Youth Advisory Council
Youth Advisory Council
What we do & why we do it
What is the Youth Advisory Council? We are so glad you asked! The Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council is a group of committed youth from across West Michigan who have come together with a shared purpose, to share their unique perspective on how mental health impacts them with Pine Rest clinicians and leaders and other community partners. This is done through community-focused projects, participation in panels, and engagement in community activities.
The purpose of the Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council is to provide a platform for young individuals to voice their perspectives on mental health issues, engage in advocacy, and influence policies that affect youth mental well-being. The Council’s mission is to empower young leaders, promote mental health awareness, and foster collaboration between youth, mental health professionals, and community leaders.
The YAC has had the opportunity to provide feedback on the design and programming of Pine Rest’s Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health, including helping to create original artwork hung in this space. The YAC has met with legislative staff on mental health policy and advocacy and with school counselors to better understand the challenges faced in their role, as well as provide first-hand feedback on these services in their school. They have also meet with a variety of clinical disciplines to help with their own career exploration. Additionally, they have worked on community facing projects to help reduce stigma around mental health, support their peers that are experiencing or at risk of being un-sheltered, and educating community members on mental health.
Council Leadership
Amy Mancuso, LMSW, Co-Chair
I am Amy Mancuso, a clinical social worker, researcher, and the Grants Director at Pine Rest. Together with Dr. Heide Rollings, we established the YAC to be able to better understand how mental health affects the youth of our community and how we can work together to make a lasting impact.
Working with this council has been a highlight of my career. It is enlightening to hear firsthand accounts of what today’s youth are facing, and to be able to connect council members with clinicians and community members to evoke lasting change.
Heide Rollings, MD, Co-Chair
I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist, clinician researcher, and Medical Director of the Pine Rest Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health. Working together, Amy Mancuso and I helped launch the YAC to make sure young people have a real seat at the table when it comes to mental health. This is a space where youth can share their ideas, speak up, and help shape behavioral health programs and projects that directly impact them.
We believe the best work happens with youth, not just for them, and that none of this would be possible without their voices leading the way. Everything the YAC has shared so far has been powerful, thoughtful and inspiring. We’re excited to keep building, growing and creating change together!
Youth Council Members
Vanessa Bailey, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Vanessa Bailey, and I am a sophomore at Aquinas College. I enjoy playing lacrosse, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and spending time in nature, especially hiking!
Mental health matters to me because I believe everyone has unique strengths and perspectives; mental health challenges are only suppressing them. By fostering inclusive environments where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking the assistance they need, we unlock the collective potential for true societal growth.”
Airiana Cantu-Larson, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
I’m Airiana Cantu-Larson, a sophomore at Catholic Central High School. In my free time I enjoy reading and baking sweet treats.
I believe mental health is important as it’s OK not to be OK. I also want everyone to know that reaching out for help is alright. In the end, it will all work itself out so keep going.
Angie Cifuentes, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Angie Cifuentes, and I am a junior at Grand Rapids Museum High School.
Mental health is important to me because it is the drive of our lives. It is what sets our views and perspectives on how to move through life. We need to fight the stigma of people thinking they should go through hard times alone, and normalize knowing there are places and people who truly care and want to help.
In my free time, I love spending time in nature, with family, and creating art.
Delainey Crissman, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Delainey and I am a Sophmore at Grand Valley State University. I love painting and having deep conversations.
Mental health is important to me because everyone deserves to feel supported, understood and valued. When we care about each other’s well-being, we help create a kinder and more compassionate community. We can make a real difference in others’ lives when we show our support with empathy and respect.
Samantha DeMott, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Samantha DeMott, and I am a junior at Northview High School. In my free time, I love to read, spend time with my dog and hang out with friends.
Mental health matters to me because it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. I believe everyone deserves to be heard, supported and understood. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we can create communities where people feel safe seeking help and expressing themselves.
Ava LaMar, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Ava LaMar, and I am excited to be a part of the Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council! Mental health is a huge passion of mine, and I am pursuing a career in psychology. I love to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and help others to become their best version of themselves.
Everyone deserves a voice and to be educated about such serious topics such as mental health,I hope to be an advocate and inspiration for those around me.
Manuel Lopez-Zamudio, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Manuel Lopez-Zamudio, and I am a nursing student at Calvin University who cares deeply about youth mental health and community health. Outside of school, I love yoga, running, working out, going on walks, spending time in nature, trying new things, and drinking matcha. I also enjoy volunteering and standing up for what is right!
Mental health is fundamental to everything we do. It affects how we think, feel, connect with others, and move through the world. I really value honest conversations, even when topics are difficult, and I care about creating spaces where youth feel safe to share their stories and be heard. Through my involvement on the Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council, I hope to help reduce stigma, lift up youth voices and support mental health care that is rooted in compassion, dignity and understanding.
Gabe MacKenzie, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Gabe MacKenzie. I am a freshman at Cornerstone University, and I love working with kids with disabilities.
Mental health is important to me because everyone goes through tough times, and it’s okay not to be okay. Taking care of ourselves makes life better and helps us be there for the people we care about.
Noah Miiller, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Noah Miiller, and I’m a sophomore at Catholic Central. I enjoy spending time with family and reading when I can find the time.
Mental health matters to me because it affects everything we do. That is why it is crucial to cultivate our mental health, because if we don’t we can’t reach our highest potential and could miss out on opportunities.
Emerson Sanborn, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Emerson Sanborn, and I am a senior at Cedar Springs High School. I plan to pursue a degree in Special Education and Social Work. When I’m not in school, I love unwinding with a good book, diving into a new creative craft project, or spending time outdoors. You might find me enjoying the slopes while skiing or just soaking up some Vitamin D on a quiet beach!
Mental health is very important to me because I know what it feels like when you feel alone in a crowd full of family and friends. Mental health should be a priority, not a hidden struggle. My goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles.
Averill Timmer, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
Hello! My name is Averill, and I am a junior at Rockford High School. I love to read, enjoy the sunshine, and be by the water.
Mental health is important to me because it directly impacts your ability to think, feel and act in everyday life. When your mental well-being is prioritized, you’re better equipped to handle stress, love your people, and be the best person you can be!
Leilany Teasley, Pine Rest Youth Advisory Council
My name is Leilany Teasley, and I’m a freshman at Hope College studying biology and psychology. I love art, spending time with loved ones, and being outside!
Mental health is important to me because I believe every person deserves to feel valued, even in life’s hardest moments. By prioritizing mental health, we can bring a stronger sense of value to our own lives and better share it with others.