Anne Marie Portelli

Anne Marie (she/her) graduated from the University of Guelph in Summer 2021, with a major in Child, Youth and Family and a minor in Psychology. Her lived expertise as both a youth and caregiver is a huge 'why' in terms of why she is passionate about mental health and wellness - and creating a mental health and substance use system where youth can access the supports they need when they need it. There is so much stigma preventing youth from accessing support - and finding that support is difficult to begin with (not to mention the added layer of complexity with youth caregiving). Nevertheless, I want youth to know that: they are not alone, someone cares and believes in them, and that their voice is important and can make a difference in the lives of others. Though systemic change takes time, we all have the power to improve someone's day, simply by letting them know they aren't alone.