Life Stages

EVOLVE AT EVERY STAGE

HE​ALTH | COMM​UNITY | NATURE | ADVENTURE

A Self-Actualization, LLC Company

Meet the Team

We’re a dedicated team driven by our mission to help individuals self actualize at any stage in life. By combining decades of rigorous psychology and outdoor adventure research along with years of clinical and outdoor experiential practice, our model has been crafted to help individuals evolve in a holistic manner.
We help people overcome stressors and limitations to build a life that brings them joy, peace and self-fulfillment through practical, experiential and evidence-based solutions. We believe everyone and anyone can become their best self with the right tools, resources and support. By integrating nature, technology and quotidian life, Life Stages’ helps you evolve into your best self.

Zulma Terrones

Founder and CEO

Z (or Zulma) Y. Terrones, an entrepreneur and interdisciplinary professional at the intersection of behavioral health; research psychology; and experiential education. 
Drawing from a unique combination of high-intensity academic environments (University of Chicago and University of Cambridge); domestic and international service in non-governmental settings; and entrepreneurial/startup experience, Z uses her diverse skills and knowledge to help others on their journey of achieving mind-body wellness and self-actualization.

Team

Julian Waterford

Executive Assistant to the Founder

Julian supports the founder of Life Stages with precision, insight, and a focus on seamless operations. With a keen eye for detail and a natural ability to anticipate needs, he ensures the day-to-day flow runs smoothly, allowing the team to focus on what matters most—helping our community thrive. Approachable, organized, and thoughtful, Julian blends professionalism with warmth, making him an essential part of the Life Stages team. 

Giselle Vega

Software Engineering & Product Innovation

Giselle Vega ​experienced technology lead with a passion for building scalable, user-focused solutions. With expertise spanning software engineering, product development, and team leadership, she excels at translating complex technical challenges into practical, impactful solutions. Giselle is dedicated to fostering collaborative environments that encourage innovation, efficiency, and growth, while mentoring the next generation of tech professionals. She is committed to leveraging technology to drive meaningful outcomes and enhance user experiences

Previous Team Members

Ryan Ramos

Software Engineering Manager

Ryan Ramos is an IT leader with two decades of experience driving change through technology and team empowerment. He has worked with organizations of all sizes, including corporations, startups, nonprofits, and government agencies, combining empathy and strategy to solve complex challenges, foster collaboration, and help others thrive. With a Psychology degree from the University of Chicago and a Master’s in Information Technology Management from St. Ambrose University, Ryan offers a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered insight to Life Stages.

2025 Interns

Meet the emerging talent applying their education to real-world solutions to build a healthier future for all!

Check out our Intern Spotlight video for 2023!

Previous interns

What our partners and clients say:

Geoffrey Wang

UC Davis

Geoffrey is a third-year undergrad at UC Davis majoring in Computer Science. Initially majoring in Biological Sciences, he quickly found a passion in Computer Science shortly after his freshman year. He loves ice cream, going to the gym, and bouldering with his friends. 

Lolyna de la Fuente Ordaz

Pace University New York

Lolyna is a graduate student studying Data Science at Pace University in New York. She enjoys manipulating large datasets and deriving insights for strategic decision making by applying Python programming and visualization tools. She is really excited to learn, enhance her skills and make meaningful contributions in her time at Life Stages. In her free time she enjoys visiting museums, taking long walks in the city and grabbing matcha with her friends. 

Jada "Saani" Simantel

Louisiana State University

Jada is currently a junior at Louisiana State University, majoring in Computer Science with a focus on Cybersecurity. With a deep passion for technology, she is dedicated to learning and growing in the ever-evolving tech field. Outside of academics, she enjoys producing music, which enhances her creativity and problem-solving abilities. Driven by a desire to gain more hands-on experience, Jada is eager to apply her knowledge and contribute to innovative projects at Life Stages.​ 

Shivani Nandakumar

University of California, Riverside

Shivani is a third year Computer Science major at the University of California, Riverside, with a strong interest in full-stack development, AI, and machine learning. She's passionate about creating innovative projects that blend her skills in software engineering with her curiosity for data analytics and ultimately help others. Outside of coding, she enjoys exploring digital art, playing video games, and spending time with her dog. Shivani is excited to expand her technical skills and contribute to Life Stages. 

Tanvi Penugonda

UC Davis

Tanvi Penugonda is a second-year Human Development B.S. student at UC Davis, with minors in Psychology and Communications. She is passionate about mental health, psychology, healthcare, and marketing. She has worked on numerous scientific research projects in the past. She enjoys working with people of all ages, from young children to geriatric populations. 

Jasper Nguyen

San Jose State University

Jasper is currently pursuing his masters in Software Engineering at San Jose State University. He recently achieved his bachelor's degree in Software Engineering. He is experienced in full stack development with an interest in cloud computing. Some of his hobbies include watching sports, playing video games, hanging out with friends, being outdoors, and enjoying nature.

Joseph Kim Lee 

University of California, Berkeley

Hi! I'm Joseph, and I'm currently a junior majoring in Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles. I'm excited to be part of the Life Stages team as an Administrative Intern because I'll be helping people find the same kind of clarity that has changed my life for the better. I enjoy staying organized, working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, and learning from people who strive to make a positive impact. Outside of work and school, I like to play the drums and going to church. I look forward to contributing to the Life Stages team and growing both professionally and personally during this internship!