Our Team

Dr. María Teresa McPhail serves as President & CEO of Vida Senior Centers, overseeing organizational operations, grants, contracts, personnel, budgets, program reporting, evaluation, and both Vida sites.

She brings more than 21 years of healthcare experience, including work as a medical doctor in El Salvador and leadership roles in public health, community medicine, healthcare technology, client service, and operations.

Dr. McPhail is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working in multicultural settings across Central America, India, Vietnam, and the United States.

Catalina Diaz joined Vida Senior Centers in August 2021 as Grants Manager. She manages budgets, monitors expenses, supports grant programs, researches funding opportunities, tracks results, and analyzes financial data.

Originally from Colombia, Catalina is a business administration professional with experience in consultative sales, key account management, public policy support, human rights work, and nonprofit operations.

At Vida, she continues supporting programs that strengthen services for older adults in Washington, DC.

Noemi Mendez began her journey as Activities Coordinator at Vida Senior Centers in February 2024.

Born and raised in Barcelona, Anzoátegui, Venezuela, Noemi has a background in business administration and organizational management. Her professional experience includes finance administration, budget analysis, business operations, and community involvement.

At Vida, she helps coordinate meaningful activities and programs that support social connection, wellness, and engagement for older adults.

Dr. Nancy Magaly Ojeda joined Vida in 2007 to lead the Wellness and Health Program. She monitors participants’ health conditions and offers weekly classes focused on illness prevention and healthcare.

Dr. Ojeda completed master training in Chronic Disease Self-Management and Diabetes Self-Management Programs at Stanford University. She earned her medical degree in Cuba and later specialized in gerontology, geriatrics, and health promotion.

Her career has focused on promoting health and wellbeing among seniors, especially those living in vulnerable conditions.

Dr. Jorge Sodero serves as Lead Mental Health and Behavioral Counselor at Vida Senior Centers. He works with participants to identify mental and behavioral health needs, provides individual and group counseling, and leads classes on emotional balance, positive thinking, and mental health.

Dr. Sodero graduated as a physician and surgeon from Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and specializes in neuropsychiatry.

His professional background includes medical work in Argentina and the United States, including experience at Harvard University, Washington, DC, and Georgetown University.

Dr. María de Lourdes Carrillo joined Vida Senior Centers in 2020. She coordinates services and programs for Vida’s Brightwood location, connecting seniors with classes, social activities, congregate meals, and health promotion support.

Dr. Carrillo graduated as a medical doctor and surgeon from Universidad Central del Ecuador and earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.

Her professional experience includes family medicine, international health, community development, research, health education, and service to people with disabilities.

Gabriela Quintana serves as Social Service Coordinator at Vida Senior Centers. In her role, she supports seniors by connecting them with community resources, local services, and programs that help improve their quality of life.

Through a culturally sensitive and bilingual approach, Gabriela helps participants navigate available support systems and access services with dignity, care, and respect.

Fabiola Morán serves as Data Entry Clerk and Community Liaison at Vida Senior Centers. She supports reporting, data entry, food commodity coordination, and produce delivery for seniors.

Originally from Peru, Fabiola earned a degree in Special Education from Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón in Lima. Her background includes teaching, classroom support, community service, and communications work with Special Olympics Peru.

At Vida, she plays an important role in supporting both program operations and direct services for older adults.

Olga Molina first came to Vida Senior Center as a volunteer in 2011, assisting in the kitchen and serving meals to senior participants.

Her experience at Vida helped her understand the needs of older adults and inspired her continued work in client services. She has supported Vida’s Brightwood location for many years and helps participants feel welcomed, assisted, and connected.

Olga is certified in first aid, CPR, mental health first aid, DC ServSafe, and data entry support.

Nuria Molina joined Vida in 2006 as a Client Assistant and Data Specialist. She is a subject matter expert in the platforms Vida uses to manage its programs.

Her background includes bilingual studies, administrative support, teaching assistance, English and MedTech studies, and many years of direct service in Washington, DC.

Nuria is often one of the first friendly faces participants see when they visit Vida Senior Centers.

Alix Figueredo serves as Client Services & Data Entry Specialist at Vida Senior Centers. In this role, Alix supports daily client services, assists with participant information, and helps maintain accurate records for programs and services.

Alix contributes to Vida’s mission by helping seniors feel welcomed, supported, and connected to the resources available through the center.