Plum Tree Care Center
San Jose, CA
Three residents gather around the new freshwater tank with two team members on its first day in the common room.
Mental Health Shouldn’t Depend on Your Zip Code
60 million Americans struggle with mental health. Ivan the Angelfish installs free aquariums and science education proven to reduce depression and anxiety
Real Impact
From clinics to classrooms, our work creates measurable change in how people experience their environments.
0%
Reduction in Depression
Among elderly residents within 60 days of program enrollment
0+
Aquariums & Terrariums Donated
Free installations across clinics, schools, and senior communities
0+
People Directly Impacted
Elderly residents, clinic patients, and students internationally
Impact Map
Installations
US Chapters
International Chapters
Impact Events
AS FEATURED IN
NBC Bay Area
FOX KTVU
KRON 4
Built as partnerships,
not projects.
Every aquarium we install is the beginning of a long-term relationship with a facility, its clinicians, and its residents.
WE INSTALL
Custom Aquarium Installation
We design and install therapeutic freshwater aquariums tailored to each facility’s space and resident population. Tanks are placed in high-traffic communal areas like dining rooms, lobbies, and common spaces, where residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s can engage with them throughout the day. Each species label is hand-drawn to invite recognition and conversation.
WE TEACH
Education & Aquatic Therapy Workshops
Following installation, our team returns to lead structured aquatic therapy and ecology education sessions for residents, families, and facility staff. Sessions cover the calming mechanisms of aquarium viewing, species identification, and how aquatic environments support multi-sensory engagement. We deliver parallel programming in schools to build the next generation of ecological stewards.
WE MEASURE
Clinical Outcome Measurement
In partnership with facility clinical staff, we track resident wellbeing using the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a validated, medically backed depression screening tool. Pre- and post-installation assessments are scored by trained facility clinicians over a 60-day window.
PHQ-9 Avg. Score — Before vs. After
Validated clinical instrument · administered by facility clinicians
WE RETURN
Ongoing Check-ins & Iteration
Our team returns to every site for regular maintenance visits and resident check-ins. We sit with residents, ask what they’ve noticed, and gather direct feedback from nursing staff on which fish, plants, and tank arrangements generate the most engagement. Insights from each site inform the next installation, making the program stronger with every facility we serve.
IN THE FIELD
A few examples of the work,
A few examples of the work,
across California and Arizona.
Queen of Apostles School
San Jose, CA
Fourth graders build their own jar aquascapes, learning how plants, gravel, and water work together to keep a system alive.
Immanuel Campus of Care
Peoria, AZ
A first conversation with a resident in the common area, introducing aquatic therapy to the Arizona program’s newest partner facility.
Los Gatos Surgical Center
Los Gatos, CA
Evan and Dr. Perkins at the completed installation, the tank running for the first time in the patient waiting area.
Our Aquariums Reduce Depression
We measure depression levels before and after installing an aquarium using the PHQ-9, a standard medical questionnaire. Lower scores mean fewer symptoms.
Nursing Home Residents
30%
Reduction in depression scores
Among 40+ elderly residents across facilities in California, measured over 60 days.
Facility Staff
32%
Reduction in depression scores
Among nursing facility staff members across 2 facilities, measured over 60 days.
How each resident’s PHQ-9 score changed
Teal bar = score after aquarium. Blue bar = score before. Shorter teal bar = less depression.
Before aquarium
After aquarium (60 days)
Showing 10 of 40+ participants tracked. PHQ-9 scores recorded by licensed clinical staff.
Plum Tree Care Center · Saratoga Villas · Yu-Ai Kai · Ivan the Angelfish 501(c)(3)
Impact Archive
500+ Ecosystems Donated
20,000+ People Impacted
Every completed Ivan the Angelfish initiative since our founding. Browse permanent installations, workshops, research, media, awards, and international outreach.
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IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What People Are Saying
“
Our clients and their families enjoyed learning about the connection between nature and mental well-being through Evan’s terrarium workshop. The self-sustaining terrarium jars were a hit, and we appreciated his generosity, professionalism, and engaging presentation.
Miho Masuda
Activity Director, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese Cultural Center
“
I felt curious. What stood out most was the design of the aquarium. I enjoyed learning about the characteristics of the fish and plants.
Tim Harn
Resident, Plum Tree Care Center
“
I enjoyed learning the science of aquascaping and how aquariums can help calm people and lower blood pressure. It was interesting to see how nature and aquariums can positively affect wellness.
Emi Ubing
Manager, Plum Tree Care Center