Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Coiffman.
Hi Sandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and came to the United States for my undergraduate study. For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by people and have always believed that everyone carries a story worth telling. That curiosity about others became the motivating force that led me to study psychology, and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives guided me throughout my career—and continues to inspire me today.
For more than 30 years, I dedicated myself to working with families and children of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. I began as a Mommy and Me teacher, then later as a school counselor, and over time pursued advanced studies in psychology, ultimately earning my Doctorate Degree (Psy.D.). My work led me to serve as a clinical psychologist in Florida, as Director of Clinical Services at the Mind Spectrum Institute, and as Director of Resident Services at Vi, a Continuing Care Retirement Community. I also had the privilege of teaching graduate psychology students at Nova Southeastern University.
Community service was always woven into my life. I volunteered with Foster Care Review, mentored young women through Women of Tomorrow, and as a facilitator with the Holocaust Documentation Center programs for students. Along the way, I blended psychology with Eastern practices, yoga training, and my personal experiences as a mother and grandmother. Each step shaped who I became and how I hoped to contribute.
All of these experiences—and my lifelong fascination with people and their stories—ultimately became the foundation for <i>Wisdom of the Century</i>, a book born from a deep desire to listen, to preserve, and to share the life lessons of those who have lived nearly a century or more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 2018, my life shifted dramatically. My father, a constant source of inspiration and wisdom, passed away at age 91. That same year, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and I made the difficult decision to close my psychology practice after more than twenty years. Experiencing all of this at once changed the course of my life in profound ways.
Those moments pushed me to pause, to reevaluate, and to reflect deeply on what truly mattered. The passing of my father, my husband’s diagnosis, closing my practice, and my growing connection with the residents all became powerful teachers. Together, they reminded me of the value of life, love, and time in ways I could never have imagined. Out of that season of grief, transition, and rediscovery emerged the spark that would eventually become <i>Wisdom of the Century</i>.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Book: <i>Wisdom of the Century</i>
With <i>Wisdom of the Century</i>, I wanted to create something that would not only honor but also preserve the life stories and wisdom of those over 90—people who have lived through some of the most extraordinary changes in history. What began as an idea became a true labor of love, made possible by an incredible team. Pipe Yanguas, a gifted photographer, captured each portrait in natural settings, revealing the essence of every individual with dignity. Merle Saferstein, a seasoned author, helped shape the stories so that the voices of our participants came through with authenticity and heart. And Jenny Menzel, our talented graphic designer, wove it all together in a book that is as visually stunning as it is meaningful.
Many of the ninety nonagenarians and centenarians we featured immigrated from more than twenty countries, and most made Florida their home. Their lives took countless paths—some were inventors, authors, artists, musicians, physicians, clergy, homemakers, police officers, and even Holocaust survivors. Each one carried not just a personal history, but a piece of collective memory that belongs to us all.
This generation has endured wars, pandemics, political upheavals, immigration, poverty, and economic and social collapses—while also witnessing extraordinary resilience, recovery, and the unprecedented rise of technology. To listen to them was to sit at the feet of history itself, and to understand life in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Through their stories and the lens of our team, <i>Wisdom of the Century</i> became more than a book. It became a legacy project—one that connects us with a resilient generation and invites us to pause, reflect, and consider the legacy we ourselves are creating in the lives we touch.
What matters most to you? Why?
I believe that everyone has a story to tell and a legacy to leave behind. What matters most to me is honoring those stories—especially the voices of the generation over 90, who have lived through unimaginable change: wars, pandemics, political upheavals, immigration, poverty, resilience, and extraordinary social and technological growth.
This generation teaches us about love, perseverance, and the importance of legacy. By listening to them, we are reminded not to take life for granted, to live meaningfully, and to think about what we want to pass on to others. Their wisdom offers a compass for our own journeys, showing us that even in the face of adversity, strength and hope can prevail.
My greatest wish is that <i>Wisdom of the Century </i>inspires the next generation—and people of all ages—to pause, reflect, and consider the kind of life they want to live and the legacy they want to leave. If we open our hearts to the lessons of those who came before us, we can build a future rooted in compassion, resilience, and gratitude.
Pricing:
- $90.00
Contact Info:
- Website: wisdomofthecentury.com
- Instagram: wisdomofthecentury
- Facebook: wisdomofthecentury
Image Credits
Pipe Yanguas
