she/her

Hi everyone! My name is Destiny McVea, and I am a senior at Maya Angelou Public Charter School. I served as a leader of my school’s OMM Mental Health Club and will continue in that role this year.

I’m a creative person who loves to have fun, and I’m excited to be part of the Teen Advisory Council. My goal is to help raise awareness about teen mental health, support others as they work through challenges, and encourage young people to speak up for themselves while building a more understanding community.

she/her

My name is Gianna Book, and I’m a senior at Theodore Roosevelt High School. Last year, I had the privilege of serving as Vice President of our school’s Our Minds Matter club, and this year I’m honored to take on the role of President. I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Our Minds Matter Teen Advisory Council. It’s truly an honor to join a group so passionate about mental health. I look forward to helping raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower other students to prioritize their mental well-being.

she/her

Hello! My name is Lady, and this is my 4th year being involved with Our Minds Matter at my school, where I’m serving as co-president this year! I go to West Potomac High School, and I love getting involved in different groups and activities because it lets me meet new people and try new things. Being part of OMM has taught me so much about leadership and community, and I’m really honored to be on the Teen Advisory Council this year. I can’t wait to keep raising awareness about mental health and making sure teens know they’re never alone.

she/her

Hi! My name is Mikaela Pareja, and I am a current senior at Marshall High School. Since my freshman year, I have been a member of my school’s chapter of OMM and currently serve as the President of Marshall Minds Matter. I am so honored by this position and to serve as a member of TAC this year. I have been able to spread awareness and do my best to offer support at my school, and am excited to use my role to help even more and represent the teenage perspective. I have had this passion for mental health advocacy throughout high school, and want to continue making an impact.

Outside of this passion, I am a yearbook editor for my school’s book, a volunteer in my county, and I love to travel. My favorite place to visit is New York City. Additionally, I love hanging out with my friends, baking with my grandparents, or even staying in with my sisters and dog.

I am excited to fight the existing mental health stigma and make a lasting impact on those in my community.

she/her

I’m Nare Harutyunyan. I am a junior at School Without Walls. In general, I really love arts and sciences, but in terms of mental health, I care a lot about presenting the heavy topics in an honest and genuine way, and providing the help and resources necessary for teens to be able to help themselves. As someone who has ADHD and many neurodivergent friends, I approach these topics through the neurodivergent lens when trying to find ways to help people. I find that it’s easier to pinpoint specific ways that might help those who struggle this way, versus the more general statements like “taking deep breaths.”  

Mental health is something a lot of teens struggle with, but are unlikely to seek adults for help, and trying to convince them to do so might be counterproductive. So I hope to be able to create spaces and systems in which teens will have the resources, support, and knowledge to help themselves and/or their friends through tough times, without extra guilt or anxiety.

she/her

Hi! My name is Nushrat, and I am so excited to be part of the Teen Advisory Council this year! I am a senior at Richard Montgomery, where I serve as Vice President of Rocket Minds Matter. I have been a member of RMM since my freshman year, and I’m glad to continue my involvement this year. I’ve participated in several other mental health initiatives and hope to increase my impact in mental health advocacy this year and beyond! I am also the President of the Muslim Student Association and Co-President of the UNICEF Club at school.

I’m excited to work with everyone on the council and make a positive difference in teen mental health!

she/her

My name is Shaelyn Clark, and everything I do is rooted in purpose, passion, and perseverance. For the past 9 years, track & field has taught me discipline and resilience lessons I’ve carried into my roles as SGA Vice President, Student Voice Council President, and founder of multiple student-led clubs. I’m a Full IB student with a 4.0–4.7 GPA, a Global Competence Award winner, and an advocate for youth voices through programs like the DME Think Tank, GenHERation, and YWP. From launching businesses at age 7 to modeling in magazines, I’ve learned that creativity and ambition have no limits. Whether I’m mentoring young girls, leading Soapbox events, or studying abroad, I lead with intention and heart. Every title I’ve held, from NHS Secretary to WILL alumni, reflects a part of my journey: one built on community, courage, and the belief that my attitude truly determines everything.

he/him

Hi! I’m Ted, and I am currently a senior at Poolesville High School in MD. I have been a leader of my school’s OMM club, Falcon Minds Matter (aka HERO club), for four years now. I have had so much fun leading my school’s OMM club, and I look forward to playing a bigger role as a member of OMM’s Teen Advisory Council! I love to hike and spend time with my friends. I am also an avid runner and serve as a captain for my school’s cross country team.

I am very excited to contribute my ideas on different ways to advocate for teen mental health!