Originally from Puerto Rico, Cristina Santiago-Loza, MD, is a Geriatric Psychiatry Fellow, educator, author, and lifelong creative who is passionate about redefining what aging can look like. Her clinical interests focus on integrating art and other non-pharmacological interventions with evidence-based psychiatric care to help people living with dementia maintain purpose, dignity, and joy. As the author of the children’s book Just Breathe, she uses storytelling to promote emotional well-being and regularly volunteers in schools and nursing homes, creating opportunities for connection, behavioral activation, and intergenerational learning. Cristina previously taught psychiatry at Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) and loves teaching, mentoring, and sharing ideas with others. Outside of medicine, she enjoys dancing, acting, cooking, and spoiling dogs. She also gave a TED Talk, What Can We Learn from Sadness?, exploring how difficult emotions can become opportunities for growth, resilience, and connection.