Our team
Tiffany Sarkissian founded CheeryChats to be a part of the movement to address the effects of isolation and feelings of loneliness in older adults, the fastest growing demographic in the world. As a communications specialist, she combines her professional experience in higher education, health and wellness, the arts, and her passion for helping others, to inspire her both personally and professionally. Tiffany began her career in the arts at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA and Boston Ballet, overseeing communications and public relations. Currently, she is the communications and outreach specialist at a national aging organization, housed within the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, overseeing health center outreach and engagement. Tiffany contributes to the writing of culturally competent patient and provider facing publications and learning activities pertaining to older adult health topics and has an extensive background in communications, higher education at Harvard, writing, and physical fitness/wellness programming. Tiffany has a degree in health science and received her training in health coaching, holistic nutrition and wellness from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, New York City, NY. She is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) fitness specialist; Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) fitness instructor, and is a YogaFit trained yoga teacher, specializing in older adult yoga. Tiffany concentrates on understanding the relationship between positive psychology, stress reduction and specifically, meditation and yoga, and their effects on health. Tiffany believes that nourishment is not only food and sustenance, but the practice of living a happy, holistic life, feeding the body, mind and spirit through gratitude, social connections, and purpose.
“CheeryChats grew out of decades of working with older adults through yoga and fitness. Over the years, there were many moments when a student would say, ‘I’m not quite up for yoga today—can we just chat?’ And so, we did. In those simple conversations, I came to understand that what mattered most wasn’t just movement, but meaningful connection, interaction, and friendship. In that spirit, CheeryChats was quietly taking shape long before it had a name.” — Tiffany Sarkissian, Founder
CheeryChat Partners
Meet our wonderful and talented CheeryChat Team! At CheeryChats, we are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for every CheeryChatter. We understand the importance of meaningful connections, and our team is here to make each call and/or class feel special, personal, and filled with joy.
Julie holds a BA in Art History and English Literature from Ithaca College and a Certificate of Museum Studies with a concentration in Museum Education from Tufts University. With over a decade of experience in the field, Julie has worked in the Education Department at both the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she helped design and implemented a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and public tours. Julie is a strong proponent of teaching art to older adults, because it taps into the concept of lifelong learning, and is a way to find joy in exploring new artistic techniques or revisiting creative passions they may have set aside earlier in life. This continual learning promotes intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Alejandra Hernandez is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and dedicated fitness instructor with a passion for promoting holistic well-being. As graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Alejandra has acquired a deep understanding of how nutrition, lifestyle, and fitness intertwine to create optimal health and brings joy and inspiration to her CheeryChatters. In addition to her health coaching certification, Alejandra is also a certified fitness and yoga instructor, with a focus on older adult wellness. With a background in yoga and dance, she brings a well-rounded perspective to CherryChats, ensuring that clients not only improve their physical health but also find joy and balance in their lives. Alejandra believes in the power of small, consistent steps to lead healthier, happier lives. Alejandra’s enthusiasm for health and wellness is contagious, and she is dedicated to inspiring CherryChat clients to enjoy every moment of life!
With a heart full of compassion Courtney is the CheeryChats volunteer coordinator and lead CheeryChat onboarding manager, serving as a supportive point of contact for new CheeryChatters. Courtney ensures each CheeryChatter has the tools and encouragement they need to have meaningful calls and classes, providing guidance to establish engaging and uplifting conversations with their CheeryChat Partners. She ensures our community remains supportive, inclusive, and dedicated to making every call and class a source of joy.