Marissa Birne appreciates the opportunity to share stories of the older adults who have shaped her life—through their wisdom, humor, traditions, and love—and reflect on how older generations can find meaning in sharing stories and experiences with younger ones. While offering her reflections on the mutual benefits of intergenerational connection, she will invite MMUUF to consider: What have you learned from older people who have made a difference for you? And what are you hoping to pass on to younger people in your life to help them grow, thrive, and develop their own sense of purpose?
Marissa Birne is the Associate Director of Education at the UVM Center on Aging, where she oversees educational opportunities in gerontology and geriatrics, including a ‘Grand Friends’ service-learning program. She previously fostered multigenerational connection among senior living residents and volunteers of all ages as the Program Manager for Youth, Arts, and Volunteer Initiatives at an elder care organization in Massachusetts. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, volunteering as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and spending time with loved ones.
Molly Jo Krupkin is a senior Human Development major at UVM. She is from Chicago and she absolutely loves living in Vermont. In her free time Molly Jo plays ice hockey, cooks, plays games with friends and reads. Her favorite book she read this year was called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Molly Jo is new to learning about aging and the complexities of the topic, and she is excited and eager to continue engaging and learning!
