Backstory

This organization was formed after we became inspired by our members' stories who have close relationships to those with dementia. We want to help those suffering from this disease because they aren't just patients - they are still real, genuine people with unfinished stories yet to tell.  Our organization's primary mission is to leverage art and music as a means of aiding the memories of dementia patients. ​

About Us

Anushka Rajasekhar

Co President

Anushka began to grow an interest for volunteering and the medical sciences after attending a summer course in 2019, when she was empowered by an individual’s story on their humanitarian work with WHO. Since then she has volunteered with the Red Cross, and is now involved in suicide prevention with AFSP. After a difficult experience of losing her grandmother to leukemia, Anushka was inspired to ease the pain of those facing such difficult predicaments and their families. With Mira, Anushka wanted to start Movements for the Mind to bridge her passion of volunteering and medicine as a means to truly help make a positive impact for dementia patients. She continues to develop her love for music and likes to hike in her free time. Currently, she is a senior at Amador Valley High School. 

Mira Rajagopalan

Co President

Mira started volunteering at her art class to help foster the love of art in other young kids. She also volunteered with her mom to help puppies at shelters get adopted. After her grandmother’s health recently declined, her dementia began to grow worse. She forgot the faces of those around her and became bedridden. Mira watched as normal tasks became extremely difficult for her and her mental health became worse. Together with Anushka, Mira is able to use her love for art, passion for volunteering, and experiences with her grandmother to help other dementia patients through Movements for the Mind. Mira is a senior at Amador Valley High School where she participates in clubs that assist her in pursuing art and helping those in need. ​

​Secretary:
​Aubrey Tran

Aubrey Tran is a senior at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California. Aubrey loves to volunteer at Open Heart Kitchen and animal shelters with her little sister. She also enjoys going on hikes with her family and dogs. She is a competitive swimmer and finds physical activities and creativity to be an important coping skill to strengthen the mind. Aubrey hopes to make an impact for patients with Dementia by connecting with them and sharing stories through Movements for the Mind. She was inspired by her grandmother to make a difference to others and create a positive, safe environment. During a difficult time in her life, Aubrey decided that she wanted to make a difference to others and use her values of compassion and balance to shape her goal to spread awareness and positivity.

Treasurer:
​Sherry Long

Driven by her own passion for art and volunteer service, Sherry strives to connect with her community through Movements for the Mind. As a lead volunteer instructor for an international STEM-based organization as well, her goals are deeply rooted in human connection, building interpersonal relationships and advocating for awareness and education. Sherry is a senior at Amador Valley High School, where she aims to involve herself in science and service. Outside of school, she competes nationally as a member of a synchronized figure skating team and enjoys sketching in her free time

Head of Design:
​Kira Nguyen

As a senior at Amador Valley High School, life can be busy for Kira but she continues to make time for her hobbies: drawing, reading, and playing guitar. Kira's drive to help others has led her to join MFTM so she can use her artistic skill to aid others. With her great grandma suffering from dementia, this organization's goal is very dear to her.

Head of Outreach:
​Shreya Paul

Director of Social Media:
Ann Yang

Ann is a senior at Foothill High School. She joined this organization in hopes of helping more people such as her grandfather, who has dementia. Ann, inspired by grandfather, strives to help end the stigma that surrounds dementia and tell the stories of those patients. In her free time, she loves playing the electric guitar and drawing comics.

Director of Social Media:
Karthikha Sri Indran

Karthikha is a senior at Mission San Jose High School, where she has been involved in multiple student-led organizations helping those with special needs. She was driven to take a more active role in the lives of those with dementia and join this organization after the passing of her grandfather earlier this year, who battled dementia for the majority of his later life. Additionally, she has been actively involved in music and the arts for her entire life, being classically trained on the violin and vocally. As a part of Movements for the Mind, Karthikha can both express her love for helping others and the arts.

 Director of Member Services:
Ayushi Deokule

Ayushi is a senior at Amador Valley High School. She first started volunteering at her school’s Glamour Gals club at age 14, and found she is passionate about helping the elderly. At Glamour Gals, she worked with communicating with the seniors to help them socialize and face senior isolation. Ayushi also has found music to be a big impact in her life, and understands the importance of music. She got involved in Movements of the Mind because it connected her love for music to her passion of helping the elderly.

Overseeing Officer:
Ainsley Chang

Ainsley, is a senior at Foothill High School. She joined Movements for the Mind in pursuit of expanding her knowledge on Alzheimer’s as well as the medical field. Outside of school, she plays volleyball and runs her own business.

Overseeing Officer:
Alan Wang

Hey! I’m Alan and I'll be one of MFTM’s overseeing officer :) Some things about me are that I enjoy creating art pieces, preferably still life and oil panting! During my free time I like to play video games or bake, but you might catch me working at Fat Fish! Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns!

Overseeing Officer:
Parvathy Koppara

Hi! My name is Parvathy and I am an incoming freshman at Hillsborough High School! I am the overseeing officer of MFTM in New Jersey. As one of the first members to join MFTM from New Jersey, I am super excited to be starting another branch here :) In my spare time I love to bake, make art, and a little bit of photography. Music and art has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m so glad that I get a chance to share it with others too!