Meet Aria Garling

Director of Health & Companionship Programs

Aria leads the Health Buddies program with a passion rooted in both community health and human connection. Since 2020, she’s grown this innovative initiative from a small pilot into a transformative intergenerational program serving hundreds of seniors each year. Under Aria’s leadership, Health Buddies has expanded to include eight university partners and built a strong reputation for improving mental well-being, reducing loneliness, and reshaping the way both generations view aging and care.

Aria’s personal journey reflects her deep commitment to service and learning. As a USF graduate in Anthropology, she’s long been drawn to the intersection of culture, health, and relationships. She’s now pursuing dual master’s degrees in Applied Medical Anthropology and Public Health. Beyond her work with Seniors in Service, Aria is a dedicated community volunteer with The Junior League of St. Petersburg, Queen of Hearts, and the Stuart Society. Whether serving her community, matching a senior with the perfect Health Buddy, or collaborating with partners to expand the program’s reach, Aria is driven by one goal: building a more connected, compassionate world — one conversation at a time.