Our Team

We are a collective of scientists, creatives, and activists united by a vision of a world of togetherness.

Our Board of Directors

David Putrino, P.T. , Ph.D.

Board Member | He/Him

Dr. Putrino is a neuroscientist and physical therapist, working as the Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mt Sinai Health System and Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai. He works to develop innovative technology solutions for individuals in need of better healthcare accessibility. He is also the “Chief Mad Scientist” of Not Impossible Labs, a group that crowd-sources accessible technological solutions for high-impact humanitarian problems. LinkedIn

Kuhuk Shroff

Board Member | She/Her

Kuhuk is an incoming MS/MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School. She is passionate about ensuring access to healthcare and is focused on innovation in the life-sciences industry. She was formerly a Partnerships Manager at PicnicHealth and a Consultant at Deloitte. She was introduced to Social Creatures through Deloitte and has been volunteering since Jan 2022. LinkedIn

Mariam Zakhary, DO

Board Member | She/Her

Dr. Mariam Zakhary is a Sports Medicine physician who is the Medical Director at Mount Sinai for Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Director of Running Medicine, Sports Medicine Fellowship director, and chief medical advisor to USA Fencing. Dr. Zakhary believes that all people should be able to reach their physical potential and uses several modalities to help them do so. She is trained in several interventions that include spinal and peripheral injections. Being an athlete herself, growing up, she understands the demands movement has on the body, but also how to utilize movement as medicine and optimize performance. She has a passion for global health and is working on global curriculums to encourage rehab worldwide.

Natalie Brito, Ph.D.

Board Chair | She/Her

Dr. Natalie Hiromi Brito is a developmental psychologist specializing in the impact of early social and cultural contexts on neurocognitive development. Her research focuses on understanding how to support caregivers and create environments that promote healthy child development. Dr. Brito has received numerous awards for her work, including recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Association for Psychological Science and the American Psychological Association, as well as grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. LinkedIn

Tina Jeon

Board Member | She/Her

Tina is an attorney and entrepreneur who brings operational experience from a range of industries, including consulting as a strategic partner for early stage companies, and a successful startup exit. Currently, she serves as Managing Director of Corporate Strategy and General Counsel at an artificial intelligence consultancy. Previously, she held the role of chief of staff to the Prime Minister of Fiji during the nation's democratic transition. Thereafter, she practiced corporate law at Latham & Watkins in NYC, leading deals and advising senior leadership at Fortune 100, 500 companies and large bulge banks. She was also a member of the US Archery Team, an international competitor, Olympic qualifier, and started the archery team at Yale while an undergraduate there. While at Yale, she crafted her own major at the intersection of medical social science and behavioral neuroscience. LinkedIn

Sarah Sisco

Board Member

Sarah Sisco, MPH, MSSW, is Senior Director of Women’s Health Initiatives at NYC Health + Hospitals, where she oversees program development and evaluation, strategic initiatives, patient engagement, and workforce development for Women's Health. Prior, with extensive experience in program design and funding acquisition, Sarah led the development of the 3-2-1 IMPACT model–a two-generational clinical model of care for children aged 0-3 and their families–and established tax preparation services for H+H patients as a formative member of H+H’s Social Determinants Team. Sarah previously spent eight years as Director of Evaluation and Research at NYC DOHMH’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, leading projects on disease-related stigma and social cohesion. During that time, Sarah also worked on initiatives to improve NYC's public healthcare system under former Mayor DeBlasio, and contributed to an agency-wide team to address structural racism in NYC DOHMH's operations. Sarah holds a Master’s of Science in Social Work, a Master's in Public Health from the Mailman School of Public Health from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies, Africana Studies and Sociology from Vassar College. LinkedIn

Phil Payad

Board Member | He/Him

Phil is a Managing Director at EY, a global accounting and consulting company. As a CPA with a financial accounting background, Phil leads a multi-disciplinary team of accountants, engineers, and data scientists and is responsible for the development and implementation of assurance technology within EY. Outside of work, Phil enjoys Peloton, cooking, and travel.

Dan Mcclure

Board Member | He/Him

Dan is a financial professional who brings a diverse set of experiences from companies such as JP Morgan Chase, Vanguard, and most recently Saige Consulting. Currently, he serves as the VP of Finance for Saige Consulting, an AI consultancy. While at JP Morgan Chase, he led key initiatives in consumer and small business finance strategy. Prior to joining Saige, he worked at Vanguard leading work on fund pricing and analytics. Dan is passionate about the mission of Social Creatures and hopes to leverage his financial experience to continue to drive the organization forward.

Lara O’Brien

Board Member | She/Her

Lara is an end-to-end brand management and marketing executive who has led flagship brands at prominent global organizations. Her track record includes rebrandings, turnarounds, transformations, and rapid sustained growth, with Effie Gold Award winning campaigns. Lara currently serves as Head of Marketing, Norh America at LifeStyles Healthcare. Her prior roles include Senior Brand Director at Pernod Ricard, Senior Director of Business Transformation and Brand Marketing roles at Coty, and Director of Brand Marketing at Nestle. Her earlier experience spans a variety of brand marketing, strategy, and consulting roles at H.J. Heinz Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Lara has a Master of Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management from Bogazici University. LinkedIn

Our Team

Rose Perry, Ph.D.

Founder & Executive Director | She/Her

Dr. Rose Perry is an applied research scientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience & physiology from New York University. Her research has examined how social connections can “get under the skin” to buffer individuals from the long term, negative effects of stress and trauma. In April 2020, understanding the unique social challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic was raising, Rose established Social Creatures, with the mission of ensuring that any individual can socially connect with others, no matter their circumstances. LinkedIn

Stephen Braren, Ph.D.

Director of Applied Research & Editor-in-Chief | He/Him

Dr. Braren is a research scientist with a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from New York University. His research examines how environments of stress, such as poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage, shape psychological and brain development At Social Creatures, he applies research to practice to better understand how social connections can buffer against stress to improve health and wellbeing. He is also a musician and actor. LinkedIn

Angie Liu

Marketing Intern

Angie Liu, an undergraduate at New York University majoring in Applied Psychology and minoring in Data Science, is passionate about the intersection of human behavior and technology, especially Artificial Intelligence. In their experience studying abroad in Prague, Angie interned as a Marketing Data Analyst at Manifesto Market and served as an English teaching assistant at a local Czech high school. Known for adaptability and a keenness to explore new challenges, Angie thrives in diverse environments, bringing a unique blend of analytical insight and empathetic communication to every endeavor. LinkedIn

Lily Cooke, MSc

Director of Growth & Client Engagement | She/Her

Lily Cooke is a psychology graduate of New York University and Master of Science in Global Mental Health from King’s College London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at Mount Sinai’s Abilities Research Center, focusing on Long COVID research. Outside of her research, she is a certified yoga instructor as well as the founder and organizer of a book club which highlights literary diversity. LinkedIn

M.C. Flux, Ph.D

Science Communication Illustrator & Strategist | He/Him

Dr. Flux has a double Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology and is a visual artist and science communicator. His research has explored the interactions between neuronal and whole-body mechanisms behind novel mental health therapeutics, leading him to communicate extensively in therapies such as Floatation-REST, the microbiome, and psychedelics. He has a passion for mental health treatment and communication and is thrilled to bring his talents to the Social Creatures team. LinkedIn

Alex Grace

Technical Consultant | She/Her

Alex Grace is a software engineer who graduated from the University of Virginia with an engineering degree in Computer Science. Alex is currently working at a wine company as a digital transformation lead and working on a startup with fellow university alumni. Outside of work she likes to run, travel, explore, and create websites. LinkedIn

Bernice Zhao

Marketing Intern | She/Her

Bernice Zhao is a senior student at High Technology High School passionate about psychology, social advocacy, and creative writing. As a Project Write Now intern and teen ambassador, Bernice has served as a teaching assistant and editorial assistant for PWN programs. She has also been engaged with Writopia Lab as an editorial intern for their literary magazines. Outside of these commitments, Bernice is the founder of the Wellness Group, which promotes a holistic approach to mental wellness among the student body.

Sid Ratkiewicz

Social Connection Strategist | They/Them

Sid is a behavioral researcher at Duke University with a deep interest in community building and social connectedness. They specialize in translating insights from behavioral science into practical and actionable steps to strengthen, deepen and expand communities. They like to imagine a future where organizations and individuals have easy access to the tools and insights that will help their communities flourish. LinkedIn

Yazhi Zhang

Impact & Evaluation Intern | She/Her

Yazhi Zhang is a junior undergraduate at New York University majoring in Applied Psychology and minoring in Business Studies. She is passionate about education, cultural diversity, and data management. As a member of NYU Psi Chi, she values inclusivity and is open to embracing new experiences and challenges. She is on a continuous journey of exploration across a broad spectrum of psychology fields. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys painting and crafting by hand. LinkedIn

Hyunseok Jung

Applied Research Intern | He/Him

Hyunseok Jung is an undergraduate senior at New York University majoring in Applied Psychology. He has mainly worked in the marketing industry. He is currently working to support the marketing and fundraising efforts of Social Creatures’ SitGrit program.

Lavinia Loria

Impact & Evaluation Intern | She/Her

I am an undergraduate studying Applied Psychology with a minor in Food Studies at New York university. My Interests are in connecting individuals with resources that can help diminish the chance of the onset of mental illness, as well as creating resources to make life easier for those who struggle with mental illness. I have volunteered with both young children with learning difficulties to help them improve their reading, as well as with teenagers and adults as a counsellor for victims of assaults. I am an empathetic individual who thrives when working with like-minded individuals. LinkedIn

Kimberly Polanco, LMSW

Bonded by Baby Program Director | She/Her

Kimberly Polanco is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Birth and Abortion Doula, specializing in creating safe spaces for folx with uteruses throughout termination, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She is currently a Social Worker with the Bonded by Baby program at Mount Sinai Hospital. Kimberly believes that each person should have the right to sexual, reproductive and mental health education and services, which permits folx to actively advocate for themselves and make informed decisions. Kimberly holds her Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University. LinkedIn

Catherine Jin

Applied Research Intern | She/Her

Catherine Jin is an undergraduate student at Emory University, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Economics. Her research interests revolve around cultural capital, social relationships, and social ties, aiming to explore how these elements influence social mobility and individual opportunities. Catherine is passionate about community service and often volunteers at local organizations. She is also an avid reader and enjoys participating in discussions on social issues and economic policies.

Johanna Bellorin, LMSW

Bonded by Baby Facilitator | She/Her

Johanna is a Bonded by Baby group facilitator who joined the team earlier this year. She got her Masters in Social Work degree from Columbia University and graduated in 2022. Afterwards she worked at The Bronx Defenders in the Family Defense Practice for a year before making the transition to Medical Social Work at Mount Sinai. Johanna has always been passionate about parents rights and supporting parents throughout their journey and is excited to be part of the Bonded by Baby team!

Lareina Chen

Marketing Intern | She/Her

Lareina Chen is a student at New York University, majoring in Applied Psychology with minors in Business of Entertainment, Media and Technology, and Food Studies. She has interned at Dentsu X Taiwan and Pandora Jewelry Taiwan, where she focused on digital marketing and community outreach.

Olivia Lin

Applied Research Intern | She/Her

Olivia Lin is a senior double majoring in Applied Psychology and Economics. She is also currently a Research Assistant at New York University’s Cognitive Development Lab, where she works with young children. Growing up in Singaprore, then later attending high school in the U.S., she is curious about spoken and unspoken cultural differences within societies.

Adam Chang

Applied Research Intern | He/Him

Adam Chang is an undergraduate at New York University majoring in Applied Psychology whilst working on projects at the intersection of Tech and Engineering. He enjoys reading and leaning more about areas of Psychology related to Mindfulness and Eastern Philosophy and watching content made my professionals in the Psychology field.