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.

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.

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

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.