Through my nonprofit, Ivan the Angelfish, I  bring therapeutic aquariums and ecosystem education into senior homes, healthcare facilities, and schools. 

I was inspired to act by my grandfather, Ivan Sitalov, a Soviet-Afghan War veteran who struggled with PTSD. As a child, I witnessed how simple aquariums brought my grandfather moments of calm and comfort during difficult periods and night terrors. Seeing the positive impact that nature had on someone I loved, made me think that I could do this with others. 

Recognizing that many seniors and patience, had a lack of regular access to calming environments, I founded Ivan the Angelfish as a way to fix the issue and bring therapeutic benefits that I saw firsthand. Currently, I continue to be driven by the belief that small interactions with nature can create powerful improvements in one’s quality of life.

I personally design and install natural, realistic, ecosystems leading live aquascaping demonstrations, and teach participants about the connection between nature, mental health, and wellness. Unlike other service projects, I directly remain involved long after each installation, sustaining impact for longer periods of time. 

Since my  nonprofit’s launch in February 2025, Ivan the Angelfish has reached over 5,000 seniors, students, patients, and healthcare professionals through installations and direct impact across ten separate nations from the United States to Nigeria. To measure true outcomes, I administer  depression assessments that track feedback, and results show 30% decreased depression across 100 senior residents.

Through my journey, I’ve  partnered with schools, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and community organizations to host aquarium installations, ecosystem workshops, and educational presentations. Students learn about biology, chemistry, and fundamental ecology and service while seniors participate in hands-on experiences that encourage activity in the amygdala, relaxing the individual. I also collaborate with healthcare staff to monitor outcomes and sustain each project long-term. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of this work is observing how individuals reconnect with the natural world around them. I have directly seen how elders that rarely participated in activities became engaged while arranging plants or watching their fish explore their own ecosystem, and students truly discover that science can directly improve someone’s well-being. Those unique moments remind me that small ecosystems can spark curiosity, conversation, and comfort in many ways that go far beyond the aquarium and/or terrarium itself. 

Through media appearances, public presentations, and partnerships with local leaders, I hope to  expand  awareness of nature-based wellness and inspire other seas or talents to serve their communities.

If anyone is looking to support my mission, I invite them to start an Ivan the Angelfish chapter!