Meet the Team
We are a 100% volunteer-run grassroots non-profit organization. Our team of over 40 passionate and dedicated volunteers makes up six teams–Events, Operations, Communications, Fundraising, Finance, and Education. Each team is composed of a director, team lead, and volunteers.
Hey! My name is Ilia (pronounced E-lee-ah) and I go by they/them/she/her. I have a bachelor's degree from UVic (Biological Psychology major, Math minor), and am working as a Pediatric Mental Health Worker and an Educational Assistant before going back to school. I've been a longtime advocate and speaker on mental health as someone who has been through the system and seen the need for innovative change. I’m so passionate about working with the amazing team at the MHS to transform our community to one where we collectively look out for each other's wellbeing.
Ilia Fernandez
Founder / CEO
Hi, I’m Emma, 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!
Emma Waldock
President
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 for nearly 3 years now and currently handle 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 incredibly important to me, and I’m beyond grateful everyday to be a part of this wonderful organization. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the MHS!
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.
Nancy Huo
Secretary
Hi I'm Nancy and I'm the secretary of the MHS! I've long been passionate about mental health and I love staying organized. I'm extremely grateful to be a part of such a wonderful organization and work with so many amazing people. Excited for more to come!
Jess Kengatharan
Director of Fundraising
Hi, my name is Jess, and I’m now currently the Director of Fundraising at MHS. Aside from being passionate about mental health advocacy, accessibility, and breaking the stigma - I also love to read,
go on hikes and explore different parts of the world! I think it’s crucial to spend time fostering your creativity and enabling innovation through your passions and I can’t wait to see MHS grow and flourish!!
Brooke MacLeod
Director of Resources,
Peer Support Team Lead
Hey I’m Brooke (she/her) and I’m the Director of Resources and Peer Support Team Lead! 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!
Kal Zubair
Director of Finance
Hi, my name is Kal and I am the Director of Finance of the MHS. In addition to my passion for mental health advocacy and budgets, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and golf. I am thrilled to be a part of the team and to help support the MHS’s goal of making mental health resources more accessible!
Jas Bhela
Director of Education
Hi! My name is Jas and I recently joined MHS as the Director of Education. In my free time, I enjoy working out, prioritizing self care, and spending time with friends and family. Being in social services for over 10 years, I am elated to be a part of this organization!
Fred DeNisco
Social Media Team Lead
Hi, my name is Fred and I am the Social Media Team Lead for MHS Victoria. I’ve become more passionate about mental health in recent years and am elated at the opportunity to help others by promoting MHS’s resources. When I’m not posting for MHS you can find me driving a little rainbow boat around False Creek in Vancouver and promoting awareness of Killer Whale conservation and research across the Salish Sea.
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.
Carina Chan
Website Manager
Hello! My name is Carina, and I have been with MHS since March 2023, first taking care of the newsletter, and now the website as well. Witnessing major and minor struggles with mental health among some people in my life made me realize that mental health is something everybody has and must take care of. This inspired me to join MHS to help increase access to mental health services, and I cannot be more grateful to work with such an enthusiastic team here.