This timeline highlights the growing impact of Ivan the Angelfish through aquascaping, science education, and wellness initiatives. Beyond the major milestones featured below, we provide ongoing maintenance and support for every aquarium installation.
We are continually updating this page as new major partnerships, installations, workshops, and milestones take shape.
2026
Southern Italy Museum Donation
July 27, 2026
Terrarium Donation — Southern Italy
Donated a terrarium display to a museum in Southern Italy, extending Ivan the Angelfish’s presence to a new continent.
UMINO Bazaar — Kochi City, Japan
July 25-26, 2026
UMINO Bazaar, Kochi City, Japan
Donated 100 terrariums at the UMINO Bazaar in Kochi City, extending the Japan chapter’s reach to a new coastal community.
July 23, 2026
Awesome Foundation San Jose Grant
Selected by the San Jose chapter of the Awesome Foundation as the Summer 2026 grant winner, earning $1,000 in unrestricted funding for continued outreach.
Woodside Decathlon Camp
July 17, 2026
Largest Workshop to Date — Woodside Decathlon Camp
Led a terrarium jar workshop for 100+ campgoers at Woodside Decathlon Camp, introducing kids to hands-on ecosystem building.
LA Pet Fair — PHQ-9 Research
July 11-12, 2026
Largest Public Outreach Event — LA Pet Fair
Presented PHQ-9 depression research and led a terrarium workshop at LA Pet Fair, reaching 1,000+ impressions and raising $400 for continued outreach.
Recognized by Donald J. Trump
July 2, 2026
Congratulatory Letter from President Donald J. Trump
Received a formal letter from the White House, signed by President Donald J. Trump, recognizing Evan’s leadership of Ivan the Angelfish, a rare distinction for a youth-led nonprofit built in under two years.
Alive in the Garden — Keynote
June 28, 2026
San Diego County Fair Garden Show — Keynote Speaker
Delivered a keynote to 200+ attendees at the San Diego County Fair, presenting the clinical case for therapeutic aquariums in care settings.
Santa Clara County Commendation
June 26, 2026
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ Commendation
Earned a formal commendation from Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, recognizing the organization’s impact on senior wellbeing countywide.
International Chapters Launch
June 19, 2026
International Chapters Launch
Launched four new chapters, San Jose State (Ariel Gomez), Greece, Russia, and Japan (Shiba), expanding therapeutic aquascaping to a global student network.
City of San Jose Commendation
June 18, 2026
City of San Jose Commendation
Earned a City of San Jose commendation, presented on behalf of Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, recognizing the organization’s mental health impact.
Featured on NBC Bay Area
June 8, 2026
Featured on NBC Bay Area
Presented PHQ-9 depression outcomes on NBC Bay Area, reaching the organization’s largest broadcast audience yet.
Clinical Outcomes Data Collection
May 23-26, 2026
First Clinical Outcomes Study
Collected PHQ-9 data showing a 35% depression score decrease in residents and 42% wellbeing improvement in staff within 60 days.
First Fundraiser — Queen of Apostles
May 1, 2026
First Fundraiser – Queen of Apostles
Ran Ivan the Angelfish’s first fundraiser, raising $300+ to expand outreach to new facilities and schools.
Commended by Senator Dave Cortese
April 9, 2026
Commended by Senator Dave Cortese
Earned a legislative commendation from Senator Dave Cortese’s office at The Villas at Saratoga workshop, covered by The Los Gatan.
Featured on KTVU FOX 2
March 27, 2026
First Television Feature — KTVU FOX 2
Earned a feature on KTVU FOX 2, reaching 120,000+ viewers and accelerating partnerships across healthcare, schools, and care facilities.
Plum Tree Permanent Aquarium Installation
March 15, 2026
First Large Permanent Care Facility Installation
Installed a permanent aquarium in Plum Tree’s entertainment room, creating lasting daily impact for 75+ residents.
Queen of Apostles — 2026 Program Launch
February 6, 2026
Queen of Apostles – 2026 Program Launch
Relaunched the Queen of Apostles program, guiding 40+ students through jar aquarium builds and ecological education.
2025
National Expansion — Peoria, Arizona
November 28, 2025
First Expansion Outside California
Expanded to Immanuel Campus of Care in Arizona, presenting aquarium-based senior wellness to 20+ patients and staff.
Villa Fontana Skilled Nursing Facility
August 31, 2025
First Skilled Nursing Facility
Taught an interactive climate and rehabilitation class at Villa Fontana, engaging 40+ seniors and staff.
Dr. Bradford Perkins Office Installation
August 8, 2025
First Permanent Aquarium Installation
Installed a live centerpiece aquarium in Dr. Bradford Perkins’ office, reaching 300+ clinic visitors monthly.
Queen of Apostles School Workshop
May 23, 2025
First School Program
Led a hands-on ecosystem workshop for 20+ students at Queen of Apostles, teaching the biology behind living aquatic systems.
Instagram Launch
February 9, 2025
Ivan the Angelfish Founded
Launched Ivan the Angelfish’s Instagram, sharing aquascaping techniques and reaching thousands of educators and aquarists within months.