Leadership Board
Justin McKenzie
co-founder
Education: Saint Michael’s College 2017
Job: Software Engineer at UBS
Losing loved ones to suicide is what originally motivated Dan and I to start H3 as a way to commemorate them, but what I think keeps us passionate about it is knowing how far small, simple gestures can go. I think our favorite thing to look back on when we were initially building H3 was the effectiveness it had from the onslaught. Our first “mental health awareness” event was tabling at a Saint Michael’s Women’s Volleyball game, where we had nothing more to promote than some fliers, light information, a poorly hand drawn poster, and two people that were willing to have a conversation about mental health. That willingness has taken us to places I don’t think we could have ever imagined, and formed relationships with people that I will always cherish. Sometimes it’s tough juggling the foundation with all post-collegiate life has to offer, but when we look back on what H3 has given and continues to give us, it’s a no brainer that this is something we want to be a part of for a long time to come.
Daniel Divis
co-founder
Education: Saint Michael’s College ’17; University of New Hampshire School of Law ’21
Job: Judicial Intern at Hillsborough County Superior Court (North)
Justin and I started Hope Happens Here with the seemingly minor idea that we might make a difference regarding the way others view mental health on Saint Michael’s campus. As I had dealt with mental health issues in the past, it made sense to try and break the stigma that surrounds mental health and confronting issues surrounding it from a personal standpoint. From a broader perspective, Justin and I wanted to help our community confront these same issues and stand by those that felt alone in their struggle. Today, as Hope Happens Here has a much larger reach, we want to continue to have the conversation we were able to start on Saint Michael’s campus in 2015 and create change on as many college and high school campuses as possible. I believe that by starting the conversation on mental health in both high school and college we might create widespread change as we continue to try and break the stigma.
Annie Martin
Secretary
Education: Saint Michael’s College 2019
Job: Coach at True Lacrosse
When I first heard of Hope Happens Here at Saint Michael’s College, I knew the organization was something I needed to be a part of. Identifying as a student-athlete my entire life, I have seen many teammates, including myself, struggle silently with mental illness. I joined the SMC Hope Happens Here Chapter to be a voice to those struggling with their mental health and to create real change on our college campus. In those four years, Hope Happens Here became much more than anyone could have imagined. During our senior year, we began speaking to local high schools in Vermont; spreading the message beyond our chapter. I saw the change we created outside our own community and saw what we could continue to do post graduation. I joined the H3 leadership board as an intern to start helping the rest of the team end the stigma at other colleges and high schools. I have since transitioned into a Secretary role.
TJ Thaler
Chief Financial Officer
Education: College of Charleston 2017
Job: Business Development Manager at YipitData
Mental health as a subject is one that has always been close to my heart. As a part of Hope Happens Here, I strive to create real change and end the stigma, one conversation at a time.
Brandon Mitchell
Business Operations Intern
Education: Saint Michael’s College 2021
Job: Wealth Management Intern at Commonwealth Financial Group | Audit Intern at blumshapiro
It is important to recognize that someone’s mental health is just as important, if not more important, than one’s physical health. I am a huge advocate of mental health being at the forefront of conversations, education, and awareness measures. Hope Happens Here has been an organization that has contributed to all of these aspects by providing a support system to student athletes to end the negative stigma that surrounds mental health by creating conversation. Through my efforts as an intern and Co-Chair of the SMC College Chapter, my primary goal will be to emphasize that being vulnerable and honest with oneself and others is true toughness and that it is healthiest option for everyone. The task of structuring this nonprofit organization to be able to expand chapters to many more college and high school campuses is essential to positively impact many more communities.
Georgianna Cokinos
Social Media Intern
Education:Stonehill College 2021
The mental health of student athletes is a topic that is not talked about nearly as much as it should be. Being a student-athlete for a majority of my life, I believe that there needs to be more awareness towards mental health. I believe that being the Social Media Intern for this team at Hope Happens Here will not only help me, but other student-athletes learn about ending the stigma. Through my creativity and design practices, I hope to educate more individuals on the facts and help those scared to speak up to not be afraid to reach out for help. Together, lets #BeAboutIt.
Molly Divis
Social Media Intern
Education: Ursinus College 2021
Being a college athlete, too often I see people holding back emotions and feeling the need to put on a tough face. The topic of mental health is one that is overlooked too often. It is one that needs to be talked about and the best way to do that is by spreading awareness and educating. It has been so awesome to see how Hope Happens Here has grown throughout the years and it is something I have always wanted to take part in. Having the opportunity to intern for such an amazing organization is a blessing. The mission of Hope Happens Here to end the stigma of mental health one conversation at a time is extremely valuable and will have long lasting impacts.