AtFrayme,we know that it is critical to include individuals with lived expertise as partners in the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of mentalhealth and substance use services and supports. Frayme’s mandate is to ensure that the perspectives and learnings generated by lived expertise are integrated into efforts to improve the quality and responsiveness of services across the system. Infrastructure withinFrayme has been created to ensure that there are mechanisms and processes in place to support the meaningful and equitable engagement of youth, caregivers and advocates through Groundbreakers, Frayme’s National Lived Expertise Network. The underpinning to this workis that of knowledge equity, a social justice approach concerned with the power and privilege associated with knowledge production and consumption.
GroundbreakersisFrayme’snewnationalnetwork of youth, caregivers, and mental health advocates. Groundbreakers are experts in their communities, their causes, and their own life experiences. Most of all, they’re experts at being themselves. At Frayme, we think that kind of expertise is just as valuable as that of a researcher or mental healthcare professional. That’s why we’re creating Canada’s premier leadership network for those who want to contribute to systemic change in the Youth Mental Health and Substance Use sector. Groundbreakers will have the opportunity to inform mental health projects across the country, participate in various learning and granting activities, and share their unique knowledge with Frayme’s unparalleled network of over 300 partner organizations. It’s time to be heard.
If you're wondering "Why Groundbreakers?" and/or "Why now?", please refer to our Statement of Purpose for more information on the rationale, Frayme's triangulation of evidence and an overview about the initiative:
YouthCohort: Individuals in this group identify as either a youth in Canada and/or a youth who has experienced mental health and/or substance use challenges.
Caregiver Cohort: Individuals in this group identify as having provided some sort of support to a youth in their life facing mental health and/or substance use challenges, such as a child, sibling, friend or romantic partner. Caregiver responsibilities can be all sorts of things, including but not limited to helping a loved one find a service to access, administering medication, or providing emotional support.
Аdvocate Cohort: Individuals in this group may have a passion for youth mental health or substance use, but do not identify as a youth, nor do they have experience as a caregiver. Individuals in this group may have faced mental health or substance use challenges when they were a youth, but have since "Aged Out" of youth services.
Are you looking to embed lived expertise in your work and work with one or more of our Groundbreakers? If you see a match, please fill out the intake form (located on the profile section for each Groundbreaker). Frayme will help bridge a connection between you and the Groundbreaker you'd like to collaborate with. Please note that to protect the privacy of our advocates, Frayme will receive all intake request forms and triage as required.
Agnes Chen (she/her) is a caregiver and youth advocate who is passionate about bringing awareness of and support to individuals exposed to the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use. As a registered nurse and mom of 4, she understands the complexities of work life balance, and in striving for more of it she is always up for ice cream or nature hangs.
Agnes Chen (she/her) is a caregiver and youth advocate who is passionate about bringing awareness of and support to individuals exposed to the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use. As a registered nurse and mom of 4, she understands the complexities of work life balance, and in striving for more of it she is always up for ice cream or nature hangs.
Angela Xie (She/Her) is a dreamer, advocate & law student at Osgoode Hall (currently on hiatus), resisting and learning on lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant in Tkaronto.
Angela’s lived expertise accessing (and importantly, failing to access) the youth mental health and substance use system informs her work and lights a fire under everything she does. She firmly believes that a better system – and a better tomorrow – is possible, one where the system is accountable to the community of youth it is intended to serve; where youth are active participants in shaping the terrain of trauma-informed services, supports and resources that best reflect their needs. She brings a longstanding commitment to youth mental health and feminist advocacy and peer support, having previously consulted for and worked with organizations including the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, CAMH, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and Wisdom2Action.
Angela is a staunch believer that survivors and individuals with lived expertise are experts in their own life experiences and communities. Beyond mental health advocacy, her legal work centres on human rights, advancing the rights of street-involved folks who have been criminalized, and sex workers’ rights advocacy.
Angela Xie (She/Her) is a dreamer, advocate & law student at Osgoode Hall (currently on hiatus), resisting and learning on lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant in Tkaronto.
Angela’s lived expertise accessing (and importantly, failing to access) the youth mental health and substance use system informs her work and lights a fire under everything she does. She firmly believes that a better system – and a better tomorrow – is possible, one where the system is accountable to the community of youth it is intended to serve; where youth are active participants in shaping the terrain of trauma-informed services, supports and resources that best reflect their needs. She brings a longstanding commitment to youth mental health and feminist advocacy and peer support, having previously consulted for and worked with organizations including the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, CAMH, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and Wisdom2Action.
Angela is a staunch believer that survivors and individuals with lived expertise are experts in their own life experiences and communities. Beyond mental health advocacy, her legal work centres on human rights, advancing the rights of street-involved folks who have been criminalized, and sex workers’ rights advocacy.
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.
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.
Anshika jain(she/her) is a youth advocate. She envisions a society where everyone feels safe and also comfortable in dialogue. She is a high school student and loves travelling, reading novels and photography.
Anshika jain(she/her) is a youth advocate. She envisions a society where everyone feels safe and also comfortable in dialogue. She is a high school student and loves travelling, reading novels and photography.
First-year student studying Indigenous Social Work at the First Nations University. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to learn more to enhance my future career of working with youth.
First-year student studying Indigenous Social Work at the First Nations University. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to learn more to enhance my future career of working with youth.
Hi, my name is Ayan Absiye and I'm a second-year student studying Political Science and a double minor in African Studies and History at the University of Toronto. I joined groundbreakers as a part of the youth cohort because I know firsthand how important mental health can be, especially amongst youth. I have worked with many organizations that center around uplifting youth. Examples include The Toronto Youth Council, CAMH, and hope to continue with working with more that center around creating equitable and inclusive spaces and policies for youth.
Hi, my name is Ayan Absiye and I'm a second-year student studying Political Science and a double minor in African Studies and History at the University of Toronto. I joined groundbreakers as a part of the youth cohort because I know firsthand how important mental health can be, especially amongst youth. I have worked with many organizations that center around uplifting youth. Examples include The Toronto Youth Council, CAMH, and hope to continue with working with more that center around creating equitable and inclusive spaces and policies for youth.
Braeden (He/Him) has served as a youth advisor and advocate within various mental health projects in his community and across Canada. He is currently involved as a youth partner with Frayme, the National Youth Ambassador Foundry program, the Mental Health International committee, and other mental health and substance use initiatives. One of his main focuses involves empowering young people to champion the growth of and access to integrated youth services across Canada. Through his strong academic and research background, he continues to drive the integration and implementation of youth care in Canada forward. His passions surround sport, learning, and spending time outdoors when he is not spending time with his family and friends!
Braeden (He/Him) has served as a youth advisor and advocate within various mental health projects in his community and across Canada. He is currently involved as a youth partner with Frayme, the National Youth Ambassador Foundry program, the Mental Health International committee, and other mental health and substance use initiatives. One of his main focuses involves empowering young people to champion the growth of and access to integrated youth services across Canada. Through his strong academic and research background, he continues to drive the integration and implementation of youth care in Canada forward. His passions surround sport, learning, and spending time outdoors when he is not spending time with his family and friends!
Cam/Angelo is a queer and trans multiply chronically disabled youth, while being a disability advocate, and caregiver in Toronto-ish. They're very enthusiastic, passionate, and care deeply about making change both on a grassroots, and systemic level. They're a storyteller and theatre artist that enjoy eating and writing. They have been a wonderful Groundbreaker with Frayme, contributing valued perspectives to the engagement strategy. They bring multiple areas of expertise with the details outlined below!
Cam/Angelo is a queer and trans multiply chronically disabled youth, while being a disability advocate, and caregiver in Toronto-ish. They're very enthusiastic, passionate, and care deeply about making change both on a grassroots, and systemic level. They're a storyteller and theatre artist that enjoy eating and writing. They have been a wonderful Groundbreaker with Frayme, contributing valued perspectives to the engagement strategy. They bring multiple areas of expertise with the details outlined below!
Charly is currently an undergraduate Psychology student at York University. When not in class, she can be found working at her warehouse job. As a youth with lived experience with mental health issues, Charly is passionate about improving the accessibility of mental health services.
Charly is currently an undergraduate Psychology student at York University. When not in class, she can be found working at her warehouse job. As a youth with lived experience with mental health issues, Charly is passionate about improving the accessibility of mental health services.
Chloë Grande is a communications specialist turned eating disorder recovery blogger, writer and speaker. She started blogging during the pandemic to create a sense of community for individuals going through similar challenges. Learn more by visiting her website: www.chloegrande.com or following her on Instagram and Twitter: @chloshegrows.
Chloë Grande is a communications specialist turned eating disorder recovery blogger, writer and speaker. She started blogging during the pandemic to create a sense of community for individuals going through similar challenges. Learn more by visiting her website: www.chloegrande.com or following her on Instagram and Twitter: @chloshegrows.
Clare Fitzgerald (she/her) is a mental health advocate with lived experience. She brings her knowledge of mental health issues and their treatment, in the hopes of instilling a change in the way organizations and health facilities approach the subject. In her spare time, she likes writing her blog, reading historical fiction and spending time with her pets (A.K.A. her BFFs).
Clare Fitzgerald (she/her) is a mental health advocate with lived experience. She brings her knowledge of mental health issues and their treatment, in the hopes of instilling a change in the way organizations and health facilities approach the subject. In her spare time, she likes writing her blog, reading historical fiction and spending time with her pets (A.K.A. her BFFs).
Danielle is a youth advocate. She has lived experience with mental illness. She wants her peers to feel safe seeking support. There’s change to be made in the system and she wants to be apart of it. She is currently working on a diploma in the mental health field. Danielle enjoys spending time with her dogs.
Danielle is a youth advocate. She has lived experience with mental illness. She wants her peers to feel safe seeking support. There’s change to be made in the system and she wants to be apart of it. She is currently working on a diploma in the mental health field. Danielle enjoys spending time with her dogs.
Ervis (he/him) explores all opportunities to act as a youth advocate within his community and on a national level. Ervis strives to empower those among him and beyond, with a key interest in knowledge mobilization products. He is currently championing for youth mental health through learning and story sharing with the Foundry organization.
Ervis (he/him) explores all opportunities to act as a youth advocate within his community and on a national level. Ervis strives to empower those among him and beyond, with a key interest in knowledge mobilization products. He is currently championing for youth mental health through learning and story sharing with the Foundry organization.
Gavin (he/him) serves as a youth advocate within his community and strives to promote the enjoyment of education for youth. Gavin's clinical experiences have impassioned him to support the continued integration of non-pharmacological treatments into mental health treatment. His passions include reading, meditation, and golf.
Gavin (he/him) serves as a youth advocate within his community and strives to promote the enjoyment of education for youth. Gavin's clinical experiences have impassioned him to support the continued integration of non-pharmacological treatments into mental health treatment. His passions include reading, meditation, and golf.
Hajar Seiyad (she/her) is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, doing a double major in Mental Health Studies and Political Science. Her work is shaped by an intersectional lens, and she enjoys engaging in mental health and policy spaces. She is a youth policy advocate with OCIC and a fellow with Yale University LET(s)Lead.
Hajar Seiyad (she/her) is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, doing a double major in Mental Health Studies and Political Science. Her work is shaped by an intersectional lens, and she enjoys engaging in mental health and policy spaces. She is a youth policy advocate with OCIC and a fellow with Yale University LET(s)Lead.
I apply my personal experience caring for a youth with mental illness and my professional background as a former federal policy and program manager to mental health advocacy, mainly in the areas of youth mental health, suicide prevention and eating disorders. I manage projects, conduct environmental scans, and contribute to research, policy and planning initiatives. I also chair and participate on federal, provincial and local mental health advisories.
I apply my personal experience caring for a youth with mental illness and my professional background as a former federal policy and program manager to mental health advocacy, mainly in the areas of youth mental health, suicide prevention and eating disorders. I manage projects, conduct environmental scans, and contribute to research, policy and planning initiatives. I also chair and participate on federal, provincial and local mental health advisories.
Jai is a person with lived experience and is currently a caregiver. They live on unceded Coast Salish land, and is actively engaged with the harm reduction, mental health, and substance use communities. He works hard to establish inclusion and accessibility in all spaces, and is enjoying their own decolonizing journey. When he is not working, they are learning, growing, advocating, and always moving.
Jai is a person with lived experience and is currently a caregiver. They live on unceded Coast Salish land, and is actively engaged with the harm reduction, mental health, and substance use communities. He works hard to establish inclusion and accessibility in all spaces, and is enjoying their own decolonizing journey. When he is not working, they are learning, growing, advocating, and always moving.
I joined Groundbreakers to connect with other people passionate about mental health, working together to change the conversation round mental wellness for the better.
I joined Groundbreakers to connect with other people passionate about mental health, working together to change the conversation round mental wellness for the better.
Jimmy Tan (he/him) is a proud member of Frayme's Engagement Team, in the role of a Youth Strategy Specialist! He believes the secret ingredient to a YMHSU project is an authentic partnership with young people themselves. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Pokémon GO (hint: he has not caught them all yet!)
Jimmy Tan (he/him) is a proud member of Frayme's Engagement Team, in the role of a Youth Strategy Specialist! He believes the secret ingredient to a YMHSU project is an authentic partnership with young people themselves. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Pokémon GO (hint: he has not caught them all yet!)
Joshua Bell (he/him) is a mental health advocate who has been involved with not only advocating for youth mental health, but also for suicide prevntion in his community and across Ontario. He leads the YMHM Canada after starting the association after personal experiences and now works with a team to help contunue advocating for awarenesss and access to resources.
Joshua Bell (he/him) is a mental health advocate who has been involved with not only advocating for youth mental health, but also for suicide prevntion in his community and across Ontario. He leads the YMHM Canada after starting the association after personal experiences and now works with a team to help contunue advocating for awarenesss and access to resources.
I am a person who has lived experience with mental health and addictions. I found the obstacles these experiences created to be extremely difficult to overcome in my youth. I now use these experiences as a source of strength and perspective in my role as a Youth Peer Support worker. Authentically connecting with people and reducing stigma is my passion. I love bringing humor, fun, and creativity to my work in councils, research, consulting, knowledge translation, and beyond! I am proud to be a part of communities working so hard to reduce these obstacles for other young people who are going through what I once did. There is still a lot of work to be done. I am hopeful we can make the changes needed if we work together!
I am a person who has lived experience with mental health and addictions. I found the obstacles these experiences created to be extremely difficult to overcome in my youth. I now use these experiences as a source of strength and perspective in my role as a Youth Peer Support worker. Authentically connecting with people and reducing stigma is my passion. I love bringing humor, fun, and creativity to my work in councils, research, consulting, knowledge translation, and beyond! I am proud to be a part of communities working so hard to reduce these obstacles for other young people who are going through what I once did. There is still a lot of work to be done. I am hopeful we can make the changes needed if we work together!
Kenz W (she/her) is a youth advocate that is passionate about harm reduction strategies, specialized counselling services and chronic illness supports for youth. She wants to use her lived expertise to bring positive change to the way youth access these types of services throughout their lives. In her sparetime, she loves to dance and make yummy food.
Kenz W (she/her) is a youth advocate that is passionate about harm reduction strategies, specialized counselling services and chronic illness supports for youth. She wants to use her lived expertise to bring positive change to the way youth access these types of services throughout their lives. In her sparetime, she loves to dance and make yummy food.
Kokulaan Santhakumar (he/him) is from Western Sydney, Australia and is passionate about youth mental health advocacy. He has partnered with Batyr, Orygen, ReachOut, Beyond Blue and Headspace to raise funds, deliver programs and spread awareness, encouraging young adults to be open-minded about mental ill-health. In his spare time, he is a passionate Penrith Panthers and Chelsea FC fan, religiously watching every single game with his mates.
Kokulaan Santhakumar (he/him) is from Western Sydney, Australia and is passionate about youth mental health advocacy. He has partnered with Batyr, Orygen, ReachOut, Beyond Blue and Headspace to raise funds, deliver programs and spread awareness, encouraging young adults to be open-minded about mental ill-health. In his spare time, he is a passionate Penrith Panthers and Chelsea FC fan, religiously watching every single game with his mates.
Laetitia Satam (she/her), began her journey as a mental health advocate when she was just 12 years old then. Since then, she’s lived all across the country, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, and had witnessed the inequality in mental health resources across Canada. She is working to bridge this gap in mental health support, especially for members of marginalized populations and remote communities!
Laetitia Satam (she/her), began her journey as a mental health advocate when she was just 12 years old then. Since then, she’s lived all across the country, from British Columbia to Newfoundland, and had witnessed the inequality in mental health resources across Canada. She is working to bridge this gap in mental health support, especially for members of marginalized populations and remote communities!
I am Kickstand's Family & Caregiver Engagement Coordinator! I bring a special interest in systems recovery and renewal to support our human healing, recovery, and renewal journeys. I imagine a future where a holistic understanding of well-being is understood as the cornerstone of our humanity and in this way well-being becomes a structural force embedded in our communities. In my spare time, you'll find me exploring the mountains or ocean side with family or find me with my nose in a book!
I am Kickstand's Family & Caregiver Engagement Coordinator! I bring a special interest in systems recovery and renewal to support our human healing, recovery, and renewal journeys. I imagine a future where a holistic understanding of well-being is understood as the cornerstone of our humanity and in this way well-being becomes a structural force embedded in our communities. In my spare time, you'll find me exploring the mountains or ocean side with family or find me with my nose in a book!
Lauren (she/her) is a youth advocate with a passion for all things system change. She has worked across projects related to peer support, YMHSU intersections with homelessness, and other topics. She is an avid consumer of books and loves to cook.
Lauren (she/her) is a youth advocate with a passion for all things system change. She has worked across projects related to peer support, YMHSU intersections with homelessness, and other topics. She is an avid consumer of books and loves to cook.
Liv is a youth advocate currently residing on Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory, currently known as Ottawa. They are passionate about harm reduction, and making sure youth voices are heard in the youth mental health system. They envision a community that is formed by youth for youth. In their sparetime you will find Liv playing video games.
Liv is a youth advocate currently residing on Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territory, currently known as Ottawa. They are passionate about harm reduction, and making sure youth voices are heard in the youth mental health system. They envision a community that is formed by youth for youth. In their sparetime you will find Liv playing video games.
Manvinder Gill (she/her) is a community-based researcher whose work is centred on religion, culture, colonialism, and health. She is currently a SSHRC-funded Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto and the co-founder of Asra: The Punjabi Alcohol Resource (asranow.ca), a youth-led initiative bringing her research into practice.
Manvinder Gill (she/her) is a community-based researcher whose work is centred on religion, culture, colonialism, and health. She is currently a SSHRC-funded Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto and the co-founder of Asra: The Punjabi Alcohol Resource (asranow.ca), a youth-led initiative bringing her research into practice.
Matt (he/him) is a young person whose goal is to bridge his lived expertise with mental health challenges with his passion for research in clinical and forensic psychology. Matt is passionate about giving youth and other patient partners a seat at the table when it comes to research. Matt spends way too much of his spare time painting and scrolling through TikTok.
Matt (he/him) is a young person whose goal is to bridge his lived expertise with mental health challenges with his passion for research in clinical and forensic psychology. Matt is passionate about giving youth and other patient partners a seat at the table when it comes to research. Matt spends way too much of his spare time painting and scrolling through TikTok.
Melanie Asselin (she/her) is a Masters of Social Work student and community builder. She is especially focused on working in the areas of mental health and addictions, mental health literacy, health equity, and health policy. Melanie also enjoys yoga and exploring new cafes.
Melanie Asselin (she/her) is a Masters of Social Work student and community builder. She is especially focused on working in the areas of mental health and addictions, mental health literacy, health equity, and health policy. Melanie also enjoys yoga and exploring new cafes.
Mikaela Basile (she/her) is a youth leader, mental health advocate and avid volunteer with lived expertise of mental illness and disability. She is especially passionate about youth co-development, accessibility and universal design, and safer suicide prevention in youth mental health research, programs and services. She is currently working as a research assistant on the Digital Divide study at Foundry where she also sits on two working groups for research, evaluation and quality improvement as well as virtual care. Mikaela is currently working with Frayme, Foundry and InvisiYouth. She has previously worked with Anxiety Canada, Simon Fraser University, Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division and Jack.org. In her free time, she enjoys sending snail mail to strangers around the world and spending time with her cat Gizmo.
Mikaela Basile (she/her) is a youth leader, mental health advocate and avid volunteer with lived expertise of mental illness and disability. She is especially passionate about youth co-development, accessibility and universal design, and safer suicide prevention in youth mental health research, programs and services. She is currently working as a research assistant on the Digital Divide study at Foundry where she also sits on two working groups for research, evaluation and quality improvement as well as virtual care. Mikaela is currently working with Frayme, Foundry and InvisiYouth. She has previously worked with Anxiety Canada, Simon Fraser University, Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division and Jack.org. In her free time, she enjoys sending snail mail to strangers around the world and spending time with her cat Gizmo.
Monica (she/her) is a clinical neuroscience graduate student and youth mental health advocate who strongly believes in making psychiatry and psychology accessible for everyone. She believes that this goal can be achieved through resource development/dissemination projects that include the voices of youth with lived/living expertise, so she is happy to be a part of the Groundbreakers network!
Monica (she/her) is a clinical neuroscience graduate student and youth mental health advocate who strongly believes in making psychiatry and psychology accessible for everyone. She believes that this goal can be achieved through resource development/dissemination projects that include the voices of youth with lived/living expertise, so she is happy to be a part of the Groundbreakers network!
