Christine Happel, MSW, LSW is the Assistant Director of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center and Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County. Prior to completing the MSW program at The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Christine lived in a rural co-housing community for young adults with developmental disabilities, where they cared for the land and community members alike. This lived experience of collective care and reciprocity influenced their previous role as founding Director of Village in the Ville and The Greater Columbus Network of Villages. Alongside older adults, Christine co-created numerous transportation, emergency response, intergenerational, and volunteer initiatives that offered opportunities for older adults to age interdependently in community. Christine joined the Age-Friendly Innovation Center team in 2022. In this role Christine has kindled their passion for working with LGBTQ+ older adults, through research, education, and community engagement. Their efforts to impact the livability of our communities are woven together by the importance of relationships and connection, as a more age-friendly world is also one that accounts for the profound impact of isolation and loneliness. We all deserve rest and relaxation, Christine finds this through gardening, cycling, collecting many hobbies, taking naps, and loving their cats.