Our Team | Project Tight Knit

Project Leads

Parmis Falahat

I am a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Science program in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. I launched Project Tight Knit during COVID-19, acknowledging the importance of tending to the mental health of individuals in nursing homes and hoping to improve their overall wellbeing.

Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani

I am a recent graduate from the Master’s of Science (MSc) program in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. I joined Project Tight Knit to contribute to building a warm and inclusive community, especially for the less represented members of the community such as nursing home residents, while meeting amazing like-minded individuals!

Hasti Shahbazi

I’m a 4th year Biology student at York University. When I moved to Canada, one of the hardest parts was being separated from my grandparents. They’ve always been such an important part of my life, and being far away from them made me realize how much love and wisdom older generations carry. Joining Project Tight Knit was my way of staying connected to that feeling by sharing kindness, compassion, and letters with seniors who might also feel that distance from family.

Founder/President

Director of Outreach

Director of Marketing

Chapter Coordinators

Margaux Keenan

Newfoundland Chapter Coordinator

I am a second year student at Memorial University in Newfoundland, doing a double major in History and Political Science. I joined Project Tight Knit to give back to my community, to help bridge the gap between generations in NL, and remind people that they matter and are loved!

Correspondence Quality Coordinators

Rythm Bansal

I am a 4th year Honours student at York University studying Psychology. Family, connection and bond means a lot to people. Being part of Project Tight Knit not only allows me to help people bring that missing joy back in their life and help with their feelings of isolation, but also just be there for them and do my part in giving back to the community.

Emma Locche

I am a 3rd year Bachelor's student at York University studying Kinesiology and Health Science. I chose to join Project Tight Knit because I truly believe writing letters is a meaningful way to brighten someone's day, especially for those who might feel isolated. Project Tight Knit allows me to feel like I'm really making a difference while fostering a sense of community for those who need it most.

Anahita Taghva

I am a 3rd year Bachelor’s student at York University studying Kinesiology. I joined Project Tight Knit because I see connection as a powerful form of care. Writing letters is my way of showing seniors in elderly homes that they are valued and remembered, while building bridges across generations and reminding them their presence still matters.

Pariya Rastegar

I’m a recent graduate from the BSc program in biochemistry at York University. I joined Project Tight Knit because I’ve always believed in the power of small acts of kindness, especially when it comes to supporting those who often feel forgotten. This club was started during COVID, when so many seniors in nursing homes were feeling alone and disconnected. That really stuck with me. I love being part of something that is so human & hopeful. It reminded me that compassion doesn’t have to be loud to make an impact.

Event Coordinators

I’m a Psychology student at York University with a strong interest in mental health, self-expression, and community. I joined Project Tight Knit because I believe in its beautiful goal of helping people and spreading kindness through small, heartfelt actions. I’m passionate about creativity, mindfulness, and supporting women in feeling comfortable in their bodies while building self-love and confidence through art and yoga.

Mahta Karimi

Nourallah Salem

I am a first year Masters student at York University studying neuroscience and biomechanics. I joined Project Tight Knit to help bring a smile to seniors’ faces and show them that their community supports them. A gesture as simple as receiving a letter can make someone feel seen and is a beautiful reminder that there are people that care for them. I hope to be part of this interaction through my role with PTK.

Saina Seddighipour

I recently graduated from McMaster University with a degree in Software and Biomedical Engineering. I joined Project Tight Knit after seeing firsthand, through my volunteering experience at Southlake, how the hospital environment and the transition to nursing homes can affect patients’ moods. I want to be part of a team that works to bring joy and comfort to these individuals and other vulnerable people, ensuring they feel seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Amandeep Gill

I am a 4th year Bachelor's student at York University studying Biology.

I decided to join Project Tight Knit because I strongly believe no one should have to experience the effects of social isolation, and for those going through loneliness, the outsized benefit of even one caring letter is a positive change I could not be more glad to be a part of.

Director of Indigenous Relations

I am a certified Family Mediator and currently completing the Research Analyst Graduate Certificate at Humber College. I also hold an Honors BA in Psychology and Socio-Legal Studies from York University, with a focus on forensic psychology, counselling, and mental health. I joined Project Tight Knit during my undergraduate degree because I believe in the power of storytelling, cultural connection, and healing through community. With a passion for justice, reconciliation, and trauma-informed care, I work to create spaces where Indigenous voices are honored and lived experience leads the way.