Meet the Team
We are a 100% volunteer-run grassroots non-profit organization. Our team of over 40 passionate and dedicated volunteers comprises six teams: Operations, Communications, Fundraising, Finance, Events and Education.
Each team is composed of a director, team lead, and volunteers. Read more about our Executives, Directors and Team Leads below:
Ilia Fernandez
Founder/CEO
Hi, my name is Ilia (pronounced Ee-li-ah), and I go by they/them/she/her. As the MHS Victoria enters its 7th year, I feel confident that we have found our footing in the community. As a grassroots nonprofit that’s managed to operate solely through volunteers, I’m amazed at the work we’ve done so far. That said, I know we have a long ways to go and I’m so excited to be working with this amazing group of humans to keep growing the MHS to better support those living in Greater Victoria.
VACANT
Director of Operations
Farhad Poordakan
Director of Finance
Hi!
My name is Farhad (he/him), and I am the Director of Finance at MHS!
I joined this amazing team in July 2025 and I am mainly responsible for finance team and making sure that financial tasks are taken care of! I bring 4 years of Accounting/bookkeeping experience and deeply believe in improving mental health education in Greater Victoria. In my free time, I like travelling, gardening, and camping.
Shawn Chand
Resources Team Lead
Hey there! I'm Shawn (He/Him/They) —a lover of architecture, technology, and advocate for youth mental health. Design and innovation run through my veins, as I strive to create inspiring spaces for the world. Supporting the well-being of our youth is my driving force, and I believe laughter is a powerful remedy. Brace yourself; I've got dad jokes to spare! With a blend of expertise, empathy, and humor, I'm here to make a positive impact. Let's build a world where creativity and mental health flourish together.
Emma Waldock
President
Hi, I’m Emma (she/her), and I’m the President of the MHS! I have been with MHS since December 2021 and have so enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful organization and working with a truly amazing team of gifted people. I deeply believe in the importance of mental health education for communities and individuals, and am so grateful to be able to work towards reaching more people and spaces this year!
Karen Wong
Board Secretary
Hi! I’m Karen (she/her), and I’m the Secretary at MHS. I joined the team in May 2025 and bring over a decade of experience in non profit coordination, executive support and project management—mostly in the healthcare, education, sustainability and animal welfare sectors.
I’m passionate about building strong, supportive systems behind the scenes so that meaningful work can thrive. Being part of a community centered team like MHS really aligns with my values, and I’m so grateful to contribute to a mission that prioritizes mental health, inclusion and care.
When I’m not organizing behind the scenes, you can find me scuba diving, training in Muay Thai or enjoying long bike rides outdoors!
Heather Jay
Director of Communications
Hi, My name is Heather (she/they) and I’m the new Director of Communications. My team consists of the very talented social media team, the newsletter team and our amazing graphic designers. A ten-year communications professional, I’ve done everything from producing advocacy films to publishing many corporate newsletters to writing articles on mental health and other related issues.
Brooke MacLeod
Director of Resources
Hey I’m Brooke (she/her) and I’m the Director of Resources! I just finished off my bachelor’s degree in psychology and neuroscience and hoping to pursue a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. I’ve been a part of MHS since January 2022 and I’ve really enjoyed being part of an organization with such a meaningful and important cause! I’m looking forward to reaching more people and communities this year and continuing to spread mental health education with the amazing people that make up this organization!
Tereza Belanger
Vice President
Hi! My name is Tereza (she/her) and I’m the Vice President of the MHS! I’ve been with the team since Nov 2020 and am primarily responsible for volunteer recruitment & management. In my free time, I love travelling, reading, live music, cafe-hopping, & spending quality time with loved ones! Mental health advocacy & accessibility is so meaningful to me, and I’m beyond grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the MHS!! <3
Lindsay Tannahill
Director of Development
Hi, my name is Lindsay! I’m originally from a small town in Ontario, and I’ve been working in education for nearly 9 years. I trained as a teacher in New Zealand after completing my Bachelor of Humanities at Carleton University. I am elated to be taking on the role of Director of Mobile App Development for 2023. This year, the team will be preparing the MindMap App to be launched; bringing accessible mental health resources to as many people as possible.
Yasser Abdelrahim
Director of Education
Hi, I am Yasser, the new Education Director at MHS. I am passionate about how education impacts our mental health and influences our perspective on well-being. My aim is to ensure that education goals are aligned with MHS vision. I have been in academia for over 20 years, teaching communication for social change at Royal Roads University for the past four years.
Kind regards,
Yasser
Michaela Segreto
Peer Support Team Lead | Peer Support Caller
Hi all, I’m Michaela and I have been with the MHS for almost 3 years now! I am currently the Team Lead for the Peer Support team, where we have been working on expanding our team and adjusting our program to be more efficient. This organization has been an incredible learning experience, and I am incredibly grateful for all the people I have met and new things I have learned during my time here.