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About OnGuardian

Pioneering the Future of Community Caregiving

OnGuardian was founded with a singular purpose: to empower community organizations, support homebound seniors, and reduce the heavy burden shouldered by 53 million unpaid family caregivers across America.

Our Mission

Bridge the gap between seniors and their communities through intuitive ambient voice technology, proactive daily wellness monitoring, and coordinated caregiver support.

SDOH Focus

Target key Social Determinants of Health: reducing senior isolation, improving access to nutritious meals, coordinating transportation, and enabling safe aging in place.

Global Recognition

Winner of the 1st prize at the Aging2.0 Richmond Global Startup Search and recognized as an official Amazon Alexa Smart Properties Solution Provider since 2016.

Our Team & Advisory Board

Meet the founders, clinicians, elder law specialists, and architects building OnGuardian.

Daniel Ferraz

Daniel Ferraz

FounderFounder & Technology Pioneer

For over 20 years Daniel has worked towards breaking new ground in ensuring that technology can be applied in underserved markets around the world. Throughout his career he has spearheaded the creation of technology based start-ups, established the vision, strategy, goals, and in many cases he has driven operations of the various phases of maturity of these companies. Daniel’s diversified background on multiple technologies including software development, cloud services, enterprise security, mission critical infrastructure, service and support management all have contributed to his vision for the integrated approach we are using at OnGuardian. His academic achievements includes a Bachelor’s degree with a major Computer Science from Pontifícia Universidade Católica and post-graduate degree in Project Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas. Daniel is an avid traveler and has lived and worked in various countries in South America, Europe and North America.

20+ Years Pioneering Technology in Underserved Markets
BS in Computer Science (PUC) & PG in Project Management (FGV)
Global Leadership across North America, South America & Europe
Ricardo Cidale

Ricardo Cidale

Co-Founder & Chief Executive OfficerExecutive Leadership & Product Vision

With 31 years of career and entrepreneurial experience in technology start-ups, businesses planning & management, Austin, Texas-based Ricardo Cidale has held numerous senior-level corporate positions around the world. Alongside superlative academic credentials, he also serves on numerous Boards, is an author, an advocate for environmental protection and remains integrally involved in the Austin community. His roster of high-profile positions includes multiple roles with RealNetworks, Dell Computer Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., and Wild West Software. Among his robust academic achievements, Ricardo earned both an MS degree in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering (and a minor in Mathematics) from Texas A&M University (where he was an active member of Tau Beta Phi and Chi Epsilon). He also has a Latus Sensus Degree in Corporate Governance from IBMEC. He is also the author of two books, published by McGraw-Hill: “The Wizard of DOS,” an executive guide to MS-DOS and similar operating systems; and “Digital Virus,” an executive guide to computer viruses and their implications to company operations. Among many affiliations in the high-tech industry, he has served as Board Director Ricardo—who has American, Brazilian and Italian citizenship —speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. Away from the office, he is active with Austin’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Worries & Wonders Foundation, and the Austin Museum of Modern Art.

31+ Years Tech Entrepreneur & Former Exec at Dell, Compaq, RealNetworks
MS & BS Texas A&M University (Tau Beta Pi) & IBMEC Corporate Governance
Published McGraw-Hill Author & Austin Community Leader
Juanita Romans

Juanita Romans

Healthcare Strategic AdvisorClinical Strategy & Hospital Operations

Juanita has over 40 years of experience driving strategic initiatives in leading medical institutions throughout the world. She has been a key player in driving academic and community hospitals to achieve best practices in quality safety and operations. Her specialization includes execution of highly complex strategic plans, strategic and tactical operations planning in universities, medical institutions and allied organizations. She is the founder of the Houston based, Romans Group, which dedicates itself to advising healthcare institutions around the world to create patient centered, quality care. Among her other high profile positions, she has been the CEO of Memorial Hermann Healthcare System for over 10 years. Juanita is active on the board of several organizations in Houston such as Redi Clinics, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for Houston’s Future. Juanita holds a Master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, and her academic achievements include post graduate work at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts. Her professional awards include “Women on the Move, 2007” from Texas Executive Women, “Top 100 Hospitals, 2005-2007” from Solucient/Thomson, “Vista Award, 2007” from the American Society of Healthcare Engineers, and “America’s Best Hospitals” from the US News & World Report.

Former CEO, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System (10+ Years)
Founder of The Romans Group & Harvard School of Public Health Alum
Top 100 Hospitals & US News America's Best Hospitals Recipient
Sally Balch Hurme, J.D.

Sally Balch Hurme, J.D.

Elder Law & Caregiving AdvisorLegal & Aging in Place Specialist

Sally Balch Hurme, J.D., has led the national conversation on many of the legal issues of concern to older persons, their families, and their caregivers. Whether the issue is how to make decisions for others or plan for what comes next, she has focused her professional career on explaining the law so everyone can understand it. A lawyer with more than 20 years of experience helping people 50+ understand complex issues, she is quoted frequently in the national media. Hurme is the author of the award winning ABA/AARP Checklist series: Checklist for Family Caregivers, a companion to the PBS documentary Caring for Mom and Dad, Checklist for My Family, and Checklist for Family Survivors, with Get the Most Out of Retirement released in 2017.

Author of Award-Winning ABA/AARP Checklist Series
Subject Specialist for PBS Documentary 'Caring for Mom and Dad'
20+ Years Leading National Elder Law & Caregiver Advocacy
Jigar Mistry

Jigar Mistry

Senior Software ArchitectArchitecture & Engineering Lead

Jigar Mistry is a highly accomplished software engineer and project manager hailing from India, with an impressive career spanning back to 2014. His expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of technological solutions, including proficiency in frontend, backend, and mobile app development. Jigar's academic prowess shines through as a three-time gold medalist in B Tech Computer Science Engineering, underscoring his commitment to excellence. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, he possesses the linguistic versatility required for seamless global collaboration. Jigar stands out as a leader in the field, consistently pushing boundaries rather than merely following trends. His approach to crafting bespoke software and mobile apps is characterized by the adept utilization of various frameworks and algorithmic strategies, resulting in innovative and efficient solutions. Within the dynamic landscape of technology, Jigar is our beacon of innovation. His unwavering dedication to excellence and multifaceted skill set positions him as the driving force behind our cutting-edge solutions. With Jigar as an integral part of our team, you can anticipate nothing less than technological brilliance.

3-Time Gold Medalist in B.Tech Computer Science Engineering
Lead Architect across Full-Stack, Cloud & Mobile Ecosystems
Pioneering Innovative Algorithmic & Distributed Software Solutions
Shreya Prajapati

Shreya Prajapati

Senior Software DeveloperMobile & Alexa Skill Engineering

Shreya Prajapati is a dynamic software developer specializing in mobile application and Alexa skill development, infused with a profound passion for entrepreneurship. Shreya boasts a substantial track record in software development and has played an instrumental role in the establishment of successful ventures in the software industry. Shreya's leadership style is characterized by a relentless commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing creativity, and promoting collaborative teamwork. Her innate curiosity and steadfast commitment to continuous learning have placed her at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As an enterprising visionary, Shreya continually seeks new horizons, tirelessly striving to redefine the boundaries of technological possibilities. Her entrepreneurial spirit fuels a quest for innovative solutions that push the limits of what can be achieved in the realm of technology. Within the realm of software development, Shreya Prajapati is a formidable force. Her dedication to innovation, coupled with her entrepreneurial acumen, positions her as a prominent leader poised to shape the future of the tech industry.

Specialist in Mobile Applications & Alexa Skill Development
Instrumental in Pioneering Tech Start-ups & Creative Engineering
Champion of Continuous Innovation & Multi-Modal Interfaces