About Us
Our Mission
Connecting undergraduate healthcare students nationwide with hospitalized children, isolated older adults, and their families, to provide fun, friendship and support.
Our Vision
A world in which healthcare providers demonstrate empathy and kindness and hospitalized children and isolated older adults receive compassionate care.
Our Team
Tami Robinson
PROGRAM MANAGER
Katie Oleksiak
PROGRAM MANAGER
Erica Sokol Carroll, M.S., CCLS
FOUNDER & CEO
Elizabeth Jativa, CCLS
HOSPITAL BUDDY PROGRAM ADVISOR
Michele Lawton
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Our Board
Lauren Sokol, CPA
DIRECTOR
MIAMI, FL
Deborah Odunze DNP(c), MSN, BSN, RN, CCM
DIRECTOR
CAMBRIDGE, MA
Viren Doshi, Esq., MPH
DIRECTOR
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Jeannine Altrogge, MBA
DIRECTOR
NORRISTOWN, PA
Our History
In 2010, Erica Sokol strived to gain valuable experience for her career in healthcare while studying at the University of Florida. She devoted her time to volunteering at UF Health Shands Hospital, specifically in the pediatric department. However, she realized that her efforts were mainly focused on clerical duties rather than directly assisting patients. She witnessed first-hand the loneliness endured by children staying at the hospital for extended periods, and thus felt a strong need to help them.
As a result of this powerful experience, Erica founded StudentsCare, which to this day engages college students in positively impacting the lives of hospitalized children and older adults.