Our network is made up of volunteer contributors, including post-secondary students, alumni and subject matter experts from across Canada. Interested in joining us? We are always looking for more contributors!
A map showing the locations of our contributors across Canada, including student content developers, subject matter experts, and Student Wellness Services.
MANAGEMENT
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ANIKA AGARWAL (Queen's University)
CO-PRESIDENT Anika is currently one of the Co-Presidents of the Student Mental Health Network. Currently, she is in her fourth year of the Health Sciences Program at Queen’s University. She has been a part of the network for 3 years and is incredibly passionate about raising awareness about mental health through her work with Jack.Org and as a 988 crisis line responder, as well as mental health research here at Queen’s. |
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CLAIRE DIANA (Queen's University)
CO-PRESIDENT Claire is a fourth-year Health Sciences student at Queen's University. She joined the Network over one year ago to learn more about student mental health, and to promote education about positive strategies to manage student stress. She is excited to be a co-president this year, and looks forward to increasing engagement with the Network to extend its reach. |
PROMOTIONS & MARKETING
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MIA MAZZAFERRO (Queen's University)
WED DEVELOPMENT LEAD Mia is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) at Queen's University, with a strong passion for promoting mental health awareness and support across diverse populations. As the Web Development Lead for the SMHN, she aims to create accessible, user-friendly resources for students across Canada, enhancing their ability to find the support they need. Through her role, Mia is excited to contribute her skills and ideas to the team, driving the development of a comprehensive digital platform that enables connection and empowers students. |
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ALEXA FERNANDEZ (Queen's University)
PODCAST TEAM CO-LEAD Alexa is a fourth-year Health Sciences student at Queen's University with a deep interest in mental health and well-being. As the co-lead for podcasts at the mental health awareness network, Alexa channels her passion for mental health by creating insightful and engaging content tailored to the needs of students. Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment, Alexa strives to empower peers by promoting access to essential mental health resources through the network's platform. HANNAH BOYD (Queen's University)
PODCAST TEAM CO-LEAD Hannah is a fourth-year health sciences student at Queen’s University, passionate about mental health advocacy. She joined the Network two years ago, specifically on the podcast team, as she felt her experience within the mental health field was relatable, applicable, and comforting to other students. She is excited to continue working on this team and bring on experts in all areas of mental health advocacy for advice on a multitude of different topics. |
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CLAUDIA MONTERO-HERRERA (Western University)
SOCIAL MEDIA CO-LEAD Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at Western University, Claudia has always been interested in exploring ways to promote wellness. As one of the social media team co-leads, she channels her passion in mental health by creating helpful content tailored to students and helping lead the team with new ideas. Engaged with the network, Claudia acknowledges the importance of mental health and endeavours to empower fellow students by facilitating access to essential mental health resources. ALINA LADNER (McMaster University)
SOCIAL MEDIA CO-LEAD Alina is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Western University. Alina has always had a strong passion for mental health, particularly in spreading awareness and education. Alina channels her passion through co-leading the social media and promotions team, with the goal of expanding the reach of the Student Mental Health Network, and connecting students to valuable resources for their mental health and wellbeing. As a co-lead, she also strives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the network. |
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
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LUCAS HUANG (Queen's University)
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT LEAD Lucas is a fourth year Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University. As a soldier in the Canadian Army, he hopes to continue spreading mental health education and pursue life-long learning to provide support to soldiers and students alike. As a content development team lead, he hopes to enrich the library of resources available to students across Canada. |
FOUNDER
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BROOKE LINDEN, PhD, MA
FOUNDER / SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT A Research Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's University, Dr. Linden is the founder of the Student Mental Health Network and the creator of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI). Her research expertise includes psychiatric epidemiology and program evaluation, with a focus on post-secondary student mental health. |
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
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Dr. Heather Stuart, PhD
Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences Queen's University Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair Dr. Colleen Davison, PhD Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences Queen's University Associate Dean for Equity and Social Accountability Dr. Samantha Britton, MD, CCFP(EM) Emergency Medicine and Family Physician Collette Steer Manager, Graduate Experience, School of Graduate Studies, Queen's University Kate Humphreys Health Promotion Coordinator, Queen's University Sandra Gedruj, MD Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Resident, McMaster University |
Ms. Amber McCart, MA, LLB, RP
Senior Clinician and Manager Counselling Services Queen's Student Wellness Services Ms. Bryanna Baker, BScPN, RPN Health and Wellness Educator, Peer Support University of Manitoba Dr. Andrea Howard, PhD Professor, Department of Psychology Carleton University Dr. Amanda Elliott, MD, CCFP Family Physician Erin Barker Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Concordia University Kathy Brant "Grandmother Kate," Knowledge-Keeper and Elder |
CONTRIBUTORS
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AMY ECCLESTONE, BHSc (University of Waterloo)
CONTRIBUTOR Amy is a current MSc of Public Health student at the University of Waterloo. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) at Queen’s University, Amy is a Research Assistant in the Health Services and Policy Research Institute, where she works on projects pertaining to post-secondary student mental health, resilience, and stress. As our former Operations Lead, Amy is a key player in supporting our current executives. |
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JESSICA ROSE (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Having recently completed her undergraduate degree in Biopsychology at Queen’s University, Jess has a deep passion for mental health and wellbeing. Through her work with the Network, she hopes to contribute to the landscape of mental health education and empower others to take control and prioritize their mental wellbeing and be able to help those around them. As our former Administrative Lead, Jess is a key player in supporting our current executives. |
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CAITLIN MONAGHAN, MPH (University of Toronto)
CONTRIBUTOR Caitlin is a medical student at University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine and holds a Master of Public Health from Queen’s University. She conducts research in health services and population health, with particular interest in student mental health and the intersection of mental and physical wellbeing. |
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SALLY ZHENG, MSc (Toronto Metropolitan University)
CONTRIBUTOR Sally is a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her program of research focuses on the cognitive processes that confer vulnerabilities to mood and anxiety disorders, as well as post-secondary student mental health. Sally is interested in identifying predictors of well-being among student populations, as well as the barriers and facilitators to accessing services. |
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MADISON MACKINNON, MSc (University of Toronto)
CONTRIBUTOR Having completed her MSc in Translational Medicine at Queen’s University, Maddie is now a PhD student in the Health Services Research at the University of Toronto. Maddie's research focuses on access and utilization of mental health services by youth and young adults, particularly as they transition from child to adult care. |
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DRU PIERSON (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Life and Health Sciences at Queen's University, Dru is passionate about mental health awareness. She believes in advocating for those who are experiencing difficult times and promoting inclusivity and accessibility for everyone struggling with their mental health. Dru strongly believes in the goals of the Network, and is excited to be a part of the team! |
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CRISTINA ROSARIA WHITE (Western University)
CONTRIBUTOR Cristina is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences at Western University. Passionate about being a part of the Network, Cristina hopes that she can contribute to improving student mental health and wellbeing and increase the availability of effective resources. |
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SUMIN LEE (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Sumin is completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University and is originally from Toronto, Ontario. Sumin is passionate about advocating for the mental and physical wellbeing of students and hopes that her work with the Network will positively impact those living with mental health challenges. |
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AINSLEY JOHNSTONE (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Ainsley is currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen's University and is passionate about making information about mental health more accessible for students. Ainsley is all about education and advocacy, and is a lead contributor and designer for the Network's free mental health module library. |
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KATE PATTON (University of Toronto)
CONTRIBUTOR Kate is studying Biology and Physiology at the University of Toronto. She is excited to be a part of the Network, as she believes that education is essential in supporting mental health. Through this work, Kate hopes to help improve access to mental health resources and encourage students to prioritize their mental health. |
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TEELY HOPKIN, BHSc (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Having completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences, Teely is currently a Master of Public Health student at Queen’s University. As Strategic Development Director of Starts With Youth, Teely is a big advocate for metal health education. Being a Métis woman herself, Teely is largely drawn to advocate for the needs of Indigenous Peoples and is excited to support Indigenous students in university through her work with the Network. |
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EMMA TOOLE, BSc (Dalhousie University)
CONTRIBUTOR Having completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of New Brunswick, Emma is currently completing her Master’s of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. During her time at UNB, Emma worked hard to advocate for mental health supports on campus while offering stress free activities to students through various campus clubs and societies. Her research focuses on the mental health of student athletes. |
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ANJENA INTHIRAN (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Anjena is passionate about breaking down the barriers to work towards equitable access to mental healthcare for all students. Anjena is also a member of the Queen's University jack.org chapter, promoting student mental health on campus. |
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JAKE ROSE, BSc (McGill University)
CONTRIBUTOR Jake received his BSc in Life Sciences from Queen's University in 2020 and is currently a medical student at McGill Univeristy. During his time at Queen's, Jake held the position of Mental Health Coordinator on the campus emergency first response unit, and also worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Brooke Linden on a variety of projects related to post-secondary student mental health. |
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CAROLYN GRAHAM (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Carolyn is passionate about the burden mental health places on many kids, students, and young adults, and the difficulties related to seeking help. Her goal is to support and educate students through her work with the Network. |
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STEPH RAPTIS (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Steph feels that mental health should be a top priority and that resources for maintaining and bettering mental health should be accessible. Through her work with the Network, Steph hopes to help students access resources and make their mental health a priority. |
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KATRINA WEI (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Katrina is passionate about supporting others through their mental health journey and is excited to do so through her work with the Network's social media and access content development teams. Katrina's goal is to advocate for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges, and provide them with the resources they need. |
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BRIANNA PLATER (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently completing her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, Brianna has taken classes in global and population health, mental health and wellbeing. Mental health advocacy is important to Brianna, and she is excited to advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of students through her work with the Network. |
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MINDY BAROODY (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Mindy is a Bachelor of Science (Biology) student at Queen's University. Mindy is passionate about youth mental health and has worked as a bilingual crisis responder for Kids Help Phone, where she trained in active listening and de-escalation techniques. She joined the Network to help ensure students can access the supports they need. |
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JONAH BOUTIN (Western University)
CONTRIBUTOR Currently a Medical Sciences student at Western University, Jonah is a main contributor to the Connect pillar of the Network. Jonah recognizes that good mental health in university is crucial to success. He's interested in the fields of Biology and medicine and is excited to put those interests to work and be a part of the Network. TYONNA ASHBY (Queen's University) CONTRIBUTOR Tyonna is a student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Queens University. The Student Mental Health Network is important to her because it is something that has touched everyones lives and this initiative ensures that there is an easily accessible safe space for everyone. POORNIMA GOUDAR (McMaster University) CONTRIBUTOR Poornima Goudar is currently completing her Bachelor of Life Science at McMaster University. She is excited to be a part of the Network team, as she believes accessibility and education are vital to support student mental health. KIRAN KULLAR (Queen's University)
CONTRIBUTOR Kiran is a fourth-year health sciences student at Queen's University. She joined the Network two years ago with a passion for advancing the mental health resources available for students across Canada. Kiran is excited to be a co-manager this year and hopes to facilitate an open space for discussions about mental health and advocacy. She also plans to use her knowledge as a Certified Resiliency Trainer to teach students how to face challenges that come at them in a healthy and realistic way. |
