Our Team
Dr. Lavanya Thondavada
Founder & President
Dr. Thondavada is the Founder and President of the Geriatric Society. She earned her MBBS in India and has pursued extensive postgraduate training across multiple disciplines and countries, reflecting her deep commitment to lifelong learning and patient care.
Her qualifications include a Diploma in Clinical Dermatology (UK), a Master’s in Dermatology (UK), and a Diploma in Medical Cosmetology (India). She further advanced her expertise with a Master’s in Gerontology (USA) and a PhD in Gerontology. In addition, she has completed a Fellowship in Diabetes, a Fellowship in Palliative Care Medicine (WHO), and holds a Wound Care Physician Certification (USA). She also holds a Diploma in Business Management as well as an MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management.
Dr. Thondavada is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Trinidad & Tobago Dermatology Association, the Caribbean Dermatology Association (CDA), the British Geriatrics Society (BGS), and the American Geriatrics Society (AGSF).
With over 24 years of experience in medicine, she has spent 13 years practicing dermatology and more than 17 years dedicated to gerontology. She has also managed a wound care clinic in the public sector for five years.
Her passion for geriatric care is deeply personal and professional. Inspired by her experience in the geriatric field and shaped by the loss of her father, she is driven by a strong commitment to improving the quality of care and dignity of older adults across the nation.
Fr. Martin Sirju
Executive Director
Fr. Martin Sirju has served as a diocesan priest in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain for over thirty-two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, with studies in Theology and the Natural Sciences.
During a sabbatical year at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California, he pursued interfaith studies involving Christian, Islamic, and Hindu traditions. Fr. Sirju has a longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and cultural integration and currently represents the Roman Catholic Church on the Inter Religious Organization (IRO).
He serves as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain and Administrator of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Cathedral. Fr. Sirju also contributes to faith-based education through the Catholic Religious Education Development Institute (CREDI) and supports community development initiatives through Project Grace.
Dr. Sambhasivan Kattamanchi
Secretary / Medical Director
Dr. Kattamanchi has been a dedicated medical professional for over 25 years. After completing his medical degree in 1998, he pursued advanced studies, Master’s in Gastroenterology, Masters in Infectious Diseases, and trained gastrointestinal endoscopy.
He has served in several clinical roles, including Resident in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Emergency Physician, and Primary Care Physician, gaining broad experience across multiple areas of patient care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served for three years as a Registrar with a national response team, contributing significantly to healthcare efforts in Trinidad and Tobago. He continues to support the GSTT’s mission of promoting healthy and active ageing and improving the well-being of older adults.
Mrs. Claire Eunice Gittens
Director & Public Relation Officer
Mrs. Claire Eunice Gittens is a graduate of The University of the West Indies (UWI) with a degree in Social Work and over 32 years of experience in the social services sector in Trinidad and Tobago. She served for 22 years as a Medical Social Worker in areas including gerontology and oncology, later advancing into senior administrative roles within social services.
Her career includes service on Cabinet-appointed committees and representation of Trinidad and Tobago at the Inter-American Children’s Institute of the Organization of American States (OAS). Since retiring from the public service, Mrs. Gittens has remained active in the non-governmental sector and is a founding member of both the Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Mr. Dindial Siewkumar
Director
Mr. Dindial Siewkumar has dedicated over 51 years to the field of agriculture, building a lifelong career grounded in practical farming and innovation. He currently practices sustainable cultivation using the Grow Box method, incorporating sawdust and red sand to support efficient plant growth.
He studied at St. Augustine Senior Comprehensive School and later earned a degree in Agriculture from The University of the West Indies (UWI). His training was further enriched under the guidance of renowned agricultural scientist Dr. Jacob R. Mittleider of California.
Through his ongoing work, Mr. Siewkumar remains committed to sharing agricultural knowledge and supporting the well-being of others in the community.
Miss. Jaswitha Kattamanchi
Volunteer Coordinator
Miss. Jaswitha, Growing up with limited in-person contact with her grandparents, she developed a deep appreciation for the stories and experiences they shared. Following their passing, she became passionate about supporting older adults, especially those who may feel isolated or overlooked.
Through her involvement with the Geriatric Society of Trinidad and Tobago (GSTT), she helps provide companionship, holistic support, and meaningful connections for seniors. Her work in volunteering helps bridge the gap between younger and older generations, strengthening community bonds and enhancing the quality of life of older adults.
Miss. Ackeyah Raphael
Student Volunteer Coordinator
Miss. Raphael, a recent graduate of St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of the West Indies, with aspirations of becoming an aerospace engineer focused on sustainable innovation.
She is also a dedicated volunteer with the Geriatric Society of Trinidad and Tobago (GSTT), where she supports and engages with older adults. Inspired by her experience caring for her grandparents and great-grandmother, she is passionate about bringing kindness, comfort, and meaningful connection to the elderly community.
Miss. Vineetha Kattamanchi
Social Media Operator
Miss. Vineetha passion for serving older adults was inspired by her piano teacher, Miss June Joseph, whose guidance extended far beyond music. Through piano lessons, she shared valuable life experiences, wisdom, and lessons that helped shape her character and outlook on life. These meaningful interactions fostered a deep appreciation for older adults and the important role they play in our communities.
As a member of her school’s UNESCO Club, she further developed a commitment to community service and social responsibility. As a social media operator, she aims to use the platform to raise awareness about the needs, rights, and well-being of older persons, while promoting respect, compassion, and stronger connections between generations.