meet the team

  • ambar Olivares, BSN, RN

    President, Co-Founder

    Ambar Maria Olivares is a registered nurse who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island. She currently serves in the Trauma, Surgery, and Transplant Intensive Care Unit at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ambar was recognized at the Rhode Island State House for her advocacy in the Latino community and earned the People’s Choice Award as a Top 11 semifinalist in the Miss Rhode Island USA competition. Her passion for uplifting underserved communities is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Cranston, Rhode Island. As the only child of a single, immigrant mother from the Dominican Republic, Ambar grew up determined to turn adversity into purpose. By co-founding Students and Stethoscopes, she strives to increase minority representation in professional spaces, inspiring students who, like her once, believe that survival is the goal and dreams are out of reach. On days off, Ambar enjoys practicing her pasarela in high heels, writing music, crafting unique homemade lattes, and dancing bachata.

  • jiddu Guart, MD

    Vice President, Co-Founder

    Dr. Jiddu Antonio Guart is a general surgery resident at the University of Massachusetts and an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon whose passion extends far beyond the operating room. Inspired by his own journey and the mentors who guided him, Dr. Guart co-founded Students & Stethoscopes to empower students from low-to-medium socioeconomic backgrounds to explore careers in healthcare. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges of limited opportunity, he is committed to breaking down barriers so the next generation of physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders can thrive. His vision for Students & Stethoscopes is rooted in service, resilience, and the belief that every student—regardless of background—deserves the chance to pursue a brighter future.

  • jonathan assad, BS Biology

    Secretary, medical student liaison

    Jonathan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University and is a current second-year medical student at UMass Chan Medical School. He is passionate about medicine and a strong believer in the importance of mentorship. Through Students and Stethoscopes he hopes to help encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, fishing, and spending time with friends.

  • Breana Keegan, BSN, RN

    Outreach and community engagement chair

    Breana began her career at UMass Memorial as a personal care attendant on the Inpatient Pediatrics Unit before being accepted into the New Graduate RN program. Her career as a Trauma RN started over a decade ago, and for the past 5 years she has been practicing in the Trauma, Surgery, and Transplant ICU.Breana has recently joined the nursing faculty at Quinsigamond Community College, and is elated to be educating the next generation of nurses. As a proud Central Massachusetts native, Breana is deeply connected to her community, and places great value in diversity and equity. At her core, she Is committed to uplifting others and helping individuals find purpose, strength, and self-worth through education, compassionate care, and community engagement.If you're looking to find her, she's either with her rescue dogs (all breeds, sizes, and temperaments welcome), reading horror novels and eating snacks, or sleeping.

  • Klair Lubonja, MD

    fundraising chair

    Klair Lubonja was born in Tirana, Albania and immigrated to the United States in 2001. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut with a major in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in Political Science. He was a member of the Honors Program and a John and Valerie Rowe Health Professions Scholar. During his undergraduate years, Dr. Lubonja held several leadership roles and took part in multiple research endeavors. He conducted research at the NIH and Yale School of Medicine as a Post-Graduate Research Fellow. Dr. Lubonja received his medical education at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, during which he received several awards relating to his research and community outreach. He is currently a surgery resident at the UMass School of Medicine in Worcester, MA. Dr. Lubonja was a former participant, and now a mentor for the Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP) pipeline at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. The HCOP programs are geared to expose underrepresented students from underserved communities to the healthcare field. He was recently recognized for his contributions by the School of Medicine. He joined Students and Stethoscopes so he can now serve the students of Massachusetts.Outside of work, Dr. Lubonja enjoys spending time with family and friends. He and his wife try to go on as many day trips as possible to try new foods and experiences.

  • Morgan Lewis

    Programs and education chair

    Morgan Lewis has been a teacher for 11 years and is one of Rhode Island's District Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026. They teach 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts and serve as the Upper School Multi Language Learner (MLL) teacher at PVD Prep, a small charter school in Providence Rhode Island's West End. They began their teaching career in Miami's Liberty City, where they also worked in education policy focused on reducing school suspension rates, and later worked in Philadelphia before moving to Rhode Island through the Green Fellowship in 2022, continuing policy work in Providence. Morgan holds undergraduate degrees in History, International Studies, and Spanish from Susquehanna University, a Master's in English Education from Boston University, and a Master's in MLL Education from Roger Williams University. They are passionate about language education and supporting Multilingual Learners.

  • Hee-Jung Janice Kim

    Social media chair

    Janice is a second-year medical student at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. She attained her undergraduate degree of Biochemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. She enjoys connecting with students and believes that great mentorship can make a lasting impact. Through Students and Stethoscopes, she hopes to give students a glimpse into the field of medicine and inspire their interest in it. In her free time, she enjoys film photography, music, and exploring coffee shops.