Youth Council on Mental Health (YCMH)

Meet our YCMH members

The Youth Council on Mental Health (YCMH) is a youth-led, adult-supported council focused on improving youth mental health in Colorado. The YCMH consists of the Community Action Team, Program Innovation Team, and Patient Experience Team.

  • The Community Action Team (CAT) is dedicated to empowering youth-led initiatives across Colorado to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote youth well-being.
  • The Program Innovation Team (PIT) is dedicated to informing and collaborating with internal youth mental health advocacy, research, and training initiatives.
  • The Patient Experience Team (PET) is dedicated to enhancing the experience of patients seeking and receiving care at Children’s Colorado.

The council is made up of youth (ages 13-19) across all regions of Colorado and each council member can serve up to 3 terms (our terms run from September to the first week in June).

Learn more about our inspiring YCMH members below.

2025 - 2026 Leadership Team

Youth Advisor - Patient Experience Team

Anabel Amine

Anabel (she/her) is a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Anabel (she/her) is a freshman at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Through her work as a Youth Advisor on the Youth Council on Mental Health and as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she aims to improve patient outcomes and provide the most compassionate level of care. also involved in several clubs including Diversity Club, Interact Club, Key Club, SART Peers, and HOSA- where she placed in the top 10 at the State Leadership Conference in 2024. When she is not coaching gymnastics or volunteering, Anabel enjoys going to concerts with her friends, spending time with her family, and connecting with nature. Anabel is passionate about advocating for mental health and hopes to raise awareness within her community.
Youth Leader - Patient Experience Team

Alankrita Kumar

Alankrita (she/her) is a Sophmore at the University Of Colorado Denver working to obtain
her bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Alankrita (she/her) is a Sophmore at the University Of Colorado Denver working to obtain
her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has previously worked with Mind Out
Loud and Mann Mukti trying to Encourage a widespread acceptance and open
dialogue surrounding mental health and well-being discussions. In her free time,
she enjoys hanging out with friends and family.
Youth Advisor - Community Action Team

Paula Moreno

Paula Moreno(she/her) is a Mexican-American second year at Red Rocks Community College majoring in Criminal Justice.

Paula Moreno(she/her) is a Mexican-American second year at Red Rocks Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. She works hard to reach her goal in getting her Phd and becoming a hardworking forensic psychologist. Her goals in YCMH is to help voices feel heard and to help the council become its best. She hopes to work hard enough to have different communities feel heard and share the different experiences of youth. In her free time she loves to read, play with her dogs, and keep herself updated in issues that affect the community.
Youth Leader - Community Action Team

Alison Remigio

Alison Remigio (she/they) is a Peruvian-American from Aurora, Colorado, currently obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology and Drug Development with a minor in Gender Studies and Social Justice at the University of Southern California.

Alison Remigio (she/they) is a Peruvian-American from Aurora, Colorado, currently obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology and Drug Development with a minor in Gender Studies and Social Justice at the University of Southern California. As an aspiring pharmacist, she recognizes the necessity of advocacy within marginalized communities and aims towards achieving health equity. In her free time, Alison enjoys volunteering at her local food bank and taking photographs of the Moon.
Youth Leader - Community Action Team

Edward Chen

Eddie Chen (he/him) is a freshman at the University of Michigan studying business administration at the Ross School of Business.

Eddie Chen (he/him) is a freshman at the University of Michigan studying business administration at the Ross School of Business. Eddie is passionate about his community, founding and organizing AAYAA (aayaa.us), a non-profit that empowers Asian youth to do more with athletics. Beyond athletics, Eddie is especially driven by youth mental health advocacy and actively supports that mission through YCMH. In his free time, Eddie loves to play pickleball, golf, and learn something new.
Youth Advisor - Program Innovation Team

Vanessa Tao

Vanessa Tao (she/her) is a sophomore at Brown University studying International Affairs and Economics, originally from Littleton, Colorado.

Vanessa Tao (she/her) is a sophomore at Brown University studying International Affairs and Economics, originally from Littleton, Colorado. Through her work with organizations such as Rhizome, a youth-led civic engagement center, and internships within legal spaces such as the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, she aims to drive change through policy and community connection. Vanessa is passionate about uplifting youth mental health across Colorado and has found YCMH to be a source of growth, empowerment, and friendship for the last few years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, watching films, and lifting.
Youth Leader - Program innovation Team

Riley Widner

Riley (she/her) is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School and lives in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Riley (she/her) is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School and lives in Lone Tree, Colorado. She joined the YCMH because she believes in the importance and value of having good mental health. She also hopes to improve the mental health of Colorado youth and wants to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. In her free time, she loves reading, spending time with her cats, and learning new things.
Youth Leader - Program innovation Team

Arianna Montoya

Arianna Montoya (She/Her) is in her sophomore year at Village High School in Colorado Springs.

Arianna Montoya (She/Her) is in her sophomore year at Village High School in Colorado Springs. She is the vice president of her 4-H club, participates in horse judging and western pleasure shows. In her free time you will see her working with her horses, competing in speech and debate , and reading. She loves working on YCMH with her passion for law and policy, and plans to go to college to become a lawyer.

Community Action Team

Committee Member

Hafeezat Ghaffar

Hafeezat (she/her) is a student at Harvard College studying Neuroscience.

Hafeezat (she/her) is a student at Harvard College studying Neuroscience. She is passionate about becoming a physician, furthering neuroscience research, and bettering global health outcomes. Wanting to foster a spirit of community, she is part of a college mentoring organization, offering free help to students. During her free time, she enjoys reading, watching films, and spending time with her loved ones.
Committee Member

Ebenezer Yimam

Ebenezer Yimam (he/him) is an Ethiopian-American high school junior at Lotus School for Excellence.

Ebenezer Yimam (he/him) is an Ethiopian-American high school junior at Lotus School for Excellence.
Committee Member

Alyxandria Harris

Aly (she/her) is an autistic college student who is striving to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Aly (she/her) is an autistic college student who is striving to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She currently works with YCMH on the Community Action Team. In the summer of 2024, she was a Courtesy Clerk at Safeway. She really loved helping around the store and those who were struggling there to help people to have the best experience possible while shopping. When Aly has freetime, she enjoys playing her musical instrument (like her keyboard and ukulele) and writing poetry that reflects her experience as an autistic woman who was diagnosed at just three and a half.
Committee Member

Iyanu Owolabi

Iyanu Owolabi (she/her) is a senior at DSST Green Valley Ranch High School with plans to major in psychology.

Iyanu Owolabi (she/her) is a senior at DSST Green Valley Ranch High School with plans to major in psychology. At her school, she serves as the public relations representative for the African Student Alliance, a club she co-founded, and is also a member of the step team. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, editing, doing hair, and listening to music, especially R&B and afrobeats. Iyanu is driven to see change in her community, whether through advocating for cultural representation or promoting mental health awareness and access to resources.
Committee Member

Leela Yohannes

Leela (she/her), is a freshman at Wesleyan University.

Leela (she/her), is a freshman at Wesleyan University. She received the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship, and is a prospective chemistry and theatre double-major on the pre-health track. Experiencing quality mental and primary health care has inspired her to ensure youth in Colorado have access to the same services through the YCMH! She is Eritrean-American, and enjoys playing flute, listening to music, acting, cuddling with her cat Sunny, and making album collages.
Committee Member

Charlotte Foubert

Charlotte Foubert (she/her) is a junior at Horizon High School in Thornton, where she plays tennis and flag football.

Charlotte Foubert (she/her) is a junior at Horizon High School in Thornton, where she plays tennis and flag football. Charlotte is involved in many leadership groups at her school such as NHS (National Honor Society), NEHS (National English Honor Society), and her school's leadership program, SOAR. In her free time, Charlotte loves to read, learn new languages, and rewatch old Disney channel shows. Charlotte is very passionate about social justice and helping others. She hopes to pursue a career in activism such as law. She is very excited to see all the ways YCMH helps her grow and support others.
Committee Member

Josie Langley

Josie Langley (she/her) is a sophomore at Pine Creek High School.

Josie Langley (she/her) is a sophomore at Pine Creek High School. She is in her second year of AFJROTC, where she consistently participates in community service and interacts with the youth in her community. She is also in Speech and Debate and actively participates in competitions focused on global political topics. She is a novice Spanish speaker and is pursuing fluency. Josie plays piano and guitar, and has been drawing and writing since she was very young. She likes to read and is eager to engage with the people she can help in YCMH.
Committee Member

Lluvia Alvarado

Lluvia Alvarado (she/her), a college sophomore, currently attending Colorado State University Pueblo and a member of YMCH's CAT team.

Lluvia Alvarado (she/her), a college sophomore, currently attending Colorado State University Pueblo and a member of YMCH's CAT team. This is her last term with the program, while she’s currently studying in the hopes of becoming either a therapist or psychiatrist in the future. YCMH has helped in providing insight of how effective she may be in working with youth and aims to participate in a creative wellness research program her college has recently created. Creative expression such as drawing and painting has been deeply personal throughout her life as well as the community she found in various pop cultures communities. A fun fact is her paternal family’s yearly tradition of attending the Denver Fan Expo convention.
Committee Member

Jericho Bondi

Jericho Bondi (he/him) is a Junior at legacy high school in Broomfield Colorado.

Jericho Bondi (he/him) is a Junior at legacy high school in Broomfield Colorado. He is an officer for His Junior class leadership team, where he works to plan events and provide a voice for his school. Jericho is an avid reader and as a result joined the Broomfield Library Board as the only youth member to provide youth guidance on programs and book choices. Jericho is a part of a bowling league and also enjoys playing tennis and volleyball.
Committee Member

Blessing Ngalame

Blessing Ngalame (she/her) is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School.

Blessing Ngalame (she/her) is a senior at Regis Jesuit High School. She is passionate about improving mental health awareness and access among youth and her goals are to study aerospace engineering after high school. Outside of that, Blessing enjoys a variety of activities including skateboarding, hiking, weightlifting, and reading books. She also loves spending time with friends and family.
Committee Member

Aditi Muthukumar

Aditi Muthukumar (she/her) is a sophomore at Legacy High School.

Aditi Muthukumar (she/her) is a sophomore at Legacy High School. She enjoys reading, creative writing, riding her bike, and performing Indian classical dance, which she has been doing for the last eight years. She placed 5th in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee, and has won the Colorado State Spelling Bee twice. Aditi was also the 2024 NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award winner which is given to only 500 school students nationwide for their commitment to NJHS. At Legacy, she is an active community member as she is the president of her school’s Science Olympiad and Model UN chapters. She is excited to be a part of the Youth Council on Mental Health’s CAT Team and support the mental health of youth around the state!

Patient Experience Team

Committee Member

Snow Swihart

Snow Swihart (she/her) is a senior at Battle Mountain High School.

Snow Swihart (she/her) is a senior at Battle Mountain High School. This is her third term
serving as a council member for YCMH, first in the Community Action Team and then the
Patient Experience Team. She is a part of her school’s Hope Squad and volunteers with a
local non-profit equine therapy program in her free time. She aspires to attend Stanford
University after graduating this coming spring to study biomedical sciences.
Committee Member

Fareeha Shaik

Fareeha Shaik (she/her) is a driven leader at Legacy High School with a passion in the field of medicine and particularly medical innovations via biomolecular and biomedical engineering.

Fareeha Shaik (she/her) is a driven leader at Legacy High School with a passion in the field of medicine and particularly medical innovations via biomolecular and biomedical engineering. She has experience and a strong dedication in serving the community through many initiatives as a scholar for the CU Pre-Health Scholars Program and a volunteer for the St. Anthony’s hospital that revolves around increasing access to healthcare and understanding the atmosphere of a medical environment. Seeking to address issues in healthcare, primarily through health policy, with the hope of making a meaningful impact. Fareeha is also a current member of the Colorado Youth Congress, working with students across the state to advance youth-led change. Has a strong passion for public speaking, and is currently an officer for the Future Business Leaders of America and co-founder of the HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter at her high school. In her free time, Fareeha loves singing and origami!
Committee Member

Alex Chang

Alex Chang (He/Him) is a Senior at Pine Creek High School, and lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Alex Chang (He/Him) is a Senior at Pine Creek High School, and lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is motivated to progress psychiatric research to help those who suffer from mental illnesses. He enjoys participating in various clubs around school and volunteering at various places around Colorado. In his free time, he enjoys playing various videogames, eating good food, and playing with his cat, Frost.
Committee Member

Lana Hassan

Lana Hassan (She/Her) is a senior at Denver East High School, aspiring to study Biology on the Pre-med track in college.

Lana Hassan (She/Her) is a senior at Denver East High School, aspiring to study Biology on the Pre-med track in college. Lana has participated in many community and leadership initiatives including the Medical Career Collaborative program, Girls Incorporated, and Colorado Youth Congress, where she actively learns the important characteristics of a leader while having a strong impact on the communities she values, inspiring her to establish her own community-based program called the Muslim Youth of Colorado United (MYCU). During her free time, Lana loves to binge-watch movies and tv shows, along with spending time with friends and family.
Committee Member

Hunter Hobbs

Hunter (he/him) is a student at Jefferson Academy, who strives for exploration, education, and a strong future through College.

Hunter (he/him) is a student at Jefferson Academy, who strives for exploration, education, and a strong future through College. Hunter has participated in various musicals, such as Lightning Thief: The Musical, Seussical, The Little Mermaid, and more. He also participates in clubs like CSHS (Computer Science Honours Society) and MHS (Music Honours Society). In his free time, he appreciates playing piano, participating in podcasts, and writing music, all to inspire feelings of hope and rejoice within his community.
Committee Member

Katlynn Huynh

Katlynn Huynh (she/her) is a sophomore at Legacy High School.

Katlynn Huynh (she/her) is a sophomore at Legacy High School. Katlynn is a tutor at Kumon Broomfield and is a member of the Youth Service Leaders at A Precious Child. At Kumon, Katlynn assists children in math and reading, while also running a Zoom for kids working online. However, as a YSL member at A Precious Child, Katlynn volunteers, creates donation drives, and participates in awareness activities to further benefit children in the community who need resources. In her spare time, Katlynn enjoys dancing, playing guitar, and drawing.
Committee Member

Amaya Cleveland

Amaya Cleveland (she/her) is a junior at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs.

Amaya Cleveland (she/her) is a junior at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs. She discovered her passion for mental health while living in South Korea, where she assisted with equine therapy for North Korean refugees. Outside of school, Amaya enjoys spending time with her horse, Camilla, as well as hiking, cooking, and teaching herself new skills. Her long-term goal is to work with international medical organizations such as Doctors Without Borders.
Committee Member

Harper Milheiser

Harper Milheiser (she/her) lives in Highlands Ranch and is a current 10th grader at Mountain Vista High School.

Harper Milheiser (she/her) lives in Highlands Ranch and is a current 10th grader at Mountain Vista High School. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports and hanging out with family and friends. This is her third year on YCMH. Harper enjoys educating not only herself, but friends, family and others about mental health and its importance on society. She hopes to spread awareness and help find resources to help others.
Committee Member

Maftuha Gudeta

Maftuha Gudeta (she/her) is a senior at Crescent View Academy and lives in the Denver area.

Maftuha Gudeta (she/her) is a senior at Crescent View Academy and lives in the Denver area. Maftuha is involved in organizations like the Medical Career Collaborative (MC2) and the CU Pre-Health Scholars Program, and she hopes to apply the knowledge learned from those programs into her YCMH role on the patient experience team. She is also the leader of the Hilal Sisters Halaqa, an all-girls group that helps young Muslim girls in her community have a safe space and learn more about Islam and themselves. In her free time, Maftuha likes to read, take pictures, and spend time with her friends.
Committee Member

Siddharth Dodda

Siddharth Dodda (he/him) is a junior attending Pine Creek High School.

Siddharth Dodda (he/him) is a junior attending Pine Creek High School. He is an active participant and officer in a variety of clubs/extracurricular activities, including ApexSAT (one of the largest teen-run SAT non-profits in the U.S.), Student Government, Speech and Debate, FBLA, Boy Scouts, and more. His passion for healthcare has led him to receive the MC2 internship at Colorado Children’s Hospital, participate in the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference, and become an independent researcher. When he has free time, Siddharth can be found volunteering at the UC Health Memorial Central Hospital, reading, or taking photos. In the future, he aspires to be a leader of change within his community.
Committee Member

Dureti Abdulkadir

Dureti Abdulkadir (she/her) is a senior at Overland Highschool.

Dureti Abdulkadir (she/her) is a senior at Overland Highschool. Her Ethiopian/ Oromo background is a large part of her identity, and at school she is involved in Student Council, NHS, and Wrestling. Outside of school she has participated in the Medical Career Collaborative internship program gaining clinical hours in the NICU, and hopes to become an OB/ GYN in the future. In her free time she enjoys trying new sports, spending time with family, and sleeping.

Program Innovation Team

Committee Member

OraVera Konadu-Acheampong

Committee Member

Abdirahman Hassan

Abdirahman Hassan (he/him) is a sophomore at Lotus School for Excellence and is passionate about youth advocacy, education, and community impact.

Abdirahman Hassan (he/him) is a sophomore at Lotus School for Excellence and is passionate about youth advocacy, education, and community impact. He’s a member of the Colorado Youth Congress, working with students across the state to advance youth-led change. He also serves on the marketing team for Colorado MYPi, helping amplify youth voices and shape statewide initiatives. Abdirahman founded a nonprofit that provides free tutoring to Somali youth. At school, he’s involved in speech and debate and helps lead the Muslim Student Association. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Colorado’s mountains and playing sports with friends.
Committee Member

Swarali Dhamal

Swarali Dhamal (she/her) is a senior at Pine Creek High School dedicated to leadership and community service.

Swarali Dhamal (she/her) is a senior at Pine Creek High School dedicated to leadership and community service. At Pine Creek, she is an active leader as she is the president of her school’s FBLA chapter and the secretary of Science Honor Society. She also participates in her school’s HOSA chapter, in which her want to advocate for mental health arose. Through FBLA as well as HOSA, she has participated in competitive events, excelling at the state level and qualifying for nationals. Beyond school, she also volunteers regularly at her local Food Bank and the Discovery Center. In her free time, you can find her curled up in bed reading books or painting. She is eager to bring her passion for advocacy to the youth council, working to amplify awareness and create meaningful change in mental health support for youth.
Committee Member

Darius McGregor

Darius McGregor (he/him) is a freshman at Brown University from Denver, Colorado, studying Health, Human Biology, and Economics.

Darius McGregor (he/him) is a freshman at Brown University from Denver, Colorado, studying Health, Human Biology, and Economics. Passionate about addressing disparities in underserved communities, he plans to pursue a career in health care. He co-founded Boys to Men, a club creating space for young men to discuss mental health and healthy masculinity, and is eager to carry this advocacy into his work with YCMH. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, running, and learning new things.
Committee Member

Akshaya Mandhapati

Akshaya Mandhapati (she/her) is a senior at Pine Creek High School with a strong passion for teen mental health.

Akshaya Mandhapati (she/her) is a senior at Pine Creek High School with a strong passion for teen mental health. She is a member of the Teen Advisory Board and joined YCMH to advocate for youth across Colorado. At school, she serves on the leadership teams of several clubs, including National Honor Society (NHS), Science National Honor Society (SNHS), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), and Speech and Debate. Akshaya qualified for Nationals in both FBLA and HOSA – Future Health Professionals after excelling in state-level competitions. In her free time, she volunteers at local hospitals, participates in pageants, and enjoys playing volleyball.
Committee Member

Zakira Massoud

Zakira Massoud (she/her) is a senior attending Martin Luther King Jr High School and resides in Aurora.

Zakira Massoud (she/her) is a senior attending Martin Luther King Jr High School and resides in Aurora. She is a member of the medical program (MC2) at the Children’s Hospital Anschutz and Project Voyce, and she aims to use the skills she has gained in both programs to bring about change at the YCHM. She is the first generation in her family to pursue higher education and fulfill their ambitions. In the future, she aspires to pursue her passion for becoming a pediatric doctor, assisting individuals with varying ethnic backgrounds and needs. She is currently an apprentice working with middle school students as a teaching assistant to explore her interest in working with children. In her spare time, she likes being outside in nature, camping in the mountains with her family, and reading and journaling. She also enjoys exploring new topics, especially controversies surrounding psychology, spirituality, human behavior, and philosophy.
Committee Member

Eliana Hettleman

Eliana Hettleman (she/her) is a senior at Denver East High school who enjoys baking and scrapbooking.

Eliana Hettleman (she/her) is a senior at Denver East High school who enjoys baking and scrapbooking. When she is not spending time crafting, or being with family and friends, Eliana enjoys being in nature. She hopes to one day pursue a career in psychology, working with patients first hand. She wants to study neuroscience during college in order to help understand the science behind how the brain works. Eliana joined YCMH because she wants to continue to fuel her passion for helping people, and work with other members to solve issues regarding mental health in her local community.
Committee Member

Amy Xia

Amy (she/her) is a senior at Cherry Creek High School.

Amy (she/her) is a senior at Cherry Creek High School. She has worked with Kaiser Permanente on the National Thriving Schools Youth Council (NTSYC), helping to develop policy based solutions to chronic absenteeism. Amy also volunteers at the CyberLeaders coding club at Holm Elementary School, where she supports underserved students in accessing STEM resources. In her free time, she enjoys baking, swimming, and sharing self-care reminders on her Instagram account, @kiwikares.
Committee Member

Lily Yates

Lily Yates (she/her) is a junior at Legacy High School in Broomfield Colorado where she tries to stay active in her school community by being a part of student government.

Lily Yates (she/her) is a junior at Legacy High School in Broomfield Colorado where she tries to stay active in her school community by being a part of student government. Outside of school, Lily is passionate about dance. She spends most of her time at her dance studio where she competes on a dance team. She trains in styles like jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap and ballet. She also volunteers at her dance studio teaching young dancers hoping to inspire them to try hard and not give up. In the future Lily hopes to go to school in California to major in psychology and minor in dance. She wants to pursue a career in sports psychology. She is happy to use YCMH as a stepping stone in her career to support people with their mental health.
Committee Member

Sophia Ritchie

Sophia (she/her) is a senior at St Mary’s Academy.

Sophia (she/her) is a senior at St Mary’s Academy. Passionate about making a difference, Sophia has collaborated with community organizations like Youth Roots and Project Helping to empower youth and address mental health. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, reading and writing and is dedicated to advocating for Mental Health and helping her community

Want to get involved?

We want to hear your voice! Each summer, there is a new opportunity to apply to join the Youth Council on Mental Health. If you’d like to get involved, send us an email and we’ll inform you as soon as we’re accepting new applications.

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