National Conference 2024 - Presenters

Denisse Aguilar

Goshen College / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Denisse Aguilar is a first-generation immigrant and undergraduate student at Goshen College double majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in women’s studies. Denisse is currently a research assistant at The William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families Notre Dame, IN. Her current project aims to summarize existing evidence on mental health issues among BIPOC college students during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, for the purpose of creating mental health education materials. She uses an intersectionality framework to develop a nuanced understanding of BIPOC experiences relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

Project Title: “Mental health of College Students: Lasting Impact of Covid-19”

Samantha Anders

Southeastern Louisiana University

My name is Samantha Anders; I am a licensed professional counselor with a small private practice in my home town. I am also a proud Instructor for Southeastern Louisiana University teaching in Health and Human Sciences. I work with a multitude of ages ranging from early childhood all the way to late adulthood. I truly love what I do! As an instructor, I teach and collaborate with my students. While, with my client’s, I help to guide them and develop healthy strategies and coping skills. I practice what I teach, and I teach what I practice. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Jeremy Bersin

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee Alumni

Founder of Active Minds at UConn. SAC President 2008-2009

Brandon Bond

University of Michigan

Pronouns: He, Him, His

As the Mental Health and Well-Being Student Advocate at the University of Michigan (UM), Brandon Bond (he/him), MPH, LLMSW, CHES initiates systemic changes by integrating DEI and public mental health strategies into college-wide policies, programs, and structures. Brandon as worked on the advancement of mental health and well-being in varying capacities. Currently, as a youth advisory council member, Brandon advises Active Minds and MTV Entertainment on the creation and implementation of the national youth mental health peer support campaign called ASK: Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch, the new “stop, drop, and roll” for informal peer support. In the nonprofit sector, he serves on the Board of Directors for Garrett’s Space, a young adult suicide prevention organization, and the International House Ann Arbor, promoting cultural humility and global understanding. He also serves as a mayoral-appointed Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Ann Arbor, protecting its residents’ human and civil rights. Brandon also has worked as a Wellness Coach, delivering individual and group multicultural wellness sessions; a Lead Facilitation Specialist for launching the Young Black Men (YBMen) social media-based intervention at UM; and an Active Minds Emerging Fellow, orchestrating an integrative wellness pop-up barbershop event for males of color on campus. Brandon has also passionately advocated for federal peer support advancement policies through Mental Health America’s inaugural Youth Policy Accelerator.

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Errika Brooks

Active Minds Senior Manager of Partnerships & Engagement

Errika, a New York native, comes to Active Minds with over 5 years of higher education experience. The Buffalo State College alum earned a B.S. in Communications/Public Relations in 2016 and completed a Master’s in 2019 at Nazareth College of Rochester in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration. Prior to her work in higher education, Errika worked in the nonprofit world managing a college experience program for students with intellectual disabilities where she co-established the program’s accreditation.

Upon graduating from her graduate program, Errika landed roles in many functional areas of higher education such as Admissions, Student Leadership, Academic Advising, Campus Life/Orientation and Marketing. Errika began her career in Higher Education at Monroe Community College where she led a Success Scholar program assisting students with food and housing insecurities. In this role, Errika was proud to write and receive a grant on behalf of the college from State University of New York (SUNY) to expand the food pantry initiatives across campuses.

Errika has worked with both public and private/small and large institutions throughout her career. She brings valuable expertise in supporting the whole student. Her work leading student clubs and organizations, advising students academically in STEM fields, supporting student needs, large scale event planning and developing college-wide marketing/communications has led her to where she is today. In her spare time, Errika enjoys attending restaurants/coffee shops, traveling, meeting new people and spending time with family.

Mandy Brooks

Paul Quinn College / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Mandy Brooks is a senior at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to get her master’s in Art Therapy and open a practice that will also be a studio space for local artists. She is grateful for the future opportunity to do two things she loves: create art and help others. Her “Art for All” project will educate and show how art can be inclusive, accessible, and therapeutic. It is the belief that mental health is a vital aspect of living a healthy life, and in Black communities, the self-expression of art is within us.

Project Title: “Art for All”

Tiffanie Cheng

Princeton University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Tiffanie Cheng is a senior at Princeton University studying Psychology and East Asian Studies. She is a first generation Chinese immigrant and she hopes to become a representative in helping destigmatize and bridging the gap between mental health and the Asian community. Tiffanie’s project investigates the landscape of mental health among Asian students at Princeton and advocates for programming and policy changes to enhance accessibility and utilization of mental health resources for Asian students on campus.

Project Title: “Breaking Barriers: Debunking Mental Health Stigma with API Students in Elite Academia”

Erin Drebushenko

The Hidden Opponent

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Erin Drebushenko is a Volunteer Engagement Associate for the Society for Neuroscience and a Coaches & Professionals Program Advisor for The Hidden Opponent. She has a bachelor’s degree in Health & Exercise Physiology from Ursinus College, where she was a member of Active Minds and a Division III thrower, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science on a Sport and Exercise Psychology track at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with THO in various roles since 2020, including as a Campus Captain, Head Campus Captain, Intern, and Founder and President of THO @ Ursinus College.

Instagram: @erin_dreb

Janie Egan

Active Minds Manager of Chapter Membership

Janie Egan (she / her) uses a public health approach to promote mental health and well-being. Janie is a first generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in public health from Temple University (2015 and 2017, respectively). She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and led mental health promotion strategy at Temple University for 5 years. During that time, Janie advised the university’s chapter of Active Minds and, in 2022, was honored to receive Active Minds’ Chapter Advisor of the Year Award. She is dedicated to supporting young people as they create positive change, bringing a human-centered approach and love of learning to the work.
Janie enjoys knitting and crocheting, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her dog, Benji. She works from Pennsylvania.

Shaymaa Ennajhi

Inseparable

Shaymaa is a passionate storyteller and lifelong advocate for social justice and policy issues. In her role as Communications and Content Associate at Inseparable, Shaymaa is responsible for supporting Inseparable’s digital communication program, social media campaigns, organizational storytelling, and content creation efforts.

Adia Fadaei

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Member

Adia is a senior Psychology major at Point Loma Nazarene University and one of the co-founders of her Active Minds chapter, having introduced the organization to her school shortly after participating in the MTV & Biden-Harris Administration’s first Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House. Active Minds has been an integral part of her college experience; bringing individuals together premised upon authenticity and action-based support has been uniquely special. She is deeply passionate about the peer support approach for mental health and has witnessed the invaluable impact of having a safe, supportive place on campus through Active Minds. Outside of Active Minds, Adia is a crisis counselor for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a Policy Advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a Rare Beauty Mental Health Ambassador for Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, an Advisory Board Member for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and a Youth Council Member for Love is Respect. She aspires to become a clinical psychologist while engaging in continued systemic advocacy and focusing on youth mental illness and suicidology. In her free time, she loves trying out new coffee shops, being in the ocean, reading books, kickboxing, and going to concerts!

Dr. Claudia-Santi Fernandes

Born This Way Foundation

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Dr. Claudia is the Director of Research and Evaluation at Born This Way Foundation and an assistant clinical professor at the Yale Child Study Center. She spearheads the Foundation’s research strategy and provides scientific expertise in the design and implementation of impactful programs and youth-led initiatives.

Instagram: @drclaudiabtwf
X/Twitter: @drclaudiasantif

Timmy Foster

Sources of Strength

Pronouns: he/him

Timmy Foster (he/him) is the dynamic leader of Business Development at Sources of Strength, the leading evidence-based, youth-empowered suicide prevention organization. With a rich background as a National Trainer, Timmy has worked alongside hundreds of middle schools, high schools, communities, and universities across North America. Before dedicating his career to mental health, he spearheaded LGBTQ+ community engagement at Bank of America. A Broadway musicals enthusiast and who loves early morning workouts, Timmy now calls Washington, DC home, though he proudly hails from Detroit, just three miles from Eminem!

Instagram: @sourcesofstrength
X/Twitter: @sourcesstrength
Facebook: @sourcesofstrength
LinkedIn: @sources-of-strength
YouTube: @sourcesofstrength

Joseph Fraioli

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee Alumni

Joe was co-president of the Ithaca College chapter of Active Minds from 2007 through 2010, and founded the chapter of Active Minds at the University of Iowa. Joe is from Long Island, New York, and now lives in Des Moines Iowa. Joe has been an attorney for the last eleven years, and has practiced everything from criminal law, to constitutional law, to administrative law. He is currently an Enforcement Attorney for the Iowa Insurance Division, and practices insurance and securities regulation and litigation.

Kelly Frazee, Ed.D.

North Brunswick Township Public Schools

Pronouns: she/her

Kelly has held various roles across K-12 education throughout her decade of experience in the field. Currently, she is an academic interventionist for grades K-4. Kelly also recently completed her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on social-emotional learning. Since completing her doctorate, she has enjoyed being involved in different opportunities to gain a wider understanding of the social-emotional needs of teachers and students in various school settings and working with educators and students to meet those needs. When she isn’t teaching, you can find Kelly hiking, practicing yoga, biking, or exploring cute little towns and looking for cool art!

Sheena Gardner

Mississippi State University

Sheena Gardner Ph.D. is an associate research professor at the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. Dr. Gardner has served as the principal investigator on research and evaluation projects and is a founding member of the SSRC’s Evaluation & Research Group, a program that provides evaluation and other services to local, state, and national organizations.

Francesca Giannattasio

Born This Way Foundation

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Francesca Giannattasio is a Research Consultant for Born This Way Foundation. In this capacity, she supports the evaluation of Born This Way Foundation’s programs and youth-led initiatives. Fran is also a Counseling Psychology doctoral student at Fordham University. Fran’s research at Fordham focuses on understanding the experiences of young people accessing mental health information online.

Alexandra Glumac

South Suburban College

Alexandra is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Registered Dual Disorder Professional (RDDP). She has over 30 years experience working with clients dealing with stress, low self-esteem and feelings of being “stuck” in life. She currently serves as the Director of the Multicultural Wellness Center at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL.

Website: www.ssc.edu

Anushka Gutpa

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Member

Anushka is a student at New York University studying Psychology and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies (CAMS) on the pre-med track. As a former Active Mind’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) member and student ambassador, Anushka is passionate about normalizing conversations about mental health in her community through storytelling. During her freshman year, she spoke at her campus’s TED x NYU event on the topic of “Destigmatizing Mental Health and Illness” amongst college students by sharing her own mental health journey. She currently serves as co-President of the Active Mind’s chapter at NYU. Other than her work as a mental health advocate, she also volunteers as a research assistant at the Social Cognitive Affective Neurodevelopment (SCAN) lab at NYU Langone which aims to study the impact of the pandemic on child neurodevelopment. In her free time, Anushka enjoys exploring different cafes and bookstores around the city.

Denise Hicks

UC Riverside

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Denise is a junior at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Psychology. She is an Active Minds Student Director of Marketing & Metrics at the University of California, Riverside. Alongside this, she also works at The Well (UCR’s Health Promotion Department) and is a NASPA Certified Peer Health Coach that works closely with undergraduate students. She aspires to continue her education through law school to become a prosecutor.

Instagram: @ddddennys

Ashley Hill

Active Minds Senior Manager of K-12 Partnerships

Ashley Hill is a human development professional with national and international experience building social and emotional competencies in adults, youth, and organizational processes. Her expertise lies in facilitating safe physical and emotional learning spaces by building cultural and self awareness that lead to the examination of implicit biases. She is joyful trainer of youth and adults in a range of content including sexual and behavioral health. She is most proud of her work designing partnerships, programs, and training content that moves youth serving organizations forward for Black, brown, and LGBTQ youth.

Rhea Hill

Empowered Solutions Counseling & Consulting

Pronouns: she/her

Rhea Hill, DSW, LCSW, BCD, MAC, is a licensed clinical social worker with credentials in Tennessee, Georgia, and Illinois. She holds her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago and her Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University. She works full-time for the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing mental health services to veterans, and is the founder and primary therapist at Empowered Solutions Counseling & Consulting in Atlanta, GA. Her expertise includes trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental health interventions and treatment of substance use disorders, with research interests in mental health accessibility for first-generation BIPOC college students. Rhea is also passionate about assisting high school students with the college search and application process.

Eduardo Ildefonso

Peer Health Exchange

Pronouns: He/him/his

Eduardo is a first generation Hispanix-American with years of experience working with marginalized communities (LGBTQ+ and BIPOC) within NYC. His passion is ensuring marginalized people have access to proper resources in ensuring their ultimate wellbeing. Currently, Eduardo manages partnerships within NYC at PHE where our fellows facilitate school-based health education. In addition, he is a full-time Master’s level mental health counseling student at Northwestern University.

Lauryn Ivery

Albany State University

Lauryn’s passion for Active Minds started in the Spring 2023 semester when Active Minds was the first organization that welcomed her and showed her potential that she never thought she had. Lauryn was scared, nervous and afraid after experiencing a mental break, or in psychological terms, psychosis her sophomore year at Albany State University by not prioritizing the importance of self-care. Living through her favorite quote, be the change you wish to see in the world, Lauryn works intentionally to help others not be afraid to seek help.

Rincon Jagarlamudi

Vanderbilt University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Rincon Jagarlamudi is a third-year undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. He is majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Medicine, Health, & Society and Data Science. Rincon is dedicated to combining his background in advocating for neurodiverse individuals with his interests in mental health and well-being. His project will introduce the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression to students in Vanderbilt’s inclusive higher education program for neurodiverse individuals.

Project Title: “Express Yourself: Nurturing Neurodiverse Minds Through Creative Expression”

Jodi Johnson

Hartwick College / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Jodi C. Johnson is a first-generation undergraduate student completing his final year at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY pursuing a degree in Psychology and Biology. Jodi is interested in focusing on mental health from a holistic approach and intentionally engaging with men of color in his community. His project. “Brother, You’re Not Alone” will explore what barriers and obstacles Black, African, and Caribbean-American men face when disclosing or seeking treatment for their mental health conditions or symptoms. Jodi plans to expose and address the mental health stigmas surrounding men of color to diminish them and create a united community where men of color are able to define themselves.

Project Title: “Brother, You’re Not Alone”

Adrienne Kasmally

C4 Innovations

Pronouns: she/her

Adrienne Kasmally, BA, is a content specialist, trainer, mixed methods researcher, and evaluator with the Center of Youth Well-Being at C4 Innovations. Her content expertise includes youth and young adult substance use prevention and early intervention, youth engagement, youth advisory boards, youth-led research and collaboration, recovery services, program development and evaluation, and positive youth development programs. She is committed to creating equitable access to health information, and is passionate about interpreting, communicating, and disseminating information to different communities in innovative ways. In all of her work, Adrienne prioritizes the voices of those with lived experience and she wholeheartedly believes that challenging existing hierarchies is fundamental to progress.

Jade Killikelly

Hartwick College / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Jade A. Killikelly is in her final year at Hartwick College, in Oneonta, NY pursuing a degree in Public Health with a premedical focus. Her project will focus on the mental health of student athletes, specifically student athletes of color in a predominantly white institution and how to support this group as they perform both on court/field and in the classroom. As captain of the women’s tennis team, president of the Black Student Union, and a Peer Health Educator, Jade is able to combine her passions for sports and fitness, health and wellness, and mental health.

Project Title: “The Grind Within the Grind: The Additional Challenges of being an Athlete of Color in a Predominantly White College”

Kristiana Knapp

Clark Atlanta University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Kristiana Knapp (she/they) is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Clark Atlanta University. They earned their B.S. in Psychology from Howard University. Her project “Futures For Fosters” will explore the needs of foster youths transitioning out of the child welfare system and how to reduce their high likelihood of poor life outcomes such as mental health challenges. Kristiana hopes to design a program that utilizes holistic and multidisciplinary approaches to empower, validate, and support marginalized youths embarking on adulthood.

Project Title: “Future for Fosters”

Emma Lamoreaux

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Member

Emma Lamoreaux, currently in her senior year at Temple University in Philadelphia, is pursuing a major in Health Studies alongside a minor in Public Health. Her unwavering passion and dedication to mental health have propelled her into her second consecutive year as the president of the university’s Active Minds chapter. After finding Active Minds during her sophomore year, Emma recognized the power of sharing stories to create impact, motivating her to contribute further, joining the Student Advisory Committee, for which this will be her second year on. In addition to her Active Minds involvement, Emma is an active participant in various campus initiatives, such as serving on Temple’s Student Mental Health Advisory Board, as well as the board of her school’s medical journal, “CommonHealth.” Emma’s commitment to improving mental health and healthcare accessibility is evident in her advocacy for equal care opportunities. As she approaches graduation, she looks forward to attending law school with a focus on health law.

Ali Landberg

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee Alumni

Founder of the Active Minds Chapter at the College of Saint Scholastica and former Vice-President of the Student Advisory Committee from 2009-2011, Ali has worked in the corporate world for over 15 years. As an Active Minds Alumni, she advocates staunchly for mental health both in and out of work.

Aliza Lopez

Medicine Encompassed

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Aliza Lopez is a health equity advocate and student at the University of Rochester, majoring in Neuroscience and Health, Behavior, & Society. With her interdisciplinary interests, she aims to level the healthcare sector for all groups through diversity efforts, global outreach, and community engagement, such as by leading her 501(c)(3), Medicine Encompassed, nationally recognized for increasing medical literacy in students. Her work is heavily centered around mental health awareness and sociocultural factors, particularly as a Student Advisor and Subcommittee Leader for Neolth’s international ambassador program and former youth leader at Hopelab (where she conducted a socio-ecological research study). Altogether, her commitment to social impact designated her as Mental Health America’s 2023 mPower Award Winner, T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge Grand Prize Winner in Education, TD Bank & National Liberty Museum Young Hero, and others. Aliza works towards amplifying Generation Z voices, recognizing young folks’ openness as a key in enacting the appropriate people-centered changes.

Instagram: @alizaslopez
LinkedIn: @aliza-lopez

Kelsi Lynde

SKY Campus Happiness

Kelsi Lynde comes from being a SKY Campus Happiness student leader herself. Growing up in NH and then college in MA, she has traveled across the country to support SKY Campus impact in campuses. She is an inspired by sharing the breath work and meditation practices that have brought her so much resilience, awareness and clarity of mind. She supports a large volunteer base of facilitators and young adult leaders to create positive communities and to be of service.

Instagram: @kelsi.lynde & @skycampushappiness
Facebook: @skycampushappiness
YouTube: SKY Campus Happiness

Kaevyn Maple

Saint Louis University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Kaevyn is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Saint Louis University. She has also completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Global studies at Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Tyler where she developed her enthusiasm for psychological research and clinical practice. Her research interest focuses on the lived experiences of Black individuals and communities. She is most passionate about understanding and quantifying the daily life and struggles of Black people through the lens of systemic oppression, historical contexts, and generational or cultural trauma. Kaevyn aims to understand the long-term effects of slavery and civil rights on the Black community to inform the development of culturally sensitive evidenced based practices and clinical assessments, in addition to providing statistical significance for policy change. Her ultimate goal is to become licensed as a clinical psychologist specializing in generational trauma, community mental health, and the impact of discrimination and systemic racism on minority mental health.

Project Title: “Witnessing Blackness: Correlations of Mental Health and Black Violence in the Media”

Asli McCullers

University of Maryland, College Park / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Asli McCullers is a 1st year PhD student in Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is an aspiring health equity researcher and leader, and is passionate about interrupting the pathway to health inequity through the lens of adolescents and young adults of historically marginalized backgrounds. Asli possesses a dynamic array of research experiences, including mental health, reproductive health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and digital health, with academic works published in world class journals. As a fellow, Asli will expand Project HeartHEAL (Health Equity and Love), which seeks to understand, amplify and address the health-related experiences of young adults of diverse backgrounds that have experienced challenging romantic breakups. Through this work, Asli is looking forward to coining love as a social determinant of health.

Project Title: “Project HeartHEAL (Health, Equity, and Love)”

Jackie Menjivar

Mental Health America

Jackie Menjivar is the Manager of Peer and Youth Advocacy at Mental Health America. She oversees the day-to-day operations of MHA’s youth leadership initiatives and develops content to promote youth leaders, reflect youth perspectives, and report on the evolving field of youth mental health. Throughout her career, Jackie has sought to amplify the voices and needs of young people through education, advocacy, and storytelling.

Marisa Mondave

UCLA Alumni/Friends of Youth

Pronouns: She/her/hers

I’m dedicated to curating more spaces of infinite love, radical compassion, belonging and mattering for all marginalized groups to promote collective global mental health and wellness. Utilizing an interdisciplinary lens incorporating public health, social justice, and psychological frameworks to engage in research, public speaking, advocacy, and community engagement and collaboration. Committed to advancing our mental health system at the community and individual level to offer affirmative mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth/young adults.

Randy Moore

Active Minds Policy Manager

Randy is a proud macro social worker. Following his time at the University of South Carolina, he has worked as a community organizer, policy and advocacy director, researcher, event planner, and program manager. Randy comes to Active Minds from the office of US Senator Mark Warner, where he served as Outreach Representative for the Richmond Regional Office—organizing the senior Virginia senator’s regional outreach and engagements, while also standing in as a representative for the senator where needed. An active music lover, Randy spends much of his free time writing, producing, and performing music as a vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and harpist. He originally hails from rural South Carolina but maintains his identity as a son of Southwest Virginia by frequently spending time unwinding with his family there in the Cumberland Mountains. Randy brings to Active Minds a unique personal story of his own journey seeking emotional wellness which very much informs his work with the organization. In his free time, you can find him with his Springer Spaniel Boyd, who enjoys water, squirrels, and donuts.

Asher Morris

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee Alumni

Asher founded the chapter of Active Minds at Yeshiva University in 2007 and was later selected to be a member of the Student Advisory Committee in 2008. Since then, Asher has been dedicated to the health and safety of Atlanta residents, first serving in various roles at Grady EMS, and then leading Atlanta’s COVID-19 response for people experiencing homelessness. Asher currently serves as the Deputy Director in the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness where he continues to prioritize mental health.

Emily Muench

Active Minds Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Member

Emily is a graduate student pursuing a one-year MBA with a Business Analytics focus at Baldwin Wallace University. Five weeks into her first year of undergrad, she started an Active Minds branch on her campus. She is involved with Active Minds because of her struggles with mental health and her passion for mental health advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys painting and singing in her family band.

Sahana Narayan, MS, MSPH

Saurya Media

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Sahana Narayan, MS, MSPH is an award-winning researcher, evaluator, academic, and journalist. She has robust experience conducting public health research, including nationwide studies on improving healthcare delivery and a specific research interest in mental and maternal, infant, and child health, which comes from her clinical and research experience in pediatrics and neonatology. She holds a Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Science in Public Health from Columbia University. Sahana is extremely passionate about how public health principles and creative outlets can further the work of academic research and clinical medicine, especially as it pertains to navigating the healthcare system no matter the age. She hopes to further this mission through an eventual career in medicine as a physician, through health journalism and narrative work, and through integrating public health and the humanities in medical education.

Instagram: @sahananarayan
X/Twitter: @sahanasnarayan
LinkedIn: @sahanasnarayan

Joanna Oommen

University of California, Riverside

Pronouns: she/her

Joanna (she/her) is a senior at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She is part of the Active Minds student advisory committee (SAC) and serves as the student director of outreach and internal relations for the UC Riverside chapter. Additionally, she works as a certified well-being peer health coach at The Well, UCR’s health promotion department, where she helps undergraduates set well-being goals and connects them to valuable resources. Joanna is also an ambassador in the Mental Health Allies program, promoting mental health awareness across campus. After graduating, she aspires to become a clinical neuropsychologist, dedicated to helping individuals who struggle with mental illness and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Maryfer Ortiz

Portland State University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Maryfer Ortiz is a third-year student at Portland State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. Her project will focus on discovering new ways to improve access and establish better relationships with the subjects surrounding mental health within immigrant communities, with a focus in latinx communities.

Project Title: “Bridging the Gap Between Immigrant Communities and Mental Health Support”

Bri Paris

Sources of Strength

Pronouns: She/They

Brittany (her, she, they) also known as Bri is a graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Bri studied Human Development with an emphasis in Family Studies and Sociology. Bri joins the Sources of Strength team with a background in suicide prevention, Social Emotional Education and Restorative Justice. When they are not working, crafting and creating are their self-care methods. Cooking, painting, and jewelry making are a couple of ways that Bri expresses herself and finds care.

TaNisha Parker

Sources of Strength

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

A Change Management Specialist and Wellness Trainer, TaNisha Parker, M.Ed has been a mental health advocate for almost two decades. As a National Trainer, TaNisha has worked with middle school and high school teams across the country implementing Sources of Strength, the leading evidence-based youth led upstream prevention program. When she isn’t spreading hope, help and strength, you can find her binge-watching her favorite dramedy or competing in a 5k for a cause.

Germán Partida

Inseparable

Germán Partida currently serves as the Political Program Manager for Inseparable. He supports Inseparable’s Political Programs by engaging elected officials and candidates to become true mental health champions. With extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and managing digital ad campaigns, Germán is passionate about advocacy and is excited to help advance mental health policy.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Health from UC San Diego. Germán was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and is the proud son of Mexican immigrants. In his free time, he enjoys running, attending concerts, trying out new coffee shops, and traveling.

Markie Pasternak

Active Minds Senior Manager of Higher Education

Markie oversees Active Minds’ work in higher education, focusing on mental health support for college and university students, staff, and faculty. Markie is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and received her bachelor’s in psychology from Marquette University. During her time at Marquette, Markie served as the Active Minds’ chapter president and was the president of the Student Advisory Committee from 2015 to 2016. Markie received her Master’s of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington. Before joining the Active Minds Staff, Markie worked at Auburn University focusing on mental health programming and peer health education, and was the co-advisor for the campus’s Active Minds chapter. In her spare time, you can find Markie coaching figure skating at her local ice rink, cheering on her hometown team, the Green Bay Packers, or playing with her dog, Brooks. Markie works remotely from both Georgia and Alabama.

Kari Peiscop-Grau

Saurya Media

Pronouns: She/Her

Kari Peiscop-Grau (MA) is an educator, researcher, and change maker. She received her Masters of Arts in International Studies from Indiana University. She uses her education and multicultural background to provide a fresh new interdisciplinary approach.

Instagram: @sauryamedia

Manu Perinchery

University of Texas at Austin / Emerging Scholar Fellowship

Manu Perinchery is currently a sophomore at UT Austin, where he is pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Teaching. His academic journey involves diving deep into the intricate world of clinical neuroendocrinology as a research assistant while also serving the Austin community as an EMT. Alongside the courses he’s taking, Manu also works as a Teaching Assistant for genetics courses.

Manu’s passion lies at the intersection of mental health and medicine, a field that captivates me and fuels my commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare. Beyond the academic realm, he finds balance through various hobbies, including archery, listening to music, and hiking through nature. Manu is dedicated to expanding his knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the human mind, and contributing meaningfully to both the academic and healthcare communities. As he continues to navigate his journey at UT Austin, he is excited about the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.

Project Title: “Guardians of Hope: The Impact of Familial Social Support on Suicidal Ideation Among Asian College Students”

Jasmine Price

Pride Of Nyla

Pronouns: She/Her

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor based in Maryland and Virginia, specializing in historical and intergenerational trauma. In my private practice, I focus on uncovering and healing the deep-rooted emotional legacies that shape our lives. Through a blend of traditional psychotherapy and holistic approaches, I empower individuals and families to break cycles of trauma and foster resilience. My work is dedicated to creating therapeutic spaces that honor each person’s unique journey toward healing and growth.

Instagram: @PrideOfNyla
TikTok: @PrideOfNyla
LinkedIn
Website: prideofnyla.com

Dr. Marquita Robertson

Mississippi Achievement School District

Pronouns: She/her

Dr. Marquita Robertson is a 17-year educator who has a passion for meeting the needs of students. She brings various experiences ranging from social work to educational leadership. Dr. Robertson is the AWARE Director for the Mississippi Achievement School District, leading mental health initiatives to support student success.

Sahiti Sarma

Saurya Media

Pronouns: she/her

Sahiti Sarma, MS is a UX Designer with a master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction and User Experience from Drexel University. With a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sahiti merges analytical skills with design principles. Her prior capstone project involved designing an app that integrates AI for personalized health recommendations, and intuitive UI design for seamless communication and engagement. She believes that design, informed by a deep understanding of science and culture, plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare initiatives.

LinkedIn: @sahitisarma

Anthony Sartori

Evolving Minds

Pronouns: he/him

In March 2020, Anthony founded Evolving Minds, a mental health nonprofit with the mission to create a culture of care. Anthony has developed innovative workplace mental health programs that center social connection, community, and organizational culture; essential ingredients of a healthy workplace. He has trained over 1,500 program graduates across industries, from nonprofits, to public education, philanthropy, retail, government, and universities. His programs have demonstrated compelling impact, including an over 30% reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, a 57% reduction in absenteeism (employee call-outs) and an 83% increase in empathy. Anthony is a national professional speaker with Active Minds, one of the country’s leading mental health nonprofits, and with Weave: The Social Fabric Project by the Aspen Institute. Recently, he spoke on a LinkedIn Presents podcast, The Anxious Achiever, and at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2024 Shape of the Region Conference. His work has been featured in Mental Health America’s Workplace Mental Health Toolkit. Anthony has been honored by the Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, awarded the Baltimore Weaver Award by the Aspen Institute, received the Rising Terp Alumni Excellence Award by the University of Maryland, and was showcased in the Change the World Exhibit by the Do Good Institute. Anthony holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of a two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

LinkedIn: @anthony-sartori

Andy Saul, CWP

The Hidden Opponent

Andy, a former football student-athlete from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, holds a degree in Health Promotion and Wellness. His passion for mental health began during his studies and led him to join The Hidden Opponent (THO) as a Campus Captain. Now serving as the Advocacy Director at THO, Andy oversees the Campus Captains program, dedicated to shattering the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics. He is committed to making a positive impact on campuses nationwide.

Instagram: @Andy_Saul19 ; @TheHiddenOpponent
X/Twitter: @Andy_Saul19 ; @TheHiddenOpponent
Facebook: @TheHiddenOpponent
YouTube: @thehiddenopponent1930
Tiktok: @Andy_Saul19

Charlie Schatia

C4 Innovations

Pronouns: He/Him

Charlie Schatia is a Youth Wellness Coach working with C4 Innovations. He is a recent graduate of Fitchburg State University, and since graduating has discovered a passion for working with both adolescents and young adults. Charlie was drawn to this work because he wanted the opportunity to create a space where adolescents could safely and comfortably navigate their mental health and wellbeing. As a queer man with lived experience with mental health and physical disabilities, Charlie brings his own unique perspective.

Dr. Katerina Sergi

Social Science Research Center at MSU

Dr. Katerina Sergi is an Assistant Research Professor at the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University. She conducts research for a variety of fields from early childhood education and mental health awareness and prevention services to tobacco surveillance and evaluation. Her past research contributions have ranged from data collection and management, quantitative and qualitative analysis, to manuscript development, and grant writing. Dr. Sergi is an educational psychologist with a research focus on metacognitive development, self-regulated learning, and motivation.

Neel Sharma

Tufts University

Pronouns: he/him/his

Neel (he/him) is from Weston, MA, and is currently pursuing a degree in Biopsychology at Tufts University. His fervent commitment to Mental Health Advocacy is evident through his focus on championing or underserved populations, particularly disadvantaged youth. Neel’s dedication extends beyond academia; he has actively contributed to mental health support systems as a call-taker for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and as a per-diem Clinical Behavioral Health Technician at Boston Children’s Hospital. In his leisure, Neel finds solace in running, reading, and spending quality time with his beloved pups.

Instagram: @nee1_s

Apoorva Srivastava

SKY Campus Happiness

Apoorva is health policy and public health professional specializing in chronic diseases and social determinants of health. Passionate about restoring whole health for individuals and society at large through public programming and policy, her pro bono work as a breathwork and meditation facilitator with SKY Campus Happiness helps her teach the most potent breathwork and meditation – SKY – to eliminate stress at a cellular level, leaving people in their natural joyful and happy states. SKY alleviates many of the mental health problems we are facing and empowers individuals to become agents of positive transformation in their communities and the world at large. She also coaches campus students interested in becoming breathwork and meditation facilitators.

Arthy Suresh

Yale School of Medicine

Pronouns: She/her

After the 2018 Parkland shooting at her high school, Arthy was attuned to the mental suffering on her campus and co-founded a Mind-Body Ambassador program at her school in collaboration with The Center for Mind Body Medicine. She worked with her county school board to integrate the Mind-Body Ambassador program into more high schools and middle schools in South Florida. Arthy Suresh is currently a postgraduate research associate at the Yale School of Medicine. At the collegiate level, she leads the peer health education program at her school and continues to work with nonprofits that help increase accessibility to mental health services.

Instagram: @arthysuresh

Trace Terrell

Active Minds Policy Intern

Trace is the Active Minds policy intern and is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, studying public health and writing seminars. Trace is looking forward to learning more about the legislative process and the role of nonprofits in advancing youth and young adult mental health policy. Trace is also excited to explore the functions of coalitions and organization networks in more depth.

Katie Thomas

William James College

Pronouns: she/her

Katie is a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Katie has been researching how young children respond to telehealth and teleplay therapy. She has been providing trainings to mental health members and community members on understanding the intersection of young children, technology, and therapy.

Instagram: @katiethechildclinician

Marnino Toussaint

Peer Health Exchange

Pronouns: He/Him

Marnino is Bi-lingual (English + Haitian Creole) solutions-driven professional with 7+ years of experience in program coordination/facilitation serving underrepresented populations. His desire to foster creative programming while also center youth well-being is exemplified in his work Managing PHE?s Youth Design Group.

Hari Vedantam

Saurya Media

Pronouns: she/she/hers

Hari is a Pediatric Research Coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in health intervention research. During her time at Kennesaw State University, she led the school’s mental health initiatives, and worked as a peer support counselor. In these roles, she noticed how harmful culturally insensitive therapy practices were for adolescents. To create safer environments for students, she implemented mandated training and workshops for future support counselors. Through her work, she hopes to create a space for culturally inclusive practices in therapy and in research.

Ashley Way

Hopebound

Pronouns: she/her

My name is Ashley Way, and I hold a master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Clayton State University. I assist clients with identifying and modifying maladaptive and destructive thought patterns that negatively influence their emotions and behaviors. I also teach my clients acceptance and change-oriented coping skills. It is my aim to provide clients with affirming care while helping them achieve balance and wellness in their lives.

Rowan Willis-Gorman

C4 Innovations

Pronouns: She/They

Rowan Willis-Gorman (She/They) is an experienced systems transformation advocate, with special interests in young adult peers, the LGBTQ community and ensuring that everyone receives appropriate and individualized care when they are experiencing suicidal ideation. In her work, Rowan connects and mentors, young adults with lived experience in behavioral health service settings to peer support and leadership opportunities on community, state, and national levels. She recently joined C4 Innovations as a member of The Center for Youth Well-Being team. There they work to ensure that voices of lived experience are at the forefront of the work being done, and are supporting the efforts of numerous youth focused projects. She strives to create an environment in which young adults are partners in change for policy that affect service systems. Before joining the C4 team Rowan worked at On Our Own of Maryland where she ran three statewide grants, directed the What Helps What Harms youth-driven system quality feedback project, and helped run the legislative arm of the organization. Rowan was a member of Maryland’s first Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, is on Maryland’s State Council of Child Abuse and Neglect and are the 2024 Paula Hamburger Child Advocacy Awardee.

Tamara Wood

Shaw University / Emerging Scholars Fellowship

Tamara Wood is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tamara’s passion for bringing awareness to the School-to-Prison Pipeline phenomenon stems from her own experiences growing up in The Bronx and attending New York City public schools. Tamara’s project will explore how racial disparities in mental health diagnoses among Black children contribute to the School-to-Prison Pipeline. With her research, she aims to understand how these disparities contribute to the overrepresentation of Black children in the criminal justice system. Tamara’s project will offer new ideas to help bridge the gap between school authorities, health professionals, Black parents, and their Black children. Her ultimate goal is to reshape policy in public school systems to better support Black youth across America.

Project Title: “Undiagnosed to Under Arrest: Examining How Racial Disparities in Mental Health Diagnoses Among Black Children Contribute to the School-to-Prison Pipeline”

Jiggy Yoon

JY & Co

Pronouns: she/her

Na Eun “Jiggy” Yoon is a college mental health motivational speaker teaching college students and young professionals how to put mental health at the forefront of excellence, so that they can optimize their performance and continue building their legacy — during and after college.

Instagram: @jiggy_yoon
X/Twitter: @jiggy_yoon
TikTok: @jiggy_yoon

Active Minds National Conference 2024

presenters

Keynote Speakers

Speakers & Breakout Session Presenters

Active Minds National Conference 2024

presenters

Keynote Speakers

Glenna Wright-Gallo

Alexander Stewart

Manteo Mitchell

Lexi Hidalgo

GenZ Panel: Being a Work in Progress & a Work of Progress

Speakers & Breakout Session Presenters

Denisse Aguilar

Samantha Anders

Jeremy Bersin

Brandon Bond

Errika Brooks

Mandy Brooks

Tiffanie Cheng

Erin Drebushenko

Janie Egan

Shaymaa Ennajhi

Adia Fadaei

Dr. Claudia-Santi Fernandes

Timmy Foster

Joseph Fraioli

Kelly Frazee, Ed.D.

Sheena Gardner

Francesca Giannattasio

Alexandra Glumac

Anushka Gutpa

Denise Hicks

Ashley Hill

Rhea Hill

Eduardo Ildefonso

Lauryn Ivery

Rincon Jagarlamudi

Jodi Johnson

Adrienne Kasmally

Jade Killikelly

Kristiana Knapp

Emma Lamoreaux

Ali Landberg

Aliza Lopez

Kelsi Lynde

Kaevyn Maple

Asli McCullers

Jackie Menjivar

Marisa Mondave

Randy Moore

Asher Morris

Emily Muench

Sahana Narayan, MS, MSPH

Joanna Oommen

Maryfer Ortiz

Bri Paris

TaNisha Parker

Germán Partida

Markie Pasternak

Kari Peiscop-Grau

Manu Perinchery

Jasmine Price

Dr. Marquita Robertson

Sahiti Sarma

Anthony Sartori

Andy Saul, CWP

Charlie Schatia

Dr. Katerina Sergi

Neel Sharma

Apoorva Srivastava

Arthy Suresh

Trace Terrell

Katie Thomas

Marnino Toussaint

Hari Vedantam

Ashley Way

Rowan Willis-Gorman

Tamara Wood

Jiggy Yoon