The Just Say Hey! Team

Podcast Host/Interviewer/Events Organizer

Hi, my name is Trinh!

I was born and raised in Ottawa and have been involved in the community as an actor, artist/creator, and athlete (recreational). Job-wise, I’m a marketing associate and photographer. Education-wise, I’m a student completing her Double Major (BA) in Law and Psychology.

I’ve always held a strong curiosity and passion for the maintenance of health, because I struggled through numerous illnesses growing up, both mental and physical. Over the years, I’ve made it my goal to advocate for better services and education in mental health, using my own acquired knowledge and experiences.

I’ve been able to implement programs on the topic—in collaboration with Motivate Canada, CCI Ottawa, and Empower’em— for youth in sports, newcomers to Canada, as well as young women of colour, respectively. Now, I am happy to continue the conversation with Just Say Hey, another great organization that will undoubtedly bring people together.

Podcast Host/Logistics
Big Giant Head at www.delaviolette.com 

Partners Liaison

Hey! My name is Jesse.

I’m a filmmaker and multi-disciplinary artist, including music & play writing, poetry, painting, and creative writing. I love using any and all mediums and constantly look for new skills to learn and to bring to the table.

I’m always in pursuit of connecting with someone, on an artistic level, and encouraging creativity. At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with having ADHD despite not having the stereotypical hyperactivity.

This revelation fundamentally change the course of my life and finally gave me the tools to navigate my condition.I soon became obsessed with discovering everything about the condition, and how to live with it.

I am always learning new things, but I have since developed a wealth of tools specifically geared to help manage this condition as well as how to explain the fundamentals to adults and parents alike.

Podcast Host

I’m Precious and I’m a bilingual, high school student who is passionate about social justice and promoting good mental health.

I am a staunch anti-bullying advocate and enjoy connecting with others, including all people, especially those who feel marginalized.

My interests include stand-up comedy and army cadets. I am looking forward to bringing a fresh teen perspective to the table.

Podcast Host

I’m Kofo and I’m excited to be part of this team. I have a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education degree. I've worked with children and their parents for the past two decades as a teacher and in foster care for the past eight years.

I was drawn to these helping professions because I have a genuine interest in making a difference in the lives of others. I view every human life as unique, special, and of great value. I am passionate about good mental health because it is foundational for a healthy and productive life.

My hobbies include acting and being a hockey mom, including managing a team this past season. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Just Say Hey Initiative.

Podcast Host

For as long as I can remember, it's always been about the people. Growing up in a village of less than one thousand, community has always been a strong force in my life - and it's something that I've taken with me no matter where I go.

I moved to Ottawa in 2018 to work for the federal government, and in that time I've done my best to ingratiate myself in the sort of artistic communities that my hometown lacked. I've been supported beyond what I ever thought possible in flexing my creative muscles, and I'm lucky to count many friends among my present circle of collaborators.

I think that people are hardwired to crave connection, and that sometimes modern society starves us of what really matters; close-knit, un-curated, authentic communities. Hopefully, by way of this organization, we can make communities like this commonplace in both our city, and the world in turn.

Podcast Host/Photography

Roy has been a teacher, counsellor, consultant, department head and an Adjunct Professor in the field of public education in Alberta. He retired in 2015. He is now working in Ottawa as an actor, musician, artist, music teacher and writer.

Podcast Host

I'm Abe and I'm a graduate of Carleton University with a double degree in Law and Psychology.

I'm a huge supporter of mental health issues. My thesis focused on how anti-anxiety meds being prescribed today interact with the hippocampus and how it causes suicidal ideations in patients who never had them before.

I would have loved to continue my research in this field, but I was wooed into working in adult recreation hockey. Hockey has been my love since I was a little boy so it's a great fit. I caught the acting bug last Fall and just can't wait for that to start back up again!

In my spare time, I enjoy planning for world domination. doing nothing...

Video Production Assistant

My name is Katya.

I am a voice over artist and a nail tech. I moved to Ottawa Canada in the year 2000 from Manchester England. I am transgender and I have developed many skills over a life time of doing almost everything on my own.

I tend to be more introverted but I really come out of my shell behind a microphone. I, myself, have suffered from depression in the past and I know many people from many backgrounds that have needed support with mental and emotional health in the past.

I hope that in turn I can do my part to assist those that need the support or just a person to hear them.

Podcast Host

 Hey! My name is Nhan.

I’m an international student from Saigon, Vietnam. Currently, I’m working on my master’s degree in film studies at Concordia University after living in Ottawa for 4 years to work on my bachelor’s degree at Carleton University.

I love how art can bring out the joy of living for artist and audience alike. Seeing many friends struggle to live making art, I always do my best to make sure their work is recognized.

As an immigrant, I realize the anxiety of living in a different place from where one was born and raised. More than just a language barrier, which is already difficult for many people to overcome even after living years in Canada, being able to communicate with people and engage in the culture, adapting to the weather and new way of life living far away from the family and friends are the anxieties that an immigrant has to go through. If one is not able to adapt to these new conditions, the new life would be far from the one they dreamed of. Participating in the team, I hope to bring this awareness and to help the newcomers settling in Canada.

I’m personally interested in working behind the camera to get the most beautiful frame to tell stories not easily forgotten. I also have other interests in the post-production skill sets, and particularly in colour grading. Other than technical skills, writing has always been my hobby even before getting into filmmaking. I have practiced many writing forms include poetry, narrative, to technical report and academic writing. I’m looking forward to contributing my skills and efforts to help build this community.

Social Media Strategist

Hey! I’m Moe.

From everyone at JustSayHey I want to say welcome.

Removing the stigma from Mental Health and giving everyone an opportunity to share their story is why we’re here.

I graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience and Mental Health and decided to continue my education and complete a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Carleton University. I am currently completing my master’s in biomedical mechanical engineering at Ottawa University.

My interests in Mental health and understanding the brain come from my undergraduate research. Learning about the biological imbalances that different disorders cause has been especially of interest to me.

In my free time, I enjoy going out for walks and hikes, playing sports, and reading books. These are my outlet tools. I believe the incorporation of physical activity can be a very beneficial tool (not the only tool) in combatting poor mental health.

Director of Marketing

TBA