Youth Advisory Board
Mental Health America of Greater Houston launched the Youth Advisory Board in Fall 2024.
We are dedicated to promoting youth voices and to providing Youth Advisory Board members with opportunities for personal contribution, professional development, and network expansion. The Youth Advisory Board consists of 11 teens from 7 unique school districts in the Greater Houston Area.
Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!
Vision:
The Youth Advisory Board envisions a world where youth are empowered to use their experiences and passions to create positive change in their communities, mental health stigma is addressed by encouraging open conversations and critical thought, and quality mental health support and services are accessible to everyone in need.
Purpose: The main purpose of the Youth Advisory Board is to empower youth to advocate for themselves and their peers for access to mental and behavioral health services and for social and environmental changes that support healthy mental and emotional development for youth. Mental Health America of Greater Houston is dedicated to promoting youth voices and to providing YAB members with opportunities for personal contribution, professional development, and network expansion.
As members of the YAB, youth will have opportunities to:
→ Gain leadership + volunteer hours
→ Make a tangible impact in the community
→ Use their thoughts, expertise, and experience to advocate for youth mental health
→ Connect with and learn from state and local leaders, including other young people
→ Gain valuable experience working on mental health policy, research, and communications
Meet the Youth Advisory Board
Maithreyi Asthagiri
“Hi, my name is Maithreyi! I am 17 years old from Houston, Texas. I work on youth mental health advocacy because I recognize the importance of community and connection within our lives! It’s important to feel comfortable in your skins and everyday I work towards reaching that goal for both myself and the world around me.”
Eshna Das
“Hi! I’m Eshna — a junior at St. John’s School. I am interested in mental health and advocacy because I believe everyone should have equal access to mental health support, and I am dedicated to fighting the stigma against mental illness. Outside of wellness advocacy, I love writing articles for my school newspaper, volunteering, and hanging out with my friends and family.”
Selay Eser
“My name is Selay Eser. I am seventeen years old, a student at The Village School, and a proud Texan, and I am dedicated to improving neurodivergent and disabled representation in mental health spaces. I believe that critical thinking and an open mind are essential for meaningful problem-solving and awareness.”
Shaivi Moparthi
My name is Shaivi Moparthi, and I am a sophomore at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas. I believe that increasing awareness and understanding is key to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. My journey began with a deep interest in mental health advocacy, educational policies, and the broader implications of mental wellness on society. I am committed to collaborating with like-minded peers to advance mental health support systems and drive policy changes that ensure accessibility and equity in mental health resources.
Anthony Rodas-Camacho
“My name is Anthony Rodas-Camacho, a 16-year-old junior at The Village School in Houston, Texas. My experience interning at neurological clinics and in psychological therapy inspired me to become involved in mental health advocacy with my goals to expand education, resources, and foster an interconnected and supportive environment. Outside of the YAB, I play the French Horn and guitar, am a passionate researcher, and advocate for Hispanic voices in our community.”
Daniel Rupawalla
“My name is Daniel Rupawalla. I am 18 years old and am about to graduate from Obra D. Tompkins High School. I became an advocate for mental health after spending time in DAEP schools and working with their administration, conversing with many of the students in the facilities. I hope to change the mental health sphere using technology, and have recently sold an AI company to US News.”
Yashvi Shastri
“Hello! My name is Yashvi Shastri, and I am a 16-year-old sophomore at The Village School in
Houston, Texas. I am passionate about advocating for teen mental health awareness, as I
believe it is essential for fostering a brighter future. I am committed to supporting my peers by
working to destigmatize mental health issues through collaboration within our community.”
Sabrina Warden
“Hi! I’m Sabrina Warden, a current senior from Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas. My passion for mental health stems from the prevalent stigma and discrimination surrounding the realm of mental health, inspiring me to advocate and break norms by increasing awareness and resources for all. My biggest goal in life is to make a positive difference in people’s lives in order to make society a greater place for all – and that begins with prioritizing each other’s mental health first. “
Evelyn Yip
“Hi, my name is Evelyn Yip, I am 16 years old and a junior at DeBakey High School for Health Professions! My passion for mental health advocacy, especially for teens and youth, comes from my own experiences growing up and realizing how crucial it is to have support and understanding during those years. I hope to create change by offering support, raising awareness, and empowering young people to prioritize their mental health without fear of judgment.”
Annie Zhou
“Hello! My name is Annie Zhou and I’m a 17 year old senior from the Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions! I am interested in mental health advocacy because of the current youth mental health crisis and the trivialization of this issue despite these especially dire times. I hope to improve general mental health accessibility and support, especially to marginalized communities, with the work that we will accomplish through this youth advisory board.”
