CHART Lab

Principal Investigator

Hasina S

Dr. Hasina Samji (she/her)

Principal Investigator

Dr. Hasina Samji an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and a Senior Scientist at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist trained at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with expertise in the design and implementation of observational cohort studies and analysis of large administrative health databases. Dr. Samji’s main research interest is how synergistic epidemics, or “syndemics,” of illnesses like HIV, HCV, and mental illness and substance use disorder interact with contextual factors like poverty and early life trauma to create mutually reinforcing clusters of epidemics among populations, resulting in poorer access to healthcare and outcomes across the lifecourse.

Dr. Samji leads the Youth Development Instrument (YDI), an interdisciplinary study measuring predictors of positive youth well-being, mental health, and development in high school students in collaboration with the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP-UBC), community, clinical and policy partners, and youth themselves. The YDI will elucidate upstream skill-development and structural supports for mental illness prevention and positive trajectories for young people. She is also the co-Principal Investigator of the Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey (PICS) study in partnership with Anxiety Canada and BC Children’s Hospital to measure the population-level mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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chart lab Research Staff

Jenna Whitehead (she/her), PhD

Implementation Coordinator

Dr. Jenna Whitehead is an educational psychology researcher and consultant. She earned her PhD and MA in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (HDLC) and her BSc in behavioural neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. Her academic expertise centres on the social and emotional development of children and adolescents, specifically the role of teacher mindfulness and well-being, and student-teacher relationships in promoting children’s and adolescents’ well-being, prosociality, and thriving in school. Dr. Whitehead has over a decade of experience coordinating large-scale research projects in elementary, middle, and high-schools, as the lab and research coordinator in Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Lab at UBC. She currently works as the implementation coordinator with the CHART Lab,   an evaluation specialist consultant with Child Health BC (PHSA), and a freelance research and educational consultant. 

Rachel Goossen (she/her), MA

Project Coordinator

Rachel Goossen is a research assistant and project coordinator with experience in K-12 education management and qualitative, community-based research. She earned her MA in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia in 2019. Having worked in public education, non-profit community organizations and research institutions since 2011, Rachel has a dedicated interest to understand — and ultimately improve — systems affecting child and youth well-being in North America.

Angela Low (she/her), PhD

Project Manager

Dr. Angela Low is a researcher, educator and consultant who is committed to helping to create a world where all children, youth and their families have what it takes within and around them to enjoy mental health and well-being, even in times of adversity and change. Her research and practice focus on fostering the mental and emotional competence and resilience of children and the adults around them, and helping to create nurturing communities where children can thrive. She has a special interest in the role of parent well-being- part of her recent research focuses on parents’ experiences of shame and guilt in the context of parenting education.

Dr. Angela Low is also an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Education at UBC and a freelance educational consultant. She has almost 2 decades of experience working in mental health and emotional intelligence promotion across community, government and private organizations. She lives in Vancouver with her husband Derek, kids Sianna and Rhysa and a lovebug of a dog named Milo.

 

Jorge Andrés Delgado-Ron (he/him), MD, MPPGA, MSc

Data Analyst

Andrés is an experienced data analyst with a background in public health and epidemiology. Holding a Master of Science from the University of British Columbia and a medical degree from Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, Ecuador, Jorge has been actively involved in public health research since 2017. His work primarily focuses on epidemiological data analysis, utilizing R programming. He currently works at SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Travis Salway and Dr. Hasina Samji.
 

Judy Wu (she/her), MPH, BSc

YAC Coordinator | Research Assistant |Doctoral Student

Judy is a current PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Samji. She previously completed her MPH and BSc at the University of British Columbia. Judy joined the YDI team in Summer 2020 as a practicum student. Her practicum project focused on climate change anxiety and distress in young people, with the results of her literature review having been incorporated into the YDI survey instrument. Judy has always been interested in positive youth well-being. She currently works as a Youth Educator with the Vancouver Coastal Health BLUSH team, facilitating sexual health and education workshops for high school students in Metro Vancouver. However, her experience as a group facilitator for Vancouver’s first support group for borderline personality disorder (BPD) highlighted the need and importance of addressing mental health in youth. With many support group attendees sharing an experience of poor mental health or mental health symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood, she became increasingly interested in improving intervention and support programs for this population. Judy is incredibly excited be a part of the YDI team and to play a role in youth mental health and well-being across BC.

Julia Kaufmann (she/her), BSc

Research Assistant | MSc Student

Julia is an MSc student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. She received her Bachelor of Science Honours Degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. Throughout her undergraduate degree, Julia was involved in psychology research and peer support programming. Currently, Julia is studying the intersection of knowledge mobilization and youth-engaged research with the goal of supporting youth voice and well-being. As a research assistant with the CHART lab, Julia focuses on knowledge mobilization of the YDI and other projects.

Tanushree Kunwar (she/her), MPH, BSc

Research Assistant

Tanushree completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the University of British Columbia. She also completed her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Neuroscience with a combined honours in Biology at Carleton University in 2022. Her undergraduate research focused on the efficacy of various pharmacological interventions for mental illnesses. While working as a team leader and mentor at the Science Student Success Center at Carleton University, she noted many youths experienced poor mental health. Since then, she has become interested in focussing on the upstream determinants of mental health and on the importance of mental health and well-being promotion for youth. Tanushree is excited to contribute to promoting youth mental health and well-being in BC with the CHART lab and to continue to be an advocate for mental health.

Giulia de Arruda Maluf, MPH (she/her)

Lab Coordinator | Research Assistant

Giulia is a psychologist and she completed her Master of Public Health (MPH)’s degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2024. Before moving to Canada, she worked as a psychologist in community-based mental health services in Brazil. Her clinical experience there highlighted the importance of looking upstream and addressing the social, structural, environmental, and economic factors that impact individuals’ and communities’ mental health. Giulia is committed to reducing stigma and working to improve health equity.  She is thrilled to be part of the CHART Lab team and learn from young people themselves the path forward to better support their thriving.

Harnoor Dhaliwal (she/her)

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Harnoor is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia. With a variety of academic interests, including mental health and behavior, cardiovascular health, immunology, and public health, Harnoor aims to further explore these areas throughout her undergraduate studies. She is eager to integrate knowledge across these disciplines through both coursework and research. Passionate about youth well-being, Harnoor leads a global school-based mental health program and hopes to influence policies surrounding the prioritization of mental health in schools.

Youth Advisory Council

Alan Alexander Fulker (he/him)

Hi guys! My name is Alan Fulker and I’m a grade 12 student who studies in Port Alberni, British Columbia! I was born and raised in Taiwan by a Caucasian father and an Asian Mother, then came to Canada to study for high school and university, so I’m fluent in both Chinese and English! I wanted to become a member of the YDI because mental health is a serious issue revolving around teens across Canada and the world, I would like to raise awareness regarding people’s mental well-being. I am a very outdoorsy person and love being outside in nature. I love hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. Being in nature is stress-relieving, and I hope more and more people can experience that. As someone who struggles with stress, it’s so motivational seeing so many people in BC that are willing to make a difference for the good. What’s even better is that I’m able to contribute to making BC a better place! I’m so thrilled to work with some of the most passionate students in BC😁

A.N. (they/them)

Alex is a grade 12 student located on Vancouver Island. They are passionate about art and spend much of their free time drawing. Aside from drawing, their other hobby include making music, playing video games, and coding. They also enjoy being a part of their school’s FTC Robotics team and plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Alex chose to join the YDI because they value the wellbeing of others and wants to help by sharing the perspectives of the youth around them. They believe that everyone should have the resources available to live life the best they can, and to feel safe in their community.

Amethyst Raine Williams (she/her)

I am in grade 12 on Vancouver island and hope to work as a child trauma counselor or a child and youth care worker. I joined the ydi yac because it is a great opportunity to work towards things I am passionate about such as Changing the way our communitys and schools are. I am also passionate about music such as kpop, jpop, tpop, and cpop and am apart of many different online fandoms.

Ben Tarling

Hi! My name’s Ben Tarling. I live in Coquitlam, a suburb of Metro Vancouver. This is my second year on the YACBC, and I’m super excited for what we’re going to accomplish! Mental health is a growing issue among youth both in our province and the world, and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to contribute to the understanding and improvement of it. I love writing stories, playing sports, and doing a little bit of fishing here and there. I’m also a competitive rock climber – in my spare time, you can usually find me hanging out at the climbing gym, playing music, or reading a good book.

Caitlyn Lui (she/her)

Hi, I’m Caitlyn, and I’m going into the 10th grade. I joined the YDI Youth Advisory Council because I’m passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of other young people in BC. I want to contribute to improving health and wellbeing for my peers, and this seemed like a great way to get involved. When I’m not busy with school, I love to bake. It’s one of my favorite activities because it’s fun and also relaxing. I enjoy trying out new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. The best part is sharing my treats with friends and family. I’m also really into arts and crafts. I’ve loved painting and sketching ever since I was a small child. Playing volleyball is another activity I enjoy a lot. I like to play it with friends at school or over summer breaks. It’s a great and fun way to stay active, have fun, and work as a team. I also enjoy helping others. Whenever my friends need a hand with something, I’m always happy to help. In the future, I hope to become a psychologist. I want to have the opportunity to talk to people and help them work through their challenges. However, if I were to win the lottery, I would love to open a little bakery and share yummy treats with everyone. That would be a dream come true.

Carmen Feng (she/her)

Hi, I’m Carmen Feng and I am entering 11th grade this coming fall. I love to play volleyball, read, and go on hikes with friends. Through channelling my enthusiasm for youth issues and community betterment, I want to truly make a difference in the world where we give young people a voice, and thus a platform to speak their truth. I am super excited to be joining this council and even more to see what we will do in the upcoming year (s)!

Chloe Summer (she/her)

My name is Chloe and I’m a grade 12 student in Coquitlam. In the future I hope to study psychiatry, and I’m excited to join the YDI Youth Advisory Council to continue my journey towards that goal! Aside from school and work I spend a lot of my time participating in musical theatre with my school, teaching me a lot of great skills when it comes to collaboration and public speaking.

Dale Capistrano (he/him)

Hi! My name is Dale and I’m a Grade 12 student at Vancouver College. Mental health has been one of my biggest passions ever since elementary school. Over the years, I’ve discovered the beauty of wellness, both in myself and in those around me. I believe that everybody deserves to feel seen, heard, appreciated, uplifted, and loved, so I live my life in hopes of instilling that feeling in as many people as possible. As such, I joined the YAC in pursuit of another way to nurture mental wellness. Apart from mental health, I’m also very passionate about my many other interests! I play Ultimate Frisbee at my school and during the club season. I also love music, particularly playing the piano in bands, at my church, and on my own time at home. I try to spend as much time outdoors, whether it’s going for runs or reading a book in the park. My biggest hope for the future is that I live life to its fullest! If I can learn something new, find out more about myself, or meet an unfamiliar face, I’m all for it. I’m thrilled to see where the YAC takes me and the team!

Daniel Chen

Hi there!! I am a grade 11 student from Vancouver, and hmm…where do we begin… I joined the YDI because I am very curious about how young people are doing in our community, and I am thrilled by the potential of bettering the lives of BC children through our actions. Call it idealistic, but I genuinely believe that we can make a positive impact on the lives of BC’s young ones through our collective actions. Now, I may come across as introverted, sporting a somewhat quiet and serious demeanour, but once you get to know me, you’ll find me pretty easygoing. I love being part of a community. I am in the choir and the basketball team, and I’ve been on the student council for two years: first as a grade representative and then as the Vancouver District Student Council (VDSC) representative. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of initiating and being a part of various projects, and each experience has left me more and more impressed by what can be achieved when people come together. In my time on the student council, we had numerous events ranging from fundraisers to cultural festivals and educational seminars, through which I have grown enormously. I also co-founded the mock trial club at our school which consists mostly of younger students. Witnessing their growth in writing and presentation skills and watching them rise to the top 5 in national competitions is a source of immense pride. The YDI and YAC struck me as the perfect opportunity to learn as well as to create bigger impacts. In my free time, you can find me playing basketball and daydreaming (haha). My dream for the future is to have a career where I can help others and make their lives better. That’s what motivates me.

Edward A.J. Kurulak (he/him)

My name is Edward A.J. Kurulak, and I am currently entering my twelfth-grade year at John Barsby Community School in Nanaimo, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Throughout my high school years, I have actively engaged in volunteer activities, primarily through school initiatives. These experiences have enriched my understanding of community service and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in society. Beyond my volunteer work and academic pursuits, I have developed a keen interest in photography. Capturing moments and scenes through the lens allows me to express my creativity and document the world around me and tell a story. Additionally, I am passionate about continuous learning and eagerly explore diverse subjects to broaden my knowledge and perspective. Recently, I became a member of the Y.D.I. (Youth Development Initiative) youth advisory council. My motivation for joining this council stems from a desire to inspire hope and empower young people to realize their potential. Through this role, I aim to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that support youth development and advocate for their future opportunities. In conclusion, my journey thus far has been shaped by a dedication to community service, a love for photography, and a thirst for knowledge. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in my final year of high school and beyond, as I continue to pursue my passions and strive to make a positive difference in my community and beyond.

Evangeline Hoyer (she/her)

My name is Evangeline Hoyer, but everyone calls me Evie. I’m 17 years old and I come from the peaceful town of Peachland, BC. I joined the YDI Youth Advisory Council as I’m interested in improving mental health support and life for teens struggling with today’s challenges. I am passionate about making a positive impact and helping others. When I’m not at my job or working on school, you can find me doing art whether that’s sketching, painting or creating digital art pieces on my iPad. I also love hanging out with my friends, going to the beach, shopping and reading. I have a deep appreciation for nature and love to be surrounded by it. I often go on walks with my dog to explore new trails. Looking ahead, I dream of travelling the world and experiencing many different cultures. I’m also considering a degree in psychology because understanding and helping people is something I would love to pursue. Through the YDI Youth Advisory Council, I hope to bring ideas and a lot of enthusiasm to create a positive impact on the lives of young people.

Hanna Grover (she/her)

My name is Hanna, a Grade 11 student from Surrey, B.C, and I am a strong youth advocate for health and well-being. I have worked with national organizations, such as Our Kids Health, to deliver culturally relevant health information and dismantle the spread of health misinformation. Alongside serving on councils to improve healthcare equity within Canada, I am passionate about delivering workshops on health and nutrition to elementary school students, aiming to empower them with essential knowledge for a healthy lifestyle. As such, I was inclined to join YDI’s Youth Advisory Council because I believe youth perspectives should continue to be integrated into current-day issues. Platforms like the YAC allow individuals to advocate for the unique needs of children and youth, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. My desire to explore children’s well-being extends beyond my own projects, like my personal passion for scientific inquiry and research within medicine, steering me into a future career in healthcare. I am a strong believer in community service to improve access to essential services and so in my free time I enjoy coming up with new initiatives and volunteering in my community. I look forward to contributing to YDI’s Youth Advisory Council and collaborating with others to create meaningful change!

Kevin Vu (he/him)

Hi guys, I’m Kevin Vu, a grade 12 student from Vancouver who is currently boarding at a beautiful coastal school in Mill Bay. I like to play basketball and piano (albeit I’m not really good at either lol), hang out with my friends, and watch K-Drama with my boys late at night during my free time. I also like to attend public speaking/debate competitions, involve myself in community service, volunteer, and participate in various clubs and organizations, as I love being involved and active with my community. Like many of you, I decided to join the YDI Youth Advisory Council after finding it through a survey at my school in order to help my peers who are struggling with mental health to become more resilient in the face of such adversity. Having encountered many past negative experiences and going through mental health peer support training at my school, I believe that my knowledge and experiences will come in handy to support YDI missions and promote its values across our community. I hope that in the future, with my skillset and knowledge, I can not only help YDI achieve its goals and promote healthy living lifestyles for students here in BC but also strengthen the connections between various mental health advocacy organizations spreading across the schools in the province in an effort to develop a better-shared understanding and network regarding mental health.

Khadijat Adeola Mumuni (she/her)

My name is Khadijat Adeola Mumuni. I live in Kitimat, British Columbia. I am currently moving to grade 12 in September 2025. I play soccer, I love running and I love eating and cooking, I play 4 different instruments and I am well versed in the technology world. I joined the YDI to be able to impact young peoples lives in my own way. I hope to become a well accomplished doctor, Philanthropist and a proud and active member of YDI Youth Advisory Council.

Lucy Goerzen (she/her)

My name is Lucy Goerzen. I am a Grade 12 student from Chilliwack, British Columbia, and I am also dual-enrolled at the University of the Fraser Valley. I joined the YDI Youth Advisory Council to focus on mental health issues among youth and create initiatives to help improve students experiences at school. I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my goal of making a real difference in the way young people view their time at school. In high school, I have been very involved in extracurricular activities. As President of the Interact Club of Chilliwack, I lead community service projects and encourage members to get involved with their community through volunteering. My previous role as Vice President helped me build strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, my time with the Chilliwack Youth Advisory Committee allowed me to work on various local initiatives, honing my collaboration and project management abilities. I also founded the Chilliwack Youth Action Network through CYAC, which connects youth with volunteer opportunities. This year, I am looking forward to organizing intergenerational events and fundraisers to expand this initiative. Looking ahead, I plan to study political science at university, with the goal of attending law school and pursuing a career in humanitarian aid. I aim to work for NGOs and contribute to international development abroad. Outside of academics and volunteering, I enjoy writing, curating Spotify playlists, and scrapbooking.

Lux Gorjao (he/they)

Hey! My name is Lux, and I’m a student at Inquiry Hub Secondary. I love spending my time reading, with friends, listening to music, and outdoors! I’m also a big fan of food, both making and enjoying. I’ve been learning to code for the past few years with the help of my dad, and also run and hike! My main reason for joining the YDI YAC was as a way to help contribute to my community! I would love to help build stronger bonds, connections, and supports for youth. With all that’s going on in the world today, we more than ever need to help one another! I’ve always held a strong passion for the wellbeing of those around me, and I want to be able to put that to good use. Looking forward, I’m planning to become a psychologist, and being part of the YAC is a great stepping stone there. I’m excited to see what we’ll accomplish this year!

Manleen Dhaliwal (she/her)

My name is Manleen Dhaliwal and I am a major sports lover. I am currently in Grade 11 and I love playing every sport that is offered to me. I am part of all of my schools athletic teams and most of the schools clubs. I love helping people whether it be as a peer tutor or a peer counsellor in my school community. I enjoy reading in my free time whether it be books or magazines or articles. I decided to join YDI as a way to give back and help my community in a way that helps our youth today from problems starting at the root. I believe the work we are going to do at YDI and the work they have been doing is making a huge change in your youth today providing teens with help and safety. That is just the tip of the iceberg and i hope to get more opportunity to help my community thrive.

Manvir Kaur Toor (she/her)

Hi! My name is Manvir. I am 17 years old and in grade 12. Ever since I came across the YDI, I have been inspired to learn more about youth mental health and ways to help.

Maryam Shittu

Maryam Abisola Shittu is a senior at Mount Elizabeth Secondary School, where she has cultivated a deep interest in community research aimed at making a positive impact on her environment. Her passion for understanding and improving her community has led her to become actively involved in various volunteer activities. Through her community service, Maryam has developed a keen interest in hearing diverse perspectives and contributing meaningfully to the well-being of others. Maryam’s involvement extends beyond volunteering; she is a dedicated member of several school organizations, including the Black Student Union, the Women’s Club, and the Eco Club. Her participation in these groups has enriched her understanding of community dynamics and the different viewpoints people hold. Each organization has provided her with unique insights into social issues, environmental challenges, and the importance of inclusivity and representation. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Maryam has undertaken personal projects focused on addressing local community needs, which have strengthened her research skills and commitment to service. Looking ahead, Maryam plans to study Neurosurgery at the University of Calgary. She aims to delve deeper into human and community health care, driven by her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and overall well-being. Her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and her proactive approach to community issues highlight her resolve to make a significant, positive impact in her field and beyond.

Max Gomez-Bull (she/they)

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and moved to British Columbia, Canada with my mother when I was 9 months old. I spent my early childhood in Victoria, BC but in 2012 I moved to Haida Gwaii, BC, on the unseeded territory of the Haida Nation. Haida culture quickly became ingrained into my way of life as it had always been extensively taught throughout school. I have always been grateful for the opportunity to learn about Haida culture because I have been raised with very little knowledge of my own (Chilean, Mexican and Irish). Growing up on Haida Gwaii, the main extracurricular activities of youth my own age have always been sport-related, predominantly being basketball. I’ve never found myself very sport inclined and have always found my interests in the artistic, scientific or social side of things. At age 11 I realised my great love for psychology and biology and have never once wearied from my dream of becoming a counselling psychologist. Some specific interests I have are mycology, poetry, entomology, fashion styling and design, collecting oddities and crystals, astronomy, cosmology, and singing/song writing. I decided to join the Youth Advisory Council because of my passion for psychology. The thought of being able to use my unique skill set combined with the skill set of a passionate group of people like the YDI, using this platform to promote and create helpful, intriguing resources to better the lives of Youth in BC, makes me overwhelmingly happy.

Mia Pollak (she/her)

Hello! My name is Mia Pollak, and I am currently a Grade 12 student residing in the tri-cities area. I am thrilled to be a member of the YDI Youth Advisory Council. My decision to join YDI was driven by my passion for making a positive impact in my community and collaborating with like-minded peers to bring meaningful support to those struggling. Beyond my involvement with YDI, I am actively engaged in my community. I Dance at my local studio, dancing as a full time company dancer, as well as teaching dance to young kids. Which allows me to develop my skills, meet new people, and challenge myself in different ways. Dance has taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. In the future, I aspire to be a clinical paediatric psychologist. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to the YDI Youth Advisory Council. Together, I believe we can make a significant difference and inspire others!

Sara Kelayeh (she/her)

Hi! I’m Sara. This year, I will be a senior in high school! I live in North Vancouver, which makes it a lot easier for me to do the activities I enjoy most. My hobbies include skiing, photography, biking, and hanging out with my friends usually but also do volunteer work when I can. I applied to join the YDI Youth Advisory Council in the hopes of doing research alongside people who are interested in the same fields as me. By gaining experience through this opportunity I wish to learn more about the youths of our generation and in the future, I hope to go to university for science and pursue a job in the medical field.

Tobey Donaghy (he/him)

Hi my name is Tobey my pronouns are He/Him, this year I’m going into grade 12 in Abbotsford. My current interests are theatre, writing, painting, and volunteering when I am able. I decided to join the YDI Youth Advisory Council so that I could help be a part of creating meaningful change in the world around me whether it’s big or small I want to help get change started. As well as helping identify systemic issues that are affecting children and teenagers currently and trying to use data to support the existence and fix those issues. In the future I hope to become a teacher because of the impact teachers have had on me and my wellbeing. And so I am able to support vulnerable youth in the future as I was supported. I have a big passion for reading and writing too so being an English literature teacher would be very fun for me. For the past four years I’ve been involved in theatre at my school and acting in almost six shows so far, hopefully eight by the end of the year. This year I will also be writing my very own play which I am super excited about!

Tristan Ferguson (he/him)

I am currently in Grade 12, a student attending George Elliot Secondary School. There I am doing quite a few extracurriculars such as Wrestling, and coaching. Outside of school I work as a Line-Cook, and next year I’ll be in an experimental program near my school a health care sampler. Being in the first class the program has been ran nearby. My main goal in the future is either to become a paramedic or a nurse, all I know is I want to be that person when someone is in the most dire need of help and have the ability to give it to them. That is my goal — to help when people need it the most.

Vania Bangash (she/her)

My name is Vania, and I’m a grade 12 student in Richmond! I decided to join the YDI Youth Advisory Council because of my passion for helping others, specifically my peers, through their mental health struggles, and want to help work towards youth health and wellbeing! I love to do painting and reading in my free time. I aspire to become a psychologist in the future!

Yasmeen Eldabaja (she/her)

I’m Yasmeen Eldabaja, a 12th grader from the Lower Mainland. I have a passion for both academics and extracurricular activities and am proud to be a consistent member of the principal’s honor roll. In my free time, I love staying active by playing basketball, ultimate, and swimming. My involvement in sports and community service has led me to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, where I enjoy helping others and staying engaged with my community. As a Palestinian, I take great pride in sharing my culture through traditional dance, food, and music. This connection to my heritage is a joyful way to express and celebrate my identity, and I enjoy introducing others to the rich traditions of my background. I joined the YDI Youth Advisory Council because I believe addressing the stigma around mental health is crucial, especially among teenagers. By sharing my experiences and perspectives, I hope to contribute to mental health research and advocacy, helping to create a more understanding and supportive environment for young people. In the future, I aspire to pursue a career in the medical field, and I am eager to gain valuable experience through my involvement in the council and other community activities. This role allows me to merge my interests in health and community service, and I’m excited about the opportunities it offers for personal and professional growth.

Zephyr Wyatt Wrate Pickell (he/him)

My name is Zephyr, and I am a 17 year old high school student living in the Okanagan. At school, I’m on the soccer and ultimate frisbee teams, and at lunch I play games of Magic: the Gathering with my friends. Swimming, being outdoors, and listening to music are some of my favourite things to do at home. The bands I enjoy are Fleetwood Mac, Parov Stelar, and Dave Matthews Band, but I listen to all sorts of music. I also appreciate a good dad joke. I joined the YDI Youth Advisory Council because I believe my communication and video editing skills can help improve the mental health of youth my age. I’m excited to join a group of other people and put our heads together to see what we can come up with. In the future, I plan to attend film school in the hopes of becoming a director. Three of my favourite movies are Baby Driver, My Neighbour Totoro, and the Breakfast Club.

Zoe Romero

Hi, my name is Zoe! I attend Little Flower Academy as a grade eleven student. I’ve lived in Vancouver for around fourteen years and am both Canadian and American. I decided to join the YDI YAC to help my community by being a voice for those youth who feel like they don’t have a say in their situations at school or at home. I want to voice my opinions and experiences because I know that many people have gone through similar experiences but are too scared to speak up, so that’s what I’m doing. At school, I’ve also recently become a mental health ambassador. Outside of that, you can find me working on fictional stories, gaming, reading, or mindlessly scrolling on social media as one my age might do. In the future, I hope to go to university in California, where I recently lived for a year, and study something history related. I’m looking forward to being able to speak out and make a difference within my community by being on this council.

Provincial Advisory Board

Members of the 2024/2025 Provincial Advisory Board term:

  • Annie Smith (McCreary Centre Society)
  • Brad Robinson (BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions)
  • Dzung Vo (BC Children’s Hospital)
  • Evelyn Stewart (University of British Columbia)
  • Faizel Rawji (Sea to Sky School District – SD 48)
  • Geoff McKee (BC Centre for Disease Control)
  • Gino Bondi (BC School Superintendents Association)
  • Gordon Li (BC School Trustees Association)
  • Jeremy Church (North Vancouver School District – SD 44)
  • Julia Langton (Foundry)
  • Kate Buium (Human Early Learning Partnership – University of British Columbia)
  • Kelly Angelius (BC Ministry of Children & Family Development)
  • Kristina Ponce (BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions)
  • Krystal Dash (BC Ministry of Education and Child Care)
  • Meena Dawar (Vancouver Coastal Health)
  • Michelle Cianfrone (BC Children’s Hospital)
  • Miranda Andrews (BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions)
  • Nathan Ngieng (Abbotsford School District – SD 34)
  • Nick Seredick (Pacific Rim School District – SD70)
  • Shirley Giroux (BC Schools Counsellors Association)
  • Tracy Hoskin (Fraser Health)

Past Members

Lab Members

2024
David Long, MD – Data Analyst
Jacquie Maloney, PhD – Lab Coordinator
Jillian Herring, MPH – Research Assistant
Rachel Correia, MPH – Research Assistant
Nada Hafez, MSc – Research Assistant

2023
Julia Blake, MD – Psychiatry Resident
Christine Yanagawa, BA – Research Assistant
Jocelyn Lee, MPH, BSc – Research Assistant
Lauren Gorfinkel, MPH – Research Assistant
Michelle Wu – Practicum Student
Sonya Tsou – Practicum Student

2022
Mari del Casal, MPH – Implementation Coordinator & MPH Thesis Student
Sayema Badar, MPH – Lab Coordinator
Shabnam Raufi, Directed Studies Student
Ren Lo, BES – Research Assistant/Project Coordinator
Sonia Heer, Honours Thesis Student
Zara Jeffries, Directed Studies Student

2021
Qudrat Aujla – Directed Studies Student
Sarah Pendreigh, BA (Hons.) – Practicum Student
Amilya Ladak, BSc (Hons.) – Research Assistant
Gaelen Snell, MSc  – Research Project Coordinator
Ladan Fathi, MSc – Research Assistant

2020
Caralyn Vossen, BSc – Directed Studies Student

2018
Michelle Pang, MPH – Practicum Student

2017
Sean Yang, BA (Hons.) – Research Assistant & Honours Student

Youth Advisory Council

2024
Adya Gupta
Anika Rievaj
Annie Wu
Aristotle Zwinge
Awin Bakhtyar Ali
Brittany Jin
Erik Crowther
Harnoor Dhaliwal
Isabel Palacios
Kayra Ozdemir
Lisa Lei
Lydia Bal
Maya Sailland
Mckenna Lawson
Nicola Knudsen
Queena
Sarah Rogge
Silas Rosalie Dumont
Susie Black
Trinity Bell
Yekta Yousefi


2023
Andreas Kondos-Sheppard
Christie Liu
Hannah Bigiolli
Kennice Wong
Malia Mercado
Manuel Boada
Mara Cassidy Dirlau
Nayimah Lewis
Purnima Verma
Savannah Klynsoon

2022
Annabelle Trokbak
Ayden Thane
Brandon Stellaard
Haneefah Abu
Joseph Tsai
Katy Mezei
Lauren Matties
Lauren Palmer
Qaleem Rawji
Rufina Aniyador
Sierra Lee

2021
Aadi Kaur
Alyssa Wellar
Caila Tymchuk
Charmaine Lee
Jace Lamoreux
Jacob Campbell
Logan Isfeld
Maya Benenteso
Stephanie Quon