Mayda Elisa Gómez, born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, and known as “La Boripaseña,” currently resides in El Paso, Texas. She is a passionate professional dedicated to the well-being of older adults, excelling in various areas of service and creativity.

As a Master Trainer in Laughter Therapy, Mayda was recognized as the best Laughter Therapist in the United States in 2024. She is able to utilize her skills as a music teacher and photographer. Furthermore, her role as a Senior Recreation Leader, Community Health Worker (CHW), and chaplain underscores her commitment to community and spiritual service.

Throughout her career, Mayda has embraced the teaching of "learning to listen, recognizing the calling, and trusting in God's will," a philosophy that guides her mission to bring joy and well-being to others. Her connection to music has been a constant source of support, and she desires to continue working and serving the senior population, using her gifts and talents in meaningful ways. During the pandemic, she was working as a recreational leader for seniors. Experiencing firsthand and listening to the suffering of older adults from isolation and the loss of family and friends gave her even more strength and purpose to share the joy of living.

To that end, she founded "Golden Laughter," a program dedicated to providing recreational activities and laughter therapy sessions for senior citizens. This program not only offers workshops and certifications for new laughter therapists, but also focuses on the mission of spreading love, service, and smiles every day.

Mayda has had the opportunity to offer laughter therapy and recreational activities to older adults with intellectual disabilities in the El Paso, Texas community. She has led workshops and given presentations at various events, featuring characters like Rison Coqueton and Ale Grias Sinfín, who represent the older adults and share their stories.

Her collaboration with organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, AETNA, Santa Fe Home Care, and the Mujeres con Sentido podcast reflects her commitment to the community. She has already published her first book, "Reír con Locura" (Laugh with Madness), focused on providing tools to uplift the spirit, including resources for bringing joy to older adults. The book "Mujeres Líderes Resilientes" (Resilient Women Leaders), where Mayda is one of the authors, is now available. She wrote "Firma de Amor" (Signature of Love), the sixth chapter, where she shares her story as an adoptive mother.

Golden Laughter offers courses to certify laughter therapists, including a section for caregivers of older adults, providing various tools based on the physical and mental limitations of their clients. The course also includes a laughter therapy session for times of loss. Mayda Elisa Gómez is an example of dedication, love, and service, with a clear mission to bring daily smiles to the faces of older adults.