2022-2023 Hope Squad National Council
Thank you to the
2022-2023 Hope Squad National Council
for your commitment and dedication
to your peers nationwide.
2022-2023 Advisor & President
Ruth Stanton McAtee
ADVISOR
I am the Advisor of Hope Squad National Council — a group of trained Hope Squad members who are passionate about connecting all Hope Squad members. I
have been an educator for 39 years and worked with Hope Squad for 10 years. Working with these amazing students on the Council is a tremendous honor and opportunity.
Sanjana Ramakrishnan
President
My name is Sanjana Ramekrishnan, and I attend Northwood High School in Irvine, California. Being on Hope Squad has given me opportunities that I never could have even imagined. The goal and message of Hope Squad is something that should be heard by everyone. I am so excited and grateful to serve on this year’s Hope Squad National Council. I look forward to all we will accomplish together.
2022-2023 Hope Squad National Council Members
Alivia Walker
Utah
Stansbury High School Hope Squad
Grantsville, Utah
Hello! I have been serving on the Hope Squad for two years and I am beyond excited to learn and serve more on the Hope Squad National Council! Some of my favorite things are people, hiking, and animal crackers (in that particular order). As I interact with people, I want them to see how great they are and how much good that they can do. My greatest hope is that we can work towards a community where everywhere feels like a hope squad because people feel more loved, seen, and heard, and because we are more comfortable talking about mental health.
Angelique Mackenzie Patterson
Florida
Choctawhatchee High School Hope Squad
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
I love reading classic novels, and young-adult fiction. One of my favorite books would have to be The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood! Mental health means everything, and I want you to know that I’m always here if you need someone to talk to. I love the phrase “Forward is forward, no matter the speed.” I think we all need to remember this when we find ourselves in a difficult place. Don’t be afraid to reach out; you’ll never be a burden.
Anjali Mittapally
California
Northwood High School Hope Squad
Irvine, California
I’m incredibly excited to be a member of the National Council this year. I’m from Southern California. I enjoy learning about psychology and working towards environmental sustainability in my spare time. Baking, drawing, and listening to music are some of my other pleasures. The mission of Hope Squad is something I’m really passionate about, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spread positivity not only at my school but across the country. I believe that everyone deserves a support system and to know that they are valued in our world, and I think that we can achieve this by working together!
Anna Bookman
Nevada
Coronado High School Hope Squad
Henderson, Nevada
I’ve been a part of Hope Squad at my school since it’s creation at Del Webb Middle School. Now, three years later, Hope Squad has become a massive piece of my life, from the weekly meetings to planning school events that raise awareness for suicide and mental health. I hope to create an environment of kindness and empathy everywhere I go, and I intend to bring that attitude to the National Council so that every person I meet feels loved and appreciated.
Aspen Delis
Utah
Summit Academy High School Hope Squad
Bluffdale, Utah
I am incredibly excited and honored to be a member of the Hope Squad National Council. During the course of my high school career, I have been actively involved in building our school’s Hope Squad, and I look forward to becoming an integral part of this year’s National Council. I believe kindness and love is the key to spreading the message of hope. A few of my favorite activities include volunteering, photography, math, computer science, playing the piano, and competing on the varsity golf team.
Avery Benson
Utah
Bingham High School Hope Squad
South Jordan, Utah
I spend most of my time running with my cross country/track team, going on adventures with friends, and painting or drawing. I love learning about mental health and self care with my Hope Squad and I’m super excited for this opportunity to be on the Nation Council this year!
Bella Pham
Oklahoma
Crossings Christian School Hope Squad
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
I enjoy playing golf, softball, or just taking a nap in my free time. I also enjoy listening to podcasts/music and cooking. I am very passionate about helping people and improving my community. I am incredibly thrilled and excited for the opportunity to bring my knowledge and ambition to make a difference not only in all communities, including minority communities, but across our country, schools, and around my own. While serving on the Hope Squad National Council I want to help break the stigma against mental health, and to help others recognize their self-worth through genuine connections! I believe that by collaborating, we can ensure that everyone feels valued and worthy of love!
Brendan Stock
Ohio
Kings High School Hope Squad
Kings Mills, Ohio
Hello! This will be my 5th year on my school’s Hope Squad and my first year on the Hope Squad National Council. I am beyond excited to be on the Council to help gain insights from other students around the country and to help spread my very own ideas. I love helping others especially when it comes to mental health. A little bit about me is that I run cross country and track, I love music, and I love to hangout with my friends. Just always remember that it is okay to not be okay.
Caitlyn Spaulding
Ohio
Lakota East High School Hope Squad
Liberty Township, OH
Hey everyone! I enjoy theater and love to act on stage. I am also a section leader of my school’s color guard. I have been a part of Hope Squad for 4 years now. I am incredibly proud that I am now a member of the Hope Squad National Council. I am honored and excited to be able to help my peers. Mental health is very important and is slowly being talked about more frequently in our daily lives. Hope can be found in many ways and one of those ways is kindness. I know being kind can help brighten any person’s day. And kindness is free…so go brighten someone’s day!
Diane Frecker
Ohio
Kings High School Hope Squad
Kings Mills, Ohio
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and going on runs. I also enjoy stress-relievers like painting and listening to music. I have served on my current squad for one year, and can’t wait to continue my journey nationwide. I am delighted to serve on the National Council, raise awareness, and continue to eliminate the stigma around mental health.
Garrett Ordonez
Nevada
Foothill High School Hope Squad
Henderson, Nevada
I was born in Hawaii, but my family and I moved at a young age to Nevada. Moving is difficult. The result of it, however, will always be memorable. Being a part of this community has brought me nothing but satisfaction; from the organizations to the people met, all are supportive. That is what I would like to bring as a member of the Hope Squad National Council, outreach. I would like to not only support my state, but I would like to support the whole nation in spreading the word of Hope.
Grace Gunn
Utah
Farmington High Hope Squad
Farmington, Utah
Hello! This is my sixth year on the Hope Squad. I am a jack of all trades, master of none. Some of the hobbies I enjoy are singing, dancing, running long distance, painting, baking, reading, and I dabble in several instruments. I grew up in California, but I am a farm girl at heart, especially when it comes to plants or anything outdoorsy. My happy places are my orchard and the library. I am excited to be a part of the National Council and can’t wait to meet you all!
Julia Ashley
Washington
Waterville High School Hope Squad
Waterville, Washington
I’m super excited to be a part of the Hope Squad National Council. I love to draw, paint, and make jewelry. I also play volleyball. My goal is to reduce the stigma around mental health and make sure people know that they don’t have to struggle alone.
Kaiden DeBry
Utah
Stansbury High School Hope Squad
Tooele, Utah
I love dancing and performing arts and learning new things! I love to contribute to everyone and try to get rid of stigmas and generalizing people. I’m a hard worker and will work extremely hard for everyone to be loved, cared for, and equal.
Kaylee Denker
Nebraska
Lincoln East High School Hope Squad
Lincoln, Nebraska
Hello. Along with Hope Squad I am involved in varsity volleyball, basketball, track, equity cares, and also Key Club. On the Hope Squad National Council I hope to learn more about how to act in a professional manner in different situations that happen along with meeting new people that share the same interests as me.
Laila Nahas
CALIFORNIA
Hi! My name is Laila Nahas, and I am absolutely thrilled to be a member of Hope Squad National Council. I attend Woodbridge High School, in California. I’ve played competitive soccer ever since I was little, and enjoy singing in my school’s performing choir. I love contributing to reducing the stigma against mental health in all communities, including minority communities across our country, schools, and my own community.
Logenn Marziale
Utah
Salem Hills High School Hope Squad
Salem, Utah
Hi friends!! I’m so excited for this opportunity to be on the Hope Squad National Council! I love to listen and help others and Hope Squad is a great way to do that! I absolutely love cooking, baking, shopping and playing volleyball! I’m super passionate about Psychology and it’s what I want to study in college. I love spending time with people who are important to me, whether it’s family, friends, cousins, or my adorable nephew! Mental health is so important and such a priority! I’m so excited to make a difference with this amazing community!
Luca Feng
Nevada
Coronado High School Hope Squad
Henderson, Nevada
I’m more than excited to be working on this year’s national council! One of my favorite things to eat is tacos! I can eat tacos pretty much everyday, anywhere; Korean Barbecue comes in as a close second. I love to bake cakes and macarons with my friends for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion. I’m most excited for the opportunity of getting to work with and know people from all around the country who are just as passionate about Hope Squad as me. I hope that I can offer a sliver of who I am to not just Nevadans, but to everyone.
Madilyn Winter
Wisconsin
Brookfield Central High School Hope Squad
Brookfield, Wisconsin
I am so thrilled to serve on the National Council for the 2022-2023 school year. I want to make a positive impact on each community I am a part of and being a member of the National Council allows me to encourage Hope Squad members from all over! I am especially passionate about self care and rest and cannot wait to empower my fellow Hope Squad members. In the future, I would love to be involved in psychology to further my passion for supporting those around me.
Madison Hunt
Oklahoma
Crossings Christian School Hope Squad
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
I am so excited to serve on the National Council this year. I enjoy golfing, relaxing, and being on my school’s pom dance group. I am passionate about impacting my community by advocating for mental health. My favorite way to make an impact is using creative projects to spread joy and positivity through my school and surroundings. My goal is to empower teens to be a light to others and open conversations about mental health.
Maia Lopez
Texas
Carroll High School Hope Squad
Southlake, Texas
I’m so honored to be part of this year’s Hope Squad National Council. I love growing plants and listening to music whenever I can. I also really enjoy listening to podcasts, especially TED Talks. I am honored to be part of the Hope Squad National Council and to be able to spread kindness and positivity. I believe that mental health is very important and that everyone deserves to feel valued and appreciated.
Manvi Srivastava
Texas
Rock Hill High School Hope Squad
Frisco, Texas
I’m absolutely honored to be part of the Hope Squad National Council! I’ve been in Hope Squad for 2 years and I’m excited to contribute more to the program. In my high school career, I’m involved in the Hope Squad, band, NHS and other clubs as well. Being involved in many activities made me realize how important it is to take care of mental health. While serving on the national council, my goal is to reduce the stigma around mental health and emphasize the importance self care.
Micah Gallebo
Ohio
Hilliard Bradley High School Hope Squad
Hilliard, OH
Being in Hope Squad has allowed me to spread positivity and Hope to more people throughout my community. It has also given me a platform to break the stigma around mental health. In my free time you’ll find me listening to my favorite musical artists such as Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. I’m so excited to serve on the National Council and can’t wait to see what we accomplish.
Munashe Tanjani
Utah
Hillcrest High School Hope Squad
Midvale, Utah
I’ve been on Hope Squad for 2 years. Everything I’ve learned has made me a better person and a better peer. I want you to know that you are valuable and loved by someone you don’t even know. Let’s meet up one day and talk about life, or Marvel, or music, or just have a laugh together. That’s what hope is about.
Natalee Judy
Idaho
Bonneville High School Hope Squad
Idaho Falls, ID
Hey! I’m a small town country livin’ girl from Eastern Idaho. I love to do 4‑H and be around all my farm animals. My family has a ranch and it’s my favorite thing ever! I love driving dirt roads while blasting old country music. This is my third year in Hope Squad and it’s amazing! I have made so many new friends and I’ve been able to help many people. I cannot wait for all the experiences that will come as I serve on the Hope Squad National Council.
Nora McNabb
Illinois
Loyola Academy Hope Squad in Willmette, IL
Chicago, Illinois
In addition to serving as outreach chair sophomore and junior year, I have a deep passion for mental health in general, my faith, and the performing arts, specifically choir. When my choir teacher came up to me on how to organize a collaborative choir concert, I was thrilled because I love to connect my passions. Being a member of Hope squad has changed me for the better which is why I’m so grateful that I have the chance to return it by serving on National Council.
Rae Johnson
Nevada
Coronado High School Hope Squad
Henderson, Nevada
I’m pleased to be on the Hope Squad National Council. Spreading mental health is a passion of mine. Along with spreading awareness, I enjoy playing viola in my school’s orchestra and listening to music. I’m grateful to have this position because it allows me to reach out to those who are struggling. Being a part of something way bigger than myself empowers me to be a real life example of how your mental troubles don’t define who you are as a person.
Reese Jones
Texas
Rock Hill High School Hope Squad
Prosper, Texas
I am a part of my school’s theatre, and when I am not in rehearsal, I love to play my guitar and read! I am so excited to be a part of Hope Squad National Council and I am so incredibly grateful that I can help kids my age all around America!
Savannah St. Pierre
Louisiana
Lutcher High School Hope Squad
Lutcher, Louisiana
I am so thrilled to be a part of the Hope Squad
National Council this year! I am a student at Lutcher High School, in the great state of
Louisiana. I am involved in my school's Senior Beta Club and I am obsessed with Disney! I am very passionate about changing the stigma related to suicide. It has a very close
meaning to my community and I am so excited to be able to spread awareness for suicide
prevention with the rest of the world. Let’s Do This Together!
Spencer Johansen
Utah
BIO
Bingham High School Hope Squad
South Jordan, Utah
I love listening to music and playing basketball and volleyball. I enjoy going on hikes and being around my friends and family. I also love Hope Squad and am super excited and grateful for the opportunity I have to be on the Hope Squad National Council this year.
Sydney Vargo
Ohio
BIO
William Mason High School Hope Squad
Mason, OH
I could not be more excited to expand my Hope Squad experience into the national council! In my free time, I play the flute in the marching band and participate in musical theatre. I have a younger brother that I love to dance around my kitchen with and two dogs that I love to hike with. With an outrageously rigorous academic and social life I love to drive around in my car, Murray, and sing for self-care. I love meeting and learning about new people and I can’t wait to learn more about others and myself while serving this year on National Council!
Taylee Wurm
Utah
BIO
Weber High School Hope Squad
North Ogden, Utah
I love spending time outdoors. I like to hike, mountain bike, paddle board, and much more. I also can play the piano and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I’ve spent the past 5 years on my school’s Hope Squad and I am so excited to be a part of the Hope Squad National Council! I am passionate about the message that Hope Squad promotes and I enjoy spreading messages of kindness and hope wherever and whenever I can!
Z'Haria Lemar
Louisiana
BIO
Lutcher High School Hope Squad
Lutcher, Louisiana
I am incredibly honored to serve on the Hope Squad National Council this year! I enjoy reading, playing volleyball and going for drives with my music blasting. For the past three years Hope Squad has been an essential part of my life. Watching the way hope squad helped to bring my close-knit community out of an extremely dark place after suffering through some very tough losses of students, brings me joy on my darkest days. Together we can work to stop the stigma surrounding mental health because the first step in preventing suicide is not being afraid to talk about it.
