Serving with NAB since 2024

Tanya is currently a fourth year at UCLA majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Philosophy on the pre-med track. She is currently the co-founder of the UCLA chapter, has served as a Co-Director at the UCSC chapter from 2023-2024, and has been volunteering with NAB since 2022. She is extremely passionate about research, especially pertaining to the chemistry behind neurodegeneration.

“When I started volunteering with NAB, I immediately fell in love with the work they do. It was magnificent to see how a small interaction, such as a smile or a short conversation, could make such a vast difference in each resident's lives. Over the past few years of volunteering and working on the national team, I watched as my peers developed stronger and stronger relationships with these residents, and began to transcend beyond just the volunteer relationship. These interactions are what drives me to work with NAB, as even the smallest action can create an infinite amount of joy.”

Serving with NAB since 2024

Kamya is currently an undergraduate student at Wellesley College majoring in mathematics with a minor in biochemistry. She has a strong passion to advocate for the people and families affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia throughout her time during and after her undergraduate education. She served as president of the Wellesley College chapter from 2023 - 2025, and continues to be an active volunteer with the organization excited to support these communities through her work with NAB.

"After finding out a close mentor of mine had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and witnessing how vastly he changed I felt compelled to not only educate myself on the impacts of the disease, but to also do my best to help others also impacted by it. I’m proud to not only be a volunteer with NAB but to also support its mission in bringing awareness to the disease and support to all those affected by it."

Serving with NAB since 2024

Abhishek Kona is a senior at Rice University studying Biosciences and Medical Humanities on the pre-med track. He serves as President of Rice Alzheimer’s Buddies and National Impact Officer for the national organization. Since joining in his first year, Abhishek has helped develop culturally responsive dementia care programs and expand intergenerational connection across communities. He believes Alzheimer’s care should honor identity, not just memory, and is passionate about building programs that allow individuals with dementia to re-engage on their own terms - with dignity, comfort, and joy.

"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.”

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."

Serving with Alz Buddies since 2018

Dr. Lee earned a double major in Neuroscience and Philosophy from Boston College in 2021 and completed her PhD in Neuroscience at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2025, with a primary focus on Alzheimer’s research. She previously served as CEO of NAB from 2020 to 2025 and as Chapter Director of the Boston College Chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies from 2019 to 2021.

“Volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Buddies Chapter at Boston College allowed me to develop meaningful bonds with Buddies in need of companionship and inspired me to pursue a career—and ultimately a PhD—in Alzheimer’s research.”

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 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.”

Cofounder

Serving with Alz Buddies since 2011

Dr. Christ is an Associate Research Scientist in the Genetics Department at Yale University. Together with our Treasurer, Robin Stewart, he started the first Alz Buddies chapter at Harvard College in 2011 which eventually grew into National Alzheimer's Buddies. He has continued to serve on the Board of Trustees since it's inception and is grateful to have led the growth and development of Alz Buddies alongside an extremely dedicated and talented team over the past 15 years.

“Dementia is a dark, confusing, and lonely road. We teach students how to walk alongside those struggling with dementia. We teach students empathy, compassion, and communication skills to bridge generations.”

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.

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."