Our youth advisory council (the Youth council) builds on the capacity of young people to improve child and youth mental health and addictions services across Ontario by speaking to, and acting on, issues that impact or are important to young people. The Youth council reflects our commitment to meaningful youth engagement; we rely on young people's perspectives as well as integral input, expertise and guidance to ensure our policies, approaches, initiatives and other work are responsive to the evolving needs of young people.

Meet the Youth council

The Youth council consists of about a dozen diverse young people from across the province.

Agamjot's bio

Agamjot is a Health Sciences student at McMaster University with experience in research and campus sustainability initiatives. He mentors students and children in Hamilton and has been supporting a community project focused on rehabilitating youth and adults living with addiction. With first-hand experience navigating mental health systems, Agamjot is committed to driving system-level change and improving access to responsive, inclusive services for young people. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, art, and making music.

Alisha's bio

She/her

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's bio

She/her

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's bio

She/they

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.

Arman's bio

Arman is an undergraduate student from Brampton, Ontario, with a passion for learning, personal growth, and youth mental health. As a soccer player and coach, he has developed strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. He’s committed to reducing stigma and creating supportive spaces where young people feel heard and valued. Through the council, Arman wants to use his voice to help shape programs and initiatives that truly reflect the needs of young people. Outside of work, he enjoys hanging out with friends, and is a big fan of Marvel and Harry Potter.

Em's bio

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.

Eshal Ali

Eshal is pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University with an interest in health systems, equity, and medical sciences. She has co-founded a school mental health committee in her rural community and later served as a student trustee and advisor to the municipal council. She is further an active researcher contributing to a variety of projects including the development of a medical health advocacy curriculum. She has worked directly with young people through leadership programs, camps, and non-profits, strengthening her commitment to accessible mental health supports and early intervention. On the council, Eshal aims to amplify diverse youth voices, including rural perspectives, to help create more equitable systems. She enjoys going on long walks and visiting new cafés in her spare time.

Loli's bio

Loli is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence at Durham College and is passionate about child and youth mental health. Growing up in Toronto, she was exposed to diverse cultures that fostered her appreciation for inclusion and meaningful connections. As a teen, she launched a mental health channel to raise awareness and later took on leadership roles with School Mental Health Ontario/ThriveSMH. Loli joined the Council to step outside her comfort zone and share ideas that support and inspire young people. Beyond her studies and advocacy, she enjoys editing, acrobatics, poetry, and exploring human behaviour.

Nadia's bio

Nadia has been a member of the youth advisory council since 2025.

Ozzy's bio

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

Precious's bio

Precious is from Toronto, Ontario, with an academic background in life sciences. She has professional experience in child and youth support services, program coordination, and camp counselling. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where youth can develop coping skills and access resources. Precious brings her advocacy, communication, and lived experiences to the Council to ensure that youth voices shape mental health and addiction supports. She enjoys reading, baking, working out, listening to music, and watching television. 

Sabriya's bio

She/her

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.

Member responsibilities

The purpose of the Youth council includes:

  • Advising on our strategic directions and activities.
  • Empowering youth representatives to lead and inform key decisions in the development, implementation and evaluation of our initiatives.
  • Building meaningful, professional relationships between council members.
  • Augmenting the capacity of our youth engagement team by acting as a mechanism for project support, when needed.
  • Ensuring alignment with our strategic advisory council through consistent youth liaison representing both councils.