for a year before being elected to the Board of Directors in 2020.
“A big and undoubtedly important part of the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease is towards researching its pathology and physiological effects. In this fight, the day-to-day emotional wellbeing and social liveliness of residents with dementia are sometimes put into the backseat. Alzheimer’s Buddies allows me to fully dedicate a time towards my Buddy to help foster this emotional and social wellbeing with interactive games, long walks, or even just a nice chat. Seeing similar friendships being formed all over the country is a reflection of how devoted the younger generation is to fighting against the stigma of social isolation that comes with neurodegenerative diseases, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the fight.”
HANNAH YU
Clerk & Director
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2016
Hannah is a 2019 graduate from Rice University where she studied Biochemistry and Cell Biology. She was a volunteer and committee chair at the Rice chapter for two years, and was a previous member of the NAB Advocacy and Public Relations committee.
"Growing up, the biggest impact I had in my grandmother's fight against Alzheimer's always occurred in the little moments - sitting next to her when she was sad, listening when she felt like the whole world was against her, telling her about my day when no one else wanted to talk to her. Being able to make her smile in those times will be something I will never forget - and this is exactly what National Alzheimer's Buddies allows university students to do all across the nation.”
Lydia Guo
Advisor
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2017
Lydia has been serving Alzheimer's Buddies since 2017 as co-founder and director of Wellsley College's chapter.
ADVISORS
RUTH KANDEL, MD
Senior Advisor
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2011
Dr. Ruth Kandel is an inspiring geriatrician who worked with Ryan and Robin to launch the first Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter at Hebrew Senior Life back in 2011 when she was the Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic and an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. Now in retirement, she dedicates her time to advising NAB and alongside other non-profits.
"This is an incredible program that I feel privileged to be a part of. Witnessing the meaningful and lasting relationships that I have seen develop between the undergraduate students and individuals with Alzheimer’s continues to amaze and inspire me."
Ellen Zhang
Advisor
Serving with Alz Buddies since 2015
Ellen Zhang is a MD candidate at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director Emeritus of the Harvard College Alzheimer’s Buddies. Make sure to check out her blog about her experiences and reflections being part of Alzheimer's Buddies!