Prior to joining KELY, Cindy worked as a research assistant looking at the psycho-social needs of cancer patients in Hong Kong. With her psychology background, Cindy has always wanted to engage with the youth population through her work. She realises that youth in Hong Kong are facing a lot of issues and sees the need of providing platforms for them. Being a member of KELY allows her to work directly with the youth to help them see the potential in themselves.

Odile has been involved with Coolminds since 2019, as a clinical advisor. Additionally, she is coordinating Mind HK’s anti-stigma projects, and is actively involved in developing and delivering various training offerings. Odile is involved in the planning of the upcoming Youth Mental Health Conference and Youth Summit 2020.

Odile is a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in child and adolescent care. She championed quality improvement initiatives in mental health care, where she developed and implemented a mental health clinical guideline and worked with community agencies to improve collaboration to provide seamless care for such a vulnerable population, in Toronto, Canada.

Odile completed her Bachelor of Nursing as well as her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Masters Nursing degree at the University of Toronto. Odile is currently a Child & Adolescent Teaching Fellow at the HK Polytechnic University School of Nursing. She is also a Clinical Care Coordinator with the Child Development Team, supporting collaborative developmental and mental health care to children and adolescents. Her extensive experience has allowed her to cultivate a strong focus in paediatric care, with a unique exposure to child and adolescent mental health.

Nicole grew up in Hong Kong and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work (part-time) at HKU. Having experienced first-hand how mental health problems have impacted both patients and carers, she is driven to dedicate herself in the field aiming to combat stigma and raise awareness of mental health in the local community. Prior to joining Mind HK, she managed multi-year service projects and corporate collaborations at a local NGO serving underprivileged children and families with special educational needs and mental health conditions. She is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor (Standard and Youth version). In her spare time, she loves hiking, doing yoga and water sports to de-stress.

Sarah graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2021 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Before joining KELY, Sarah has worked in multiple school settings in Hong Kong and US, in providing frontline counselling services to support her students. Sarah joined the Coolminds and KELY team in Nov of 2021. She believes that youth empowerment is all about hearing “what they have to say,” supporting their needs, and equipping them with life skills that promote positive mental well-being. Sarah’s blood type is coffee and pool water! If she’s not working, you’ll probably find her out in the wild with her dog, at a swimming pool or taking a nap to recharge!

Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is passionate about mental health issues. Having seen the firsthand experience of mental illness and its impacts on her family and friends, she realised how little mental health is talked about in Hong Kong and is motivated to alleviate the stigma and misconceptions towards mental illness by raising public awareness in the community. With over 2 years of experience in supporting children and youth, she believes early education and prevention play a crucial role in youth mental health. She hopes to bring her experience to Mind HK and the Coolminds team to help advocate for better understanding and open conversations towards mental health issues and to spread the message that everyone should take care of their own mental wellbeing and those around them.

Louis graduated from the University of Stirling in Scotland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He joined the KELY and Coolminds team in Apr of 2021, and volunteers as a responder for a UK-based mental health texting service where he is trained to give unconditional support and understanding to those in need. Louis thinks that encouraging open dialogue is the most important part of mental wellness especially during your formative years, when every moment matters. When he isn’t trying out new recipes or playing D&D, his nose is in some kind of book, physical or digital!

Angel graduated from the Technological and Higher Education of Hong Kong with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture. After graduation, she is interested in working with youths in the field of mental health and is currently studying an counselling advanced course. Before working at KELY and joining the Coolminds team, she also worked for other local NGOs in youth services, and volunteered for local online counselling services. Angel has a hope to see positive changes in youth, and being more able to speak about their mental health and personal growth. When she is off work, she loves to hike, cook, spend time with her furry and real friends.