About ThriveSMH
ThriveSMH (Thrive School Mental Health) is School Mental Health Ontario’s English-speaking student reference group. ThriveSMH members work with SMH-ON’s team of educators, mental health professionals, and partners to make sure that we understand the kinds of support students want and need at their schools and boards.
Meet the ThriveSMH team
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Northeast
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined this group to be a voice for the students’ mental health, and to be part of reducing the stigma of mental health to create a society where students don’t need to be ashamed about their own well-being.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill that makes me a better person is having empathy for others.
What language(s) do you speak?
English and French
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
9
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH to make a positive impact in student mental health! Also, I was interested in working with a diverse group of passionate individuals from across Ontario.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is creativity! Especially when it comes to art projects.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English, Punjabi, Hindi fluently. However, I know a bit of Tamil, Gujarati, and French.
Pronouns
he/him
Grade
10
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
West
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH to better understand and support when it comes to mental health, in my school and my community.
What’s your super skill?
Upstander, not a bystander
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
West
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I am a BIG advocate for mental health and am very passionate about making mental health support available for all students.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is being able to walk faster than everyone else in the hallway, on my way rushing to class.
What language(s) do you speak?
I’m a fluent in English and Polish. I am also currently learning German, Russian, and Spanish.
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2019
Region
Toronto
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I wanted to learn more about mental health and contribute toward changing the landscape of mental health support within education in our province!
What’s your super skill?
I can literally do anything (to varying degrees of success).
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Pronouns
she/her and they/them
Grade
9
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH because mental health is a topic near to me and I want to do anything I can to help break the stigma!
What’s your super skill?
Learning new things quickly.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Pronouns
he/him
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
East
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I was looking for an opportunity to help others and gain experience working with others.
What’s your super skill?
I’d say my super skill is the ability to work as a team with others.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Pronouns
he/him and they/them
Grade
10
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
West
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I wanted to play a part in bettering the Ontario mental health curriculum, while also working to destigmatize mental heath talk around school.
What’s your super skill?
Being the coolest person in every room I’m in.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
My super skill is my hugging abilities. I have been told I give the best hugs, especially to those I love. I also love editing videos together to show my friends and family.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is that I am double jointed in my thumb, pinkie toe and can turn my tongue into the shape of a flower!
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
I speak English and French!
Pronouns
he/him
Grade
10
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
East
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
To help improve student mental health across Ontario.
What’s your super skill?
Public speaking
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2021
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH because seeing the disparities in mental health among youth spiked a passion; having an opportunity to amplify student voices in a way that addresses the intersectionality of the issue, that provides me with a toolbox to help my community.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is questioning the entire existence and the world itself simultaneously, all while trying to eat lunch.
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Toronto
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH to build a better school environment for myself and my peers. Mental health is a fragile subject, where people often deny their right to express themselves. “How are you?” is a simple question that can evoke different emotions. I didn’t dare miss such an opportunity, because a healthy environment benefits everyone!
What’s your super skill?
Graphics, acrobatics and altruism!
What language(s) do you speak?
English, French, and basic knowledge of native language (Bassa – Cameroon)
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Northwest
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH because I am passionate about the mental health and I believe it is very important to make sure students have access to proper resources and education about mental health in schools.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is my ability to communicate and advocate for myself and others.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak French and English
Pronouns
they/them
Grade
12
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH to make a difference in how mental health is seen in school boards as well as how it’s addressed in classrooms and homes.
What’s your super skill?
Caring, compassion
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
10
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
East
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH to educate myself and others on mental health further. As someone who is interested in learning new things, especially about the human mind, I strongly believe that everyone should be informed about mental health so they can help themselves and others.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is reading people’s intentions and their feelings.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
11
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Northeast
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
To help spread awareness about mental health.
What’s your super skill?
I’m good in social situations and at helping people.
Pronouns
she/her
Grade
10
What year did you join ThriveSMH?
2022
Region
Central
Why did you join ThriveSMH?
I joined ThriveSMH because of their meaningful work in the field of mental health in Ontario, and I wanted to contribute to improving mental health outcomes in the region.
What’s your super skill?
My super skill is my proficiency in editing and technology. I have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of various editing techniques, which allows me to transform raw content into polished, high-quality work.
What language(s) do you speak?
English, French & Urdu
How to get involved
You have the power to make a difference in school mental health. You can start by taking care of your mental health and supporting your friends. But you can also get involved with activities at your school, school board, or with us to help more students.
Your voice matters. To learn how you can get involved to impact mental health at your school or school board, speak to your guidance counsellor or principal/vice-principal about opportunities at your school.
Connect with us
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Follow ThriveSMH on Instagram to stay up to date with the team @ThriveSMH