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).

If you are interested in joining our team, learn more here! We are accepting applications starting March 1st – April 30th

Download a recruitment flyer to share.

Learn more about our inspiring YCMH members below.

2024-25 Leadership Team

Youth Advisor - Patient Experience Team

Stacey Adimou

Stacey (she/her) is a Black Togolese woman who is currently in her first year at the University of Denver majoring in Biology.

Stacey (she/her) is a Black Togolese woman who is currently in her first year at the University of Denver majoring in Biology. She hopes that her passion for mental and public health will lead her to becoming a physician. She has been with YCMH since it's creation and currently serves as a youth advisor to YCMH's youth leaders.
Youth Leader - Patient Experience Team

Margaret Trujillo

Margaret (she/her) is a junior in high school at Regis Jesuit.

Margaret (she/her) is a junior in high school at Regis Jesuit. Her passions include volunteering (with Special Olympics and Guide Dogs for the Blind), swimming for her school and summer teams, flag football, and spending time with her family in the mountains. Margaret joined the YCMH because she believes in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, as everyone needs to understand the importance of their well-being. She believes that with a greater understanding of mental health from scientific and neurological perspectives, communities will be more compassionate and caring in a pursuit to grow together. Margaret plans to study neuroscience and attend medical school. She hopes to expand her friendships this year and learn alongside everyone how to prioritize positive mental health at the foundation of their lives and well-being.
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

Chanelle Jones Ahmed

Chanelle Jones Ahmed (she/her) lives in the Arapahoe District and is currently in her third year at the University of Colorado Denver, majoring in marketing.

Chanelle Jones Ahmed (she/her) lives in the Arapahoe District and is currently in her third year at the University of Colorado Denver, majoring in marketing. With aspirations to become a marketing and graphic designer, she aims to specialize in enhancing the brand and visions of nonprofit organizations. Chanelle is actively involved in various leadership and research initiatives. She is a participant in Ednium's Leadership Launch Pad, a member of CU Boulder's Voices of Healing Research team, and is entering her third year with PCMH. Outside of her career and academic pursuits, Chanelle enjoys being on the car scene with her beloved FR-S, Pluto. She also likes photography, thrifting, exploring new places and activities, and hiking with her dog, Euphoria.
Youth Leader - Community Action Team

Aditi Patel

Aditi (she/her) is a senior at Niwot High School who enjoys biking and crocheting.

Aditi (she/her) is a senior at Niwot High School who enjoys biking and crocheting. She hopes to study physiology upon graduation and is dedicated to helping others due to her own firsthand experiences on how mental health can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Through YCMH, she hopes to be able to personally educate youth in her community and offer improved mental health services to all.
Committee Member

Asmaa Akata

Asmaa (She/her) is a senior in high school in Aurora, colorado.

Asmaa (She/her) is a senior in high school in Aurora, colorado. She aspires to go into the medical field after she graduates and make changes to people's lives. She is also part of a short program as a Co-designer called mind, body, voice, that talks about things specifically black women experience. Things that she enjoys doing are artistic things such as crocheting and ceramics.
Youth Advisor - Program Innovation Team

Vanessa Tao

Vanessa Tao (she/her) is in her first year at Brown University, concentrating in Political Science and Economics.

Vanessa Tao (she/her) is in her first year at Brown University, concentrating in Political Science and Economics. She has worked with many organizations, including Senator Lisa Cutter, national youth-led nonprofits Rhizome and Institute for Youth in Policy, Colorado Council for Workforce Development, and others in order to advocate for youth voices within policy and mental health spaces. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and weightlifting. Her goal at YCMH is to amplify the voices of incredible youths across Colorado within the intersection of mental health and policy.
Youth Leader - Program innovation Team

Kaitlyn Tollefson

Kaitlyn (they/she) is a passionate mental health advocate currently completing her undergraduate education at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Kaitlyn (they/she) is a passionate mental health advocate currently completing her undergraduate education at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She enjoys spending time in the state capitol assisting as a legislative intern or lobbying and testifying for mental health access bills. She serves on several national and state boards focused on mental health and activism. She co-authored the Teen Lifestyle Medicine Handbook now being shared nationwide across several hundred schools. She has presented both live and online for many different events including the 2022 National Alliance on Mental Illness conference and has been interviewed for a book, podcast, and local and national news stations on youth and young adult mental health and the power of change.
Youth Leader - Program innovation Team

Anabel Amine

Anabel (she/her) is a current senior at Mountain Vista High school, where she is on the girls Swim and Dive team as well as the Track and Field team.

Anabel (she/her) is a current senior at Mountain Vista High school, where she is on the girls Swim and Dive team as well as the Track and Field team. Anabel is 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.

Program Innovation Team

Committee Member

Paula Lares

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

Paula (she/her) is a Mexican-American college freshmen at Red Rocks Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. With working with YCMH, She hopes to find ways to help different communities that are minoritized with their mental health and wellbeing. She hopes to pursue a career in forensic psychology, as she has always been interested in forensics and the behind the scenes of crimes. While pursuing this goal she still hopes to reach her goals in advocating for marginalized communities. In her free time she watches true crime, reads, practices new makeup looks, and tries her best to be updated on what could be affecting the communities she's advocating for.
Committee Member

OraVera Konadu-Acheampong

Committee Member

Alison Remigio

Alison (she/her) is a Hinkley High School senior passionate about educating others about the importance of mental health, mainly due to first-hand experience.

Alison Remigio (she/her) is a Hinkley High School senior passionate about educating others about the importance of mental health, mainly due to first-hand experience. Alison is part of various school activities, such as Health Occupations Students of America, Tennis, Student Council, and National Art Honor Society. She plans to graduate with her associate of science and high school diploma, attend a four-year college after high school, and ultimately become a pharmacist or medical examiner. Outside school, Alison spends her free time with friends, family, and her two cats, Lucky and CC.
Committee Member

Riley Widner

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

Riley (she/her) is a junior 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.
Committee Member

Arianna Montoya

Arianna (she/her) is in her freshman year at Village High School in Colorado Springs,

Arianna (she/her) is in her freshman year at Village High School in Colorado Springs, she is a proud member of the Pikes Peak Rangerettes and participates in 4-H and Horse Judging. In her free time you will see her reading or working with her horses. She hopes to be an equine therapist, and is thrilled to be in YCMH this year!

Community Action Team

Committee Member

Hafeezat Ghaffar

Hafeezat (she/her) is a student at Lotus School for Excellence.

Hafeezat (she/her) is a student at Lotus School for Excellence. She is a Black and Muslim Nigerian woman who is passionate about becoming a physician. She is a leader of various school-wide organizations such as Speech and Debate & Muslim Student Association to promote student voices. She is also an intern in MC2, allowing her to explore various careers in medicine. During her free time, she enjoys reading, watching films, and spending time with her loved ones.
Committee Member

Edward Chen

Eddie (he/him) is a current senior at Valor Christian High School, where he plays on the varsity hockey team and competes for the varsity swim team.

Eddie (he/him) is a current senior at Valor Christian High School, where he plays on the varsity hockey team and competes for the varsity swim team. Eddie is also an active DECA member, winning 3rd place at ICDC last year. In his free time, Eddie enjoys organizing and leading sports camps through the Asian American Youth Athletic Association. He also loves spending time with his friends and family, working out, and watching sports. Eddie is passionate about mental health and strives to make a positive impact in his community.
Committee Member

Harper Milheiser

Harper Milheiser (she/her) lives in Highlands Ranch and is a current 9th grader at Mountain Vista High School.

Harper Milheiser (she/her) lives in Highlands Ranch and is a current 9th grader at Mountain Vista High School. In her free time, she enjoys to play sports, hanging out with family and friends, and crocheting. This is her second year on YCMH. Harper enjoys educating not only herself, but friends, family and other about mental health and it’s importance. She hopes to spread awareness and help find resources to help others.
Committee Member

Leela Yohannes

Leela (she/her), is an Eritrean-American senior at East High School in Denver, CO, interested in studying biochemistry and psychology in college.

Leela (she/her), is an Eritrean-American senior at East High School in Denver, CO, interested in studying biochemistry and psychology in college. 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 enjoys reading books on doctoring, listening to music, acting, cuddling with her cat Sunny, debating in Model UN, and hopes to become a pediatrician.
Committee Member

Lluvia Alvarado

Lluvia Alvarado (she/her) is currently a senior at Central High School to pursue college and discover her aspirations in sociology or psychology.

Lluvia Alvarado (she/her) is currently a senior at Central High School to pursue college and discover her aspirations in sociology or psychology. She is currently a member of CAT Crew, a group to help facilitate school spirit and educational success in 9th graders at Central High School. Lluvia spends most of her time watching obscure documentaries while drawing.
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.

Patient Experience Team

Committee Member

Snow Swihart

Snow (she/her) is a horse lover and nature enthusiast with a passion for helping animals and people.

Snow Swihart (she/her) is a horse lover and nature enthusiast with a passion for helping animals and people. As an aspiring veterinarian, she is dedicated to pursuing a career caring for creatures great and small. Snow's passions extend beyond the barnyard - she also advocates for mental health awareness, hoping to reduce stigma and create positive change for youth across Colorado.
Committee Member

Annika Archer

Annika Archer (she/her) is a current student at Colorado School of Mines studying Bio-Mechanical engineering.

Annika Archer (she/her) is a current student at Colorado School of Mines studying Bio-Mechanical engineering. Annika started club at her high school for women in science and engineering (WISE), and is a current member in Society of Women in Engineering (SWE) at university. She loves working with those around her to support them towards discovering their passions, achieving their goals, and grow as an individual. Outside of her academic world, Annika has recovered through knee surgeries, family traumas, and life changes, and has a passion for helping those around her navigate through their own experiences. Annika also loves photography, traveling, and a good iced coffee.
Committee Member

Ciel Dicochea

Ciel (they/them) is a sophomore at Smoky Hill High School.

Ciel (they/them) is a sophomore at Smoky Hill High School. Mental health matters to her because it is very crucial on how we respond to things, and it shapes our friendships and relationships. Bad mental health may ruin these beautiful things and she wants to help others to not experience that sort of thing. She also really likes strawberries and is bilingual, studying to be trilingual. She loves skateboarding as well.
Committee Member

Darius McGregor

Darius McGregor (he/him) is a senior at East High School in Denver, Colorado.

Darius McGregor (he/him) is a senior at East High School in Denver, Colorado. He is actively involved in East’s Student Council and serves as the Head Angel (Student Body President). Darius has been playing lacrosse and hockey since he was a kid, and both sports have been a significant part of his life. Prioritizing mental health is important to Darius because a strong and positive mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges both on and off the field. He is excited to be a part of the YCMH because it allows him to help foster a culture that prioritizes mental health.
Committee Member

Aliyah Acevedo

Aliyah (she/her) is a Senior and will be a first-generation graduate at Adams City High School.

Aliyah (she/her) is a Senior and will be a first-generation graduate at Adams City High School. She is an advocate featured on the Denver Post for her walk-out against gun violence and the Sentinel Express for her work in the Commerce City Youth Commission. Aliyah loves working with children and like-minded individuals to advocate for the needs in her community and to nurture young-minds. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse! During her free time Aliyah also loves reading, playing the violin, and hanging out with her four younger sisters!
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.

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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