Alisha is a Bachelor of Health Sciences candidate at McMaster University and a research assistant at the Oxford Centre for Child Studies. She is interested in understanding how contextual factors influence help-seeking behaviour and access to mental healthcare services for young people. As a member of the Youth council, Alisha aims to cultivate inclusive discourse on mental health and foster a culture of collaboration and shared learning. In her free time, she enjoys walking trails and exploring new areas of the city.

Alissa is studying Health Sciences Queens University. With a keen understanding that mental health can’t be measured solely through numbers, she’s committed to using her own experiences and journey to help improve the medical and mental health systems for the next generation of young people, whether that means advocating for specific groups or discussing health disparities with policy makers. Alissa has also served as a youth advisor at CAMH. In her down time, she likes to go on walks with friends.

Aly is from Whitby, now studying psychology at the University of Ottawa. She brings valuable insights into strengths and shortcomings from her own experiences navigating the mental health system in Ontario. Being both a person in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent, Aly is particularly passionate about enhancing the mental health system to better serve all people. They hope to contribute to shaping policies and programs that address the real needs of young people. Outside of this work, Aly enjoys curling up with a good book or going on a long walk.

Camille is studying Neuroscience and Mental Health at Carleton University and hopes to pursue further studies in medicine. Her own lived experiences with mental health sparked her interest in advocacy and desire to inspire positive changes for the challenges young people face during transitional years. Camille is also a Youth Facilitator with Youth Net, passionate about promoting coping strategies and fostering a safe environment for young people. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside with her cats and family. 

Hajar is completing a Master of Public Health degree at Brock University. She is an avid qualitative researcher involved in initiatives focused on subjective well-being, patient-centered practice and policy, health equity, and knowledge mobilization. Her interests lie at the intersection of mental health and youth advocacy. Hajar is dedicated to co-creating opportunities by young people and for young people, as well as recognizing lived experiences as a form of expertise.

Kai is a psychology student at the University of Ottawa and previously worked as a support worker at an overnight shelter for the at-risk and unhoused and as the youth engagement facilitator for Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville. Kai leans on their lived experience as a Japanese and transmasculine person to advocate for young people experiencing a lack of cultural competency and to raise awareness for queer inclusion in mental health services. He also has a creative side – he used to teach origami classes at a daycare.

Em is studying Health Psychology at Carleton University and hopes to become a clinical child psychologist. Their interests include pediatric psychopathology, neurodevelopmental disorders and 2SLGBTQIA+ psychology. Em currently works at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and volunteers for Girls Guides of Canada, as well as in pediatric emergency research at CHEO. Em is passionate about reducing barriers for marginalized communities to access psychological services and promoting pediatric psychological research. For fun, Em enjoys exploring local markets and going to concerts.

Maryam has been a member of the youth advisory council since 2022.

Ozzy has been a member of the youth advisory council since 2024.

Robert completed a Bachelor of Health Science, an experience that gave him a vested interest in public health under an intersectional lens and a keen understanding of the social determinants of health. He believes that the voices of children and young people should be heard and prioritized in discussions of health and well-being. Based in Brampton, Robert now works as a community-based research coordinator for multiple projects. In his free time, he’s trying to write a sci-fi novel and develop a comic.

Samarah is studying biochemistry at McMaster University. Her passion for youth mental health stems from the acknowledgement that all are impacted by mental health challenges on different levels and that her personal experiences are different from those of others. She is particularly cognizant of how solutions vary from community to community. In her down time, Samarah has recently gotten into sewing skirts and enjoys exploring new places.

Sophia is currently pursuing her degree at the University of Western Ontario and is committed to supporting young people and creating inclusive spaces through her involvement in various committees and initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for mental health, community engagement, and inclusive leadership.  Sophia has a strong foundation in strategic communication and event coordination, and drives impactful change across education, health and community development, fostering meaningful connections and positive outcomes for diverse communities.

Sabriya is in the Honours Life Science program at McMaster University and has experience in the child and youth mental health sector ranging from advocacy to research to program facilitation. All of this has shaped her perspective on the need for accessible, evidence-based, youth-centered and trauma-informed approaches to care, as well as spaces where young people feel heard and supported. She values being one of many voices helping influence policy and sharing knowledge. Sabriya also has a deep love for painting and enjoys experimenting with different techniques in her free time.