Meet the 2024-2025National Student Advisory Council
The Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council is a group of teens dedicated to the Work2BeWell program and its vision of empowering teens to thrive through access to mental health resources, authentic connections with peers and educators and digital platforms for resiliency. The NSAC is committed to making mental health a top priority in schools and communities across the nation through Access, Education and Activation. The council is composed of teens from a variety of backgrounds, schools and states who have a passion for the W2BW vision. NSAC students are selected through a nomination, application, or interview process. The council is organized into three teams based on interest and passion to support and provide input to the W2BW Vision. Each team has student leads who make up the key leadership for that year’s council and serve as liaisons to the program team. Each team is also paired with a Work2BeWell Mentor.
Access Team
Jeffrey, Team Lead
Texas
THE Jeffrey Townsend (he/him) is a senior at Lakeridge. This cowboy is from Texas, and aside from rounding up bad guys he aspires to be a filmmaker in the future. However in his free time you can find Jeff in his garage working on a beat up car that he hopes to (one day!) turn into a beauty.
Lastly, this Access Team Lead Works2BeWell by making sure he gets enough (and then some) sleep everyday
Vivian, Co-Team Lead
Washington
Vivian Chen (she/her) is a Work2BeWell Access Team co-lead. From Washington state, Vivian is a current junior at Lakeside High School. Through NSAC, she hopes to help impact teen mental health in a positive way and destigmatize mental health conversations. By leading her school’s Medical Society club, competing in Ethics Bowl, working as a teaching assistant, and playing on her school’s golf team, she stays active within her community– however, in her free time, she enjoys learning new songs on the guitar or going thrifting with friends.
Vivian Works2BeWell by painting, listening to music, taking naps, and spending time with family and friends.
Ariyana, Co-Team Lead
Virginia
Ariyana Hashemi (she/her) is a co-lead of the Access Team, and a rising senior at Herndon High School. She is both a mental health advocate and warrior. She is working to destigmatize mental health at her school through the Our Minds Matter club, in her community through her non-profit Generation Union, and more globally through her initiative Normalizing the Conversation. She hopes to scale that impact through NSAC!
Finally, she Works2BeWell by baking, listening to music, as well as exercising!
Nicole, Co-Team Lead
Texas
Nicole Hou (she/her) is a co-lead on the Access Team at Work2BeWell, and a senior at Mira Loma High School. She combines her passion in mental health advocacy with her love to serve her community and beyond. By founding and being elected President of MedNet, a medical club that spearheads opportunities for students at her school, she discovered a growing motivation for her drive to spread health awareness. Nicole has served as a Northern Freshman Director on the California Association of Student Leaders State Board, branching out using innovative solutions in order to help more and more students find their voice. She is the 2023 National Online Forensics Champion in High School Impromptu, and loves to use her platform as a springboard to give her peers a chance to speak up and out. Nicole utilizes her experience in leadership and speech to lead initiatives and increase the access to mental health opportunities for fellow students everywhere in the world.
Nicole Works2BeWell by baking delicious desserts, playing tennis, and chatting with friends and family!
Kaltrina
Connecticut
Kaltrina Ameti (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. She is currently a senior at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls, Connecticut where she is an active member in various clubs and honor societies, and also serves as Student Body Vice President of her student government. She also serves as President of her statewide student government, the CT Association of Student Councils.
Kaltrina Works2BeWell by listening to music, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and reading.
Orian
Texas
Orian Blowe (he/him) is a member of the Work2BeWell Access team. He is a senior at Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy in El Paso, Texas, the president of his schools queer-straight alliance, and an aspiring animator. He plans to use his animations to provide representation for those who struggle to relate to mainstream media, and destigmatize mental illnesses— as media depicting depression, anxiety, or OCD accurately would have been immensely helpful and reassuring during his formative years. He looks forward to starting a W2BW club at his school and doing all he can to help his community.
Orian Works2BeWell by practicing martial arts (Capoeira), drawing, making music, and dancing.
Christopher
Michigan
Christopher Cummins (he/him) is a member of Work2BeWell’s Access Team. He is currently a Freshman at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. This is his first year working with Work2BeWell. He’s ready for all of the new opportunities and challenges he is going to face this year. He is also excited to be able to help out other teens with mental health , and show how much support they have for them.
In school, he was a former member of the NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) helping out with all of the projects that were going on in his school. He is involved with his school musicals, helped with fundraising for his school, and has been taking piano lessons for the last year.
Christopher Works2BeWell by listening to music, hanging out with his friends, and spending time with family.
Aditi
North Carolina
Aditi Ediga (she/her) is a sophomore at Panther Creek High School in North Carolina. She has a passion for mental health advocacy and art. She loves being a part of her school’s colorguard program. She volunteers actively in her community with her local teen council and serves on the board of her school’s FBLA program.
Aditi Works2BeWell by dancing, singing, and writing.
Sofia
Maryland
Sofia Fraga (she/her) is a member of Work2BeWell’s Access Team. This is her second year on the team and she’s entering her senior year at Chopticon High School in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. In school, Sofia has constantly undertaken a rigorous schedule, including serving her second term as Student Government President and serving previously as the President of her Future Business Leaders of American and Student Diversity clubs.
Outside of Work2BeWell, Sofia currently serves a term on the Maryland Association of Student Councils as their Mental Health Coordinator where she makes it her goal to provide resources and awareness on mental health to students across her state. She has practiced mental health advocacy through Active Mind’s Mental Health Advocacy Academy, after facing her own battles with her mental health, strengthening her passion for mental health advocacy.
Sofia Works2BeWell by spending time with her baby brosters, listening to Lana Del Rey on repeat, and going out with her friends!
Andrew
Maryland
Andrew Lieux (Leer) (he/him) is a member of the Work2BeWell Access Team. As Andrew ventures into his senior year at Huntingtown High School in Calvert County, Maryland, he’s elated to delve further into his mental health advocacy, while closing his high school years. Andrew, a dedicated mental health advocate, previously served two terms as the Maryland Association of Student Councils Mental Health Affairs Coordinator, is a mental health creator on Instagram, and works closely with statewide legislative efforts, notably supporting the passage of an anti-data manipulation act to protect minors online. Aside from his activism, you can find him going on long runs, going out for late night drives blasting Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Sabrina Carpenter, and all the like, writing, and making so many memories!
Andrew Works2BeWell by spending time with his favorite people, dancing like an idiot, and picking up different stories and bits of advice from strangers he meets!
Olivia
Oregon
Olivia Pham (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell access team. She is currently a junior at Tualatin High School and resides in Portland, Oregon. This will be her first year as a part of W2BW NSAC and she is looking forward to getting involved! Mental health struggles have been a major part of her life the past few years and she hopes to help spark more crucial conversation about it- especially within minority communities.
She is an active member in her school by holding the executive positions of ASB secretary, FBLA co-president, Key Club treasurer, and is a part of several other clubs. When she’s not at school, she often spends time serving her community by volunteering at animal rescues and her local library.
Olivia Works2BeWell by going to concerts, spending time with her dog, playing the guitar, and playing tennis.
Allison
Pennsylvania
Allison Rocco (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell Access team. She is currently a senior at North Pocono High School, located near Scranton, Pennsylvania. This is her first year on the W2BW NSAC board, and she is so excited for the opportunity to help other teens learn about mental health and wellness.
In school, Allison is an active member of her student community. This year, she is the Executive President of her school’s student council. She is also a member of her school board and district health council. Last year, she created a Work2BeWell committee on her school’s student council and helped to develop their first Mental Health Awareness Week. She also was involved on the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council’s executive board as Region H Representative and diversity committee student lead for two years.
Allison Works2BeWell by reading, going on coffee dates with friends, walking her dogs, and spending time gardening.
Aishwarya
Georgia
Aishwarya Sridhar (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell access team. She is currently a sophomore in Johns Creek, Georgia. Aishwarya has recognized the lack of attention and involvement in regard to mental health and works to address the stigma around it. She is interested in the medical field and further hopes to improve the focus on mental health.
Aishwarya Works2BeWell by listening to music and spending time with her family.
Education Team
Addison, Team Lead
Washington
Addison Aguada (she/her) is the team lead for Work2BeWell’s Education Team and resides in Renton, Washington. She is a senior at Kentridge High School and a second-year Running Start student at Green River College. Addison is a strong advocate for youth mental health after witnessing those around her struggle with their mental health as well as her own.
She enjoys staying active in her school and community by being involved in leadership, National Honor Society, Key Club, Letters for Rose, and serving as president of Work2BeWell Club, and vice president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Club. Addison has also played on her school’s volleyball team for the last three years. What Addison is most proud of is activating the first Work2BeWell Club in Washington state, and providing much needed mental health resources in her school district. Through her work with Work2BeWell, Addison has continued to spread mental health and wellness advocacy in her community.
Outside of school, Addison enjoys playing club volleyball, participating in community theater, and acting in local commercials. Addison joined Work2BeWell to help provide useful and accessible tools for teens to manage their mental health and well-being.
Addison Works2BeWell by going on walks with her goldendoodle Nalu, playing the guitar, karaoking with friends, and capturing moments on her Polaroid.
Dominic, Co-Team Lead
Georgia
Dominic Mimbang (He/Him) is a member of the Work2BeWell Education Team. He is currently a junior and Health & Human Services Academy student at Coffee High School in Douglas, GA. Dominic’s passion in mental health advocacy began with a desire to help minority communities destigmatize conversations around mental health, in order to create a healthy space where others can be vulnerable and seek support.
Outside of Work2BeWell, he is the President of his school’s FBLA chapter, as well as the Georgia FBLA Region 2 VP. He’s also the VP of Membership of his school’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a Know Your Worth Ambassador, and participates in Debate/MUN. He also serves as the City of Douglas’ Jr. Mayor Pro Tem and a City Attorney for the Teen Court program,
Dominic Works2BeWell by cooking crepes, hanging out with friends, teaching French & Italian to his community, and immersing himself in literature and extracurriculars.
Jacqueline, Co-Team Lead
Missouri
Jacqueline Rogers (she/her) is a senior at Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Missouri. She loves staying busy by participating in various school clubs and activities, including serving as student body president, President of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), captain of the Speech and Debate Team, and president of the Green Team. Jacqueline also stays active by skating for the Mizzou figure skating team and playing tennis for her school. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and co-leads the education team for Work2BeWell. She believes in the importance of promoting mental well-being and strives to make a positive impact in her community. In addition to her advocacy work, Jacqueline is actively involved in the community as the vice president of service for the National Student Council.
Jacqueline Works2BeWell by promoting self-care through baking and gardening, and by providing support to others.
Ravali, Co-Team Lead
California
Ravali Vallurupalli (she/her) is a team co-lead for the Work2BeWell Education Team. She is a senior in Valencia High School’s International Baccalaureate program in Southern California. Her passion in youth mental health was a gradual development, but she began to take action after finally facing her own mental health struggles.
As part of Ravali’s advocacy, she is part of several mental health organizations like Connect-OC, NAMI California. She is also the senior director of her local non-profit Minds Entwined. Within school, she is her Mock Trial team captain, FBLA and CASC delegate and TEDx speaker. Ravali equally appreciates her personal time where enjoys reading, singing and dancing. Her future plans are to become a child and developmental psychiatrist while also continuing her advocacy in youth mental health.
Ravali Works2BeWell by either listening to calming jazz or blasting and singing to her favorite pop hits while driving.
Kylie
Alaska
Kylie Eaton (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell education team, and a rising Sophomore attending Kodiak High School in Alaska. She is an active participant in her school’s speech team, student council, and an officer of her school’s drama club. She also finds passion through dancing, having taken numerous leadership opportunities with her local dance studio and teaching the younger students within it.
Through the council, she hopes to bring mental health awareness & education throughout her home-state, especially in rural villages where resources for mental health aren’t as prevalent. Her goal is to make connections with like minded students across the nation and develop her leadership skills.
Kylie Works2BeWell by spending quality time with friends and family, doing yoga, creating art through writing, music, and handicraft, and curling up on the couch with a book in her lap.
Logan
Nevada
Logan Edmiston (he/him) is a rising sophomore at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a member of the Work2BeWell education team and a leader in several organizations in his community, including NHS, student council, and Boy Scouts. Logan currently serves as the Social Media Manager for his NHS chapter, Class Historian, and Boy Scout troop Senior Patrol Leader!
Logan became passionate about mental health after the passing of one of his friends during freshman year. His passion for mental health grew after experiencing personal challenges and witnessing how mental health issues affect those around him.
Logan Works2BeWell by listening to music, traveling, taking photos, and hanging out with friends and family.
Brayden
California
Brayden Gallardo (he/him) is a member of the Education Team on the Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council. This is his second year working with the W2BW NSAC, and is excited to work with this amazing team again! He hopes to bring a greater awareness to mental health and bring topics to light that usually go unseen in everyday conversations. He is a rising senior at Salinas High School in Salinas, California.
Brayden keeps busy at school by being President of the Pre-Med Club, where he works with his local hospital to spur interest in the medical field. He furthers his cooperation with the hospital by serving as the Administrative Vice President of Post 450 of the Health Explorers club. He also serves as the President of his local LatinXTech chapter, where he works to teach STEM classes to underserved students. Brayden is also a part of the California Association of Student Councils, as he serves as the outreach director. He advocates for mental health directly in his local community by working on the Monterey County Teen Mental Health Council. Brayden is also a part of the national Honor Society, the California Scholarship Foundation, the Principal’s Advisory Council, and his school’s theater troupe.
Brayden Works2BeWell by reading, playing the piano, and taking the time to relax and put on some indie rock.
Olivia
Oregon
Olivia Han (she/her) is a sophomore at Sunset High School in Beaverton, Oregon. She is a member of the Work2BeWell education team. She loves participating in school activities and getting the most out of her academic experiences. She is her Mock Trial Varsity team captain, was an international conference qualifier for her school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), received a Scholastic Arts and Writing award for poetry and photography, is a published poet, has a blog about systemic injustice, is currently working on a research paper, and is in the process of creating a mental health youth poster campaign. She is excited to see what sophomore year will bring her and is especially excited to take calculus and chemistry.
Being a youth mental health advocate is a great honor for Olivia, she hopes to help many teens across the nation get the support they need. She has a passion for mental health advocacy and hopes to help not only de-stigmatize but to also create avenues for safe spaces.
Olivia loves music, singing, and hanging out with friends. Reading fantasy or classic books always captivates her and she loves sharing about them with the people in her life. She loves traveling to new places and finding cute cafes. Her favorite music genres are: indie alternative, K-Pop, punk, and reggaeton.
Olivia Works2BeWell by going to concerts and listening to music as much as possible!
Sara
California
Sara is a junior at Providence High School in Burbank, California, and is a proud member of the Work2BeWell education team this year! She is deeply passionate about fostering initiatives surrounding mental health, awareness and advocacy.
With aspirations to pursue a psychology major in college, Sara channels her dedication to mental health through a plethora of roles and activities. She is a published author, who is now currently working with a clinical psychologist on a comparative analysis research concerning social factors surrounding schizophrenia prognosis at a baseline level, to be published in November 2024. She has also participated in various psychology-related internships and taken courses at colleges such as UC Irvine and Columbia, to expand her knowledge in the field.
Outside of her academic pursuits, she is a member of the equestrian team, campus ministry leadership, english honor society, biology olympiad and frequently volunteers at the hospital, and animal shelters. Additionally, what had initially sparked her interest in mental health was her role serving as president of the mental health club at her school. Sara strongly advocates for the profound impact of mental health and aims to devote her future career in psychology to this cause.
Sara Works2BeWell by spending time with friends, being around nature and exploring new places.
George
Idaho
George (he/him) is a member of the Work2BeWell National Student Advisory Council in the Education team. He is currently a senior in Coeur d’Alene Idaho at the CDA Charter Academy. George swims competitively and has done so on the Coeur d’Alene Area Swim Team and Post Falls High School Swim Team for 7 and 3 years respectively. He is the president of his school’s ASB, a part of NHS, and tutor for both his school and the SAT on Schoolhouse.com. George strongly believes in equal access to medical care and mental health services, working towards abolishing existing disparities in rural communities by raising awareness through education.
George Works2BeWell by swimming, reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family
Rayna
Washington
Rayna Shah (She/They) is a vibrant first-timer on the education team at NSAC! She is a freshman at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, WA. Rayna is no stranger to community involvement. She was an active member of her middle school’s GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Club, advocating for inclusivity and acceptance. In addition, she also volunteered at several organizations as part of being an NHS member.
Rayna has a passion for sound design and development which is evident in her summer course at DigiPen, where she’s honing her skills in music production. She’s also using her creative talent to good use as an intern for a non-profit organization, designing their logo and contributing to their visual identity. Her keen interest in mental health, particularly for LGBT students, shows her empathetic nature and commitment to making a difference.
Rayna Works2BeWell by listening to her favorite songs and lip-syncing along, spending time with her friends and family, and dabbling in arts and doodles.
Uma
New York
Uma Sharma (She/Her) is a rising junior at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, New York. This is her first year on the NSAC Education team, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to work with so many bright people!
Uma is the vice president of her school’s Mental Wellness club, and an active participant and advocate for mental health in her school and her community. She actively volunteers with her county’s chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she has brought in speakers to her high school, and volunteers NAMI events. She is deeply involved in mental health initiatives at her school, organizing events through the Mental Wellness Club and is currently developing an art curriculum aimed at fostering emotional wellness in young people. Additionally, she is preparing to collaborate with the President’s Junior Leadership Council (PJLC) of the Northern Westchester Hospital to pursue advocacy related to youth mental wellness. Seeing the harmful effects of avoiding discussions about mental health in her community has motivated her to be an advocate for those around her.
Nathan
Oregon
Nathan Tran (He/She/They) is a senior student at Tigard High school in Oregon. This is his first year on the NSAC for the Education team and is very grateful for the opportunity he has gained! He is a member of various clubs (8+) and is the Co-President/President of his Asian Student Union, Book Club, and Work2BeWell Club while also being a Project Manager for their National Honor Society chapter at school. Additionally, he is a student representative for his school board and is active in his school’s theater scene, being a member of Thespian Society.
Outside of school/academics, she regularly volunteers around her community, helping with distributing food to families. She is also a mentor for struggling middle school 8th graders in a student-led program called Intercambio which seeks to help them mentally, socially, and academically before they transition into high school. As a queer Asian American, she has faced various obstacles that have been detrimental to her mental health. Through help and support, she managed to overcome them and hopes to show others like her that they can do the same. To feel safe. To feel comforted. To feel free.
Nathan Works2BeWell by searching up sales of their dream house, reading books as they listen to music, eating their mom’s delicious cooking, and sleeping in their bed.
Andres
Texas
Andres (he/they) is excited to join the education team for the first time this year. They hope to bring good vibes and new ideas. Andres wants to make it easier for teens to talk about mental health.
They’ve been involved in mental health for years, inspired by their mom’s experience with bipolar disorder. Andres founded Teens Supporting Teens, a group focused on teen mental health, and is active with their local NAMI chapter, aiming to start the first youth advisory board.
Outside of mental health work, Andres loves video editing and even helped create a music video that got 7 million views!
Andres Works2BeWell by petting their dog’s belly and hanging out with friends.
Activation Team
Anjali, Team Lead
Pennsylvania
Anjali Verma (awn-jah-LEE) (she/her) is the Activation Team Lead this year and has been a part of the Work2BeWell family for 3 years. She lives in Bedminster, Pennsylvania, and is a Senior at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School’s University Scholars Program. Mental health advocacy is incredibly important to Anjali because she wants teens, especially, to understand the value of their voices and know that they are never alone.
Anjali absolutely loves engaging in her school and community. She is currently the Inaugural President of the National Association of Student Councils and was the 2023 Pennsylvania State Student Council President. Additionally, you can find Anjali in the pool as a swimmer and on the field as her school’s lacrosse goalie and captain. Outside of athletics, Anjali works in youth advocacy on the Chief Science Officer International Leadership Council, as a Morgan’s Message Ambassador, as the Digital4Good x #ICANHELP Social Impact Manager, and as the co-founder of her school’s first mental health and wellness club, Messages of Wellness.
Anjali Works2BeWell by admiring sunrises, reading poetry, and spending time with the people (and animals) she loves most.
Hannah, Co-Team Lead
Maine
Hannah Card is one of the co-leads of the Activation Team of Work2BeWell. She lives in Lisbon, Maine, and is a senior at Lisbon High School. After dealing with her own struggles as well as losing a close friend to suicide she became very passionate about mental health advocacy in order to help make sure that no one feels like they are alone. She hopes to break the stigma around mental health struggles and help people, especially teens, in talking about and getting help for various mental health struggles.
Outside of the Work2BeWell NSAC, Hannah enjoys engaging in many other activities as well as assisting her community. She volunteers for a youth helpline called Hey Sam where she is also a member of their advisory board. Additionally, she is also a member of the NAMI Next Gen Community of Practice which is filled with other young mental health advocates to share their ideas and collaborate with each other to work towards a common goal within the realm of mental health advocacy. She is currently a youth ambassador for a local documentary and public service announcement that aims to educate people in her community on mental health awareness. She is the Vice President of the Key Club at her high school which engages in various service projects throughout her community. She also is the President of her school’s National Honor Society chapter. She also enjoys dancing at a local dance studio, mentoring local middle school students, and managing her high school’s field hockey team.
Hannah Works2BeWell by going on long walks, hanging out with friends, journaling, and helping out in her community.
Gavin, Co-Team Lead
Washington
Gavin Cruz (he/him) is one of the co-leads of the activation team at Providence’s Work 2 Be Well. He currently resides in Olympia, WA, and is a senior at Olympia High School. After experiencing the loss of students at his school to suicide, he developed a deep passion for advocating for mental health. His goal is to offer a fresh, youth-focused perspective on eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health issues. He strongly believes that no teenager should suffer in silence. His advocacy includes promoting increased training to help people better utilize the resources available in their local communities, raising awareness of the warning signs of suicide, and teaching effective intervention strategies during moments of crisis.
Besides being a part of NSAC, Gavin loves to be engaged in his community. He is a member of the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) handling legislative affairs that represent the youth of his state, including supporting an initiative to limit isolation methods in K-12 schools and focus on a restorative approach on behavioral intervention. He is also an ambassador for the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) student voice network connecting with high school ASB leaders across the state, one of three key proponents to create his city’s first youth-led council to enact recommendations, and recently was elected to be the 78th Youth Lt. Governor for Washington YMCA Youth and Government this upcoming fall.
Gavin Works2BeWell by hanging out with supportive friends, kayaking at Lake Cushman in the summer, and being close to family.
Ekansha, Co-Team Lead
New Jersey
Ekansha Tabhane (a-KAHN-sha) (she/her) is one of the co-leads of the activation team. She is currently living in New Jersey and is a senior at McNair Academic High School. Mental health is incredibly important to Ekansha because she has witnessed people she knows struggling with it and wants to ensure that help and resources are available, especially to underserved communities.
She is the New Jersey Youth Advisor for the National Governors Association’s Policy Academy on Youth Mental Health, collaborating with state teams to develop comprehensive mental health strategies and policies across the country. In addition to her role at the Policy Academy, Ekansha helps to run the Hoboken Free Public Library STEM Program, leading the development and implementation of a STEM program tailored for children in 2nd to 7th grade, aiming to inspire a passion for STEM subjects and provide foundational skills for future academic and career paths. At her school, she is Vice-President of the Active Minds Chapter, where she manages meetings, contributes to brainstorming sessions, and collaborates on the planning and execution of school-wide mental health awareness events.
Ekansha Works2BeWell by biking, drawing, listening to music, and engaging with her community through various efforts.
Claire
Oregon
Claire Anderson (She/Her) is a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. She is currently a senior at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon. Claire is passionate about mental health advocacy for people of color and those who are struggling. As a woman of color, she sees the impact of others overlooking and silencing their mental health struggles within her community, and works to provide more awareness of mental health resources for those around her.
Within school, Claire is an ambassador for incoming students and leads events to help others feel welcome and accepted into the school environment. She is also a part of Women of Color in Action, a committee at St. Mary’s that is dedicated to bringing more inclusivity and representation to her school. Additionally, Claire has been a part of her school’s Student Equity Team, Service Club, and sings in a competitive choir, The Marian Singers. Outside of school, Claire can be seen volunteering as an Outdoor School Student Leader, working her part-time job, or hanging out with friends!
Claire Works2BeWell by taking her dog for walks, singing along to her favorite songs, and laughing with friends and family!
Justin
North Carolina
Justin Bello (he/him) is a member of the Activation Team for Work2BeWell. He lives in Monroe, North Carolina and is a senior at Sun Valley High School! Justin grew interested in mental health from a personal experience after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This challenging period in his life brought significant mental health struggles, inspiring him to learn more about mental health and advocate for others facing similar challenges.
Justin is very involved in school clubs, especially the student council. He likes to spend most of his free time hanging out with his friends. When he is older, he wants to become a pediatric occupational therapist to help other kids that went through similar things that he had gone through.
Justin Works2BeWell by spending time with friends + family and listening to music.
Mason
Washington
Mason Grose (he/him) is a member of the Activation Team at Work2BeWell. He lives in Castle Rock, Washington and is a Junior at Toutle Lake High School. Mason became involved with mental well-being after losing people in his community to suicide. He hopes to help broaden the access of mental health resources, especially for schools and teens.
Outside of NSAC, Mason loves to help his community. He is a member of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) student voice network, serving as an ambassador. Mason also is serving as the Junior class President and Associated Student Body Off-Campus Representative.
Mason Works2BeWell by watching YouTube, listening to music, spending time with his friends, learning new things about technology, and helping others!
Ayanna
Oklahoma
Ayanna Jaboin (she/her) is a member of the Work2BeWell Activation Team. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and is a junior at Classen SAS High School. Through her own struggles and observation she became hyper aware of how many individuals are struggling with their own mental health. Ayanna wants to elevate diverse perspectives in regards to mental health conversations.
Outside of NSAC, Ayanna is an OKCjrs rower who practices six times per week. She is a Project Management Director at a student run non-profit. Moreover she is an editorial writer for the Log Off Movement, an organization dedicated to discussing the dangers of social media in young people. Ayanna is a Neolth Wellness App Ambassador who discusses the mental wellness challenges in athletes. Lastly, she is part of the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Next Gen Community of Practice.
Ayanna Works2BeWell by journaling, self reflection, and exercise.
Quinn
Iowa
Quinn Pohlman (she/her) is a member of the Activation Team for Work2BeWell. She is a rising senior in high school from Johnston, Iowa. Quinn is the Senior class president for her high school, and the current president of the mental health club as well. Quinn has become involved in mental health advocacy through these positions, and hopes to create accessible resources for those in her community and state.
Outside of NSAC, Quinn participates in various clubs (9+), and serves her community through volunteer work. She is an active participant in the Choir department at her school, and belongs to Johnston’s varsity show choir, “Innovation,” and top choir, “Cantus.” Quinn is a member of the varsity golf team for her high school, and runs cross country in the Fall. Quinn is on the leadership board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter in her district, and has been selected to sit upon various committees through the student ambassador program at her school. She is a national ambassador for OneLove, which fights against abusive relationships with a focus specific to teens, and is part of the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses’ (NAMI) Next Gen Community of Practice. She enjoys spending her free time hanging out with friends, and hopes to pursue a career in business administration or dietetics.
Quinn Works2BeWell by baking, exercising, spending time with family and friends, & listening to music.
Kiera
Washington
Kiera quayle (she/her) is a dual enrolled senior attending Lake Stevens high school in Washington state and completing a pharmacy technician program at Sno-isle Tech. This is Kiera’s 3rd year on the council and she is a part of the Activation team. Kiera is very passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and providing mental health resources to everyone. Mental health has a huge impact on her life. Her struggles as well as friends and family have inspired her to start acting. She has completed 5 years of leadership classes. She volunteers at youth camps in the summer and enjoys spending time with kids. In her free time, she enjoys woodworking, listening to music and spending time with friends.
Kiera Works2BeWell by spending time with her dog and going on walks to watch the sunset
Alix
Washington
Alix (they/she) is a dual enrolled student in Washington State, and a second-year member of the Activation team. They are passionate about shaping mental health support in one of the most powerful ways possible: through policy change. As a part of the Activation team, they hope to continue helping inspire change at a legislative level. Outside of W2BW, she enjoys writing– both as a freelance journalist, and a creative writer.
Alix Works2BeWell by writing, dancing, and singing.
Anushka
Texas
Anushka Velala (she/her) is a member of the Activation Team at Work2BeWell. She lives in Southlake, Texas and is a sophomore at Carroll High School. Anushka is passionate about public health and mental well-being. Healthcare advocacy is important to Anushka because she wants to ensure that everyone has the ability to take care of themselves and achieve well-being. Anushka loves achieving this purpose by helping the world around her. Besides being a part of Work 2BeWell, Anushka is involved with healthcare advocacy at Harvard’s School of Public Health, writing legislation for helping women of color achieve greater health equity with members of congress , and researching Oncolytic viruses! She hopes to publish her research to bring more light to potential cures for cancer and she also presents at research conferences! Furthermore, Anushka is a part of her school’s Debate Team, BPA (Business Professionals of America), HOPE Squad (suicide-prevention club), and Z-club (women’s empowerment club)! All of these extracurriculars have cultivated Anushka’s passion for public health, policy, and medicine!
Anushka Works2BeWell by watching Netflix, reading books (especially murder, autobiographies, and historical fiction), going on walks, listening to music (SZA, Lana Del Ray, Metro Boomin,etc), hanging out with friends, and trying new food!
Jayda
Colorado
Jayda (she/her/hers) is a rising senior from Colorado. She attends Eaglecrest high school where she is the Student body president, active member of sisterhood and students organized against racism and honors diploma. She is working with her student council to start a leadership club that involves students from each pocket of her diverse school. Outside of school Jayda is the vice president of leadership for Colorado High School Athletics and Activities Association representatives.
Jayda Works2BeWell by taking advantage of the beauty of Colorado and going on adventures with her friends!
