Gerontology Program 2021/22 Student Recognition

PACE-Gerontology Program would like to acknowledge the 2021/2022 graduates and those students who have received special recognition for the Graduate Distinguished Student Achievement Award and the Barbara Jordon Award:

Recipients of Master of Arts in Gerontology

Maribel Amador Cabello

Victor Callejo-Brighton

Hannah Choung

Sarah Chung

Gabriela Reyes Demirkol

William Erskine Duff

Crystal Jacobs

Krista Lyn Lotto

Tanya Piacentini

Lorelei Alano Sullivan

Ruiqing (Yvonne) Tan

The School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement Graduate Distinguished Student Achievement Award

Tanya Piacentini

Tanya Piacentini successfully completed her M.A. in Gerontology during Fall 2021 with a 4.0 GPA. Her research examined early findings of infection cases and related mortality rates in nursing homes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Tanya's passion to advocate for older adults has led to her career as a successful geriatric care manager.

The School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement Barbara Jordon Award

Maribel Amador Cabello

Maribel is an SF State Scholar (BASW+ MA in Gerontology) and a Geriatric Social Worker employed part-time at San Mateo County’s Aging & Adult Services Program.  She is a compassionate and goal-oriented professional who values teamwork and open communication.  Maribel is eager to dedicate her time to social justice and cultural humility in order to benefit the needs of others. 

Krista Lyn Lotto

Krista aims to make a real difference in the quality of people’s lives. Her goal is to improve the everyday life of older adults, reaching beyond those who are marginalized and impoverished.  In light of the currently evolving financial environment, stable and seasoned leadership is needed in order to identify emerging trends, navigate through risk, and position her clients and companies for strategic growth. She is recognized for her versatility in the financial industry, working with clients across diverse environments such as banking, insurance, nonprofit, healthcare, and government agencies. With meticulous attention to detail and the ability to align all operations to comply with regulations, Krista possesses the expertise and ingenuity to maximize quality deliverables, on time and within established budgets.

Ruiqing (Yvonne) Tan

Yvonne is an SF State Scholar (BASW+ MA in Gerontology) and a Geriatric Social Worker employed full-time at Self-Help for the Elderly.  She has provided support and counseling interventions for participant’s emotional and psychosocial issues; made home visits to conduct intake and assessment; identified/assessed clients’ needs and developed an Individual Plan of Care to address medical social service needs; referred clients to Adult Protective Services for conservatorship, placement or protection when necessary; provided written, in-person, and phone communication with participants, family members, caregivers, and providers; co-hosted caregiver support groups via zoom for family members and caregivers, and held social support groups in-person for participants, to provide community resources and information; and worked with participants and family members directly to provide referral and resource to meet their needs and follow-up to ensure their needs are met with relevant health and social services.