Our team
School Mental Health Ontario’s Student and Parent/Caregiver Engagement team focuses on centering the voices of students, parents and caregivers in conversation about mental health and well-being within the school environment.
About the Student and Parent/Caregiver Engagement Team
We work with adults and students to ensure that the ideas and perspectives of students, parents and caregivers are included in school mental health. This includes:
- Working with students, parents, and caregivers to hear their opinions and perspectives.
- Amplifying student, parent, and caregiver voice.
- Working with school staff to support student, parent, and caregiver engagement initiatives.
- Developing tools to support inclusive and effective mental health awareness, learning, and wellness promotion activities for students.
Meet the team
Mental Health Literacy and Promotion Consultant
What is your education background?
I studied psychology at the University of Ottawa, then I did my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. I’ve taught from kindergarten to Grade 8.
What are you passionate about?
My passions include reading, gardening, music, and travelling. I’m also very lucky to love my job because I have a passion for youth and education. Working with young people is a privilege that I hold very close to my heart.
What do you do to care for your mental health?
Dancing is my happy place. I dance with an urban dance crew. Dancing helps me unwind, improves my physical health, builds resilience, and allows me to form strong relationships.
What language(s) do you speak?
English, French
Prevention and Early Intervention and Parent/Caregiver Mental Health Literacy Consultant
What is your education background?
Social work
What are you passionate about?
Travelling, cooking, fashion
What do you do to care for your mental health?
Gratitude, breathing exercise, walking by the bay, dancing
What language(s) do you speak?
French, English, Ndanda, Medumba
Student Engagement Area Lead Consultant
What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public health
What are you passionate about?
A couple of things: travel, my communities, my creative outlets, and, of course, my work—promoting good mental health and ensuring young people have the right information and tools to thrive.
What do you do to care for your mental health?
I try to stay connected with my loved ones and like to go on walks outside and move my body in the gym.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Student Engagement Consultant
What is your education background?
Bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in health geography
What are you passionate about?
Active transportation, travel, nature, and my work!
What do you do to care for your mental health?
I like to work out, go for walks, or spend time with loved ones to recharge my energy and clear my mind.
What language(s) do you speak?
English and some Portuguese
Student Equity and Mental Health Consultant
What is your education background?
Master of Education and Master of Social Work
What are you passionate about?
So many things – but for the sake of narrowing it down, I would say my community. They fill my cup.
What do you do to care for your mental health?
Top three things: journal, walk or exercise, and spend time with my people and community.
What language(s) do you speak?
English
Newcomer Student Mental Health Consultant
What is your education background?
Social work
What are you passionate about?
Travel
What do you do to care for your mental health?
Be in nature
What language(s) do you speak?
English, Urdu, Hindi