Photo by Emily Ma ’25/The Choate News
Mrs. Sanaa Sofiane serves a variety of roles at the Health Center.
By Deyi Meng ’26
Mile by mile, the Health Center’s busy day-to-day arrangements are supported by two unsung heroes, who sit behind the wheel of vans and cars to ensure that Choate students receive the necessary treatment.
Mrs. Ixel Olmo and Mrs. Sanaa Sofiane perform the critical task of transporting students to specialist appointments that the Choate Health Center cannot provide. Beyond their service as designated drivers, their lives also stretch into interesting avenues both within the Choate community and beyond.
Mrs. Ilzel Olmo
Mrs. Olmo started working at Choate eight years ago. Living on campus with her husband, Math teacher Mr. Jorge Olmo, she found a lot of free time and decided that she wanted to “get to know more students … and become a more active part of the community.”
Mrs. Olmo’s first role on campus was as a shuttle driver for boarding students who needed transporation to the airport at the beginning of vacations. Mrs. Olmo also served as a chaperone for dances and other student activities. Later on, Mrs. Olmo facilitated transportation at the Kohler Environmental Center, shuttling students to and from the main campus, a role that she continued for a few years before transitioning to Choate’s Health Center.
Currently, Mrs. Olmo serves as a designated driver at the Health Center but also performs other tasks for the medical team. She works at the front desk, handles insurance and billing, and supports students during appointments by communicating information to parents and the Health Center staff.
As a mother herself, Mrs. Olmo brings compassion into her work when she assists Choate students with difficult situations, especially since she knows that many boarding students live far from home. Outside of Choate, Mrs. Olmo aids families who are not proficient in English by acting as Spanish translator during doctor appointments.
Mrs. Olmo said that she enjoys working with her colleagues and supporting students on campus in the collaborative and supportive environment. “I know how the community comes together to help each other out,” she said. “I love it.”
Mrs. Sanaa Sofiane
Mrs. Sofiane started her employment at the Health Center in 2017 and has since held a variety of positions at Choate. She works as a driver, a medical receptionist, and a laundry aide, leading to a demanding daily schedule.
Mrs. Sofiane first immigrated to the United States in 1999. She began her journey in medicine in 2005 by working as an intern at a medical assistance program. She then held an internship at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Massachusetts, before giving birth to her first child and deciding to become a stay-at-home mom.
Subsequently, Mrs. Sofiane worked as a translator for the Department of Children and Families, as well as in hospitals and schools. Eventually, she landed a job at the Choate Health Center.
Like Mrs. Olmo, Mrs. Sofiane’s passion for her work is powered by her love for the Choate community. Her favorite part of the job is seeing the students every day, and she loves speaking with students from all over the world. Amid her busy schedule, Mrs. Sofiane turns to walking in nature and going to the gym as ways to de-stress.
As a mother of three teenagers, Mrs. Sofiane understands the critical role of love and support, especially for children far away from their parents. “It can be stressful and hectic some days, but overall, I really love it and enjoy it every day,” she said.
Medical Director Dr. Miriam Cohen describes both Mrs. Olmo and Mrs. Sofiane as “wonderful individuals that support our students.” Beyond accompanying students to potentially daunting appointments, Mrs. Olmo and Mrs. Sofiane are “there to hold their hand or to wipe their tears or to give them a hug or whatever it is that students actually need,” Dr. Cohen said.
