Senior Center Peer Networking Group - Serving Hispanic/Latino Communities June '25

Cristina Estrella, CHES is a Program Specialist for the Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging. In this role, Cristina provides technical assistance to U.S. Administration for Community Living grantees implementing evidence-based falls prevention and chronic disease self-management education programs. Additionally, she assists in developing resources for professionals and older adults and coordination of the annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium.

Cristina began her career on the COVID-19 Containment and Mitigation team at the Alexandria Health Department where she conducted contact tracing, case investigation, outbreak reporting, and community outreach, and assisted in vaccine uptake initiatives. She holds a B.S. in Health Sciences and an M.S. in Public Health Education and Promotion from Marymount University.

Katherine Martinez is a licensed social worker with a profound dedication to the field of aging. With a career marked by impactful contributions, she has held key roles at NYC Health & Hospitals, various community-based organizations, nursing homes, and long-term care programs. In 2018, Katherine assumed the role of President/CEO at Neighborhood SHOPP, a community-based non-profit in the Bronx. In this capacity, she leads diverse initiatives aimed at serving older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. 

Katherine's academic background includes a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from New York University. Actively involved in the aging network, she holds influential positions such as serving on the NYC Department for the Aging Senior Advisory Council, Co-Chair at Hunts Point/Longwood Coalition, Bronx Regional Inter-Agency Aging Council, NY State Society on Aging, among others. Her commitment to the aging network extends nationally, as evidenced by her involvement in the NASW Aging Specialty Practice Committee and the NCOA National Institute of Senior Center's Leadership Collaborative. Katherine Martinez exemplifies a steadfast commitment to enhancing the well-being of older adults and their communities through her extensive professional and volunteer engagements.