Shine Initiative educates youth and young adults on mental health issues, provides local resources in Massachusetts for professional treatment and works to remove the stigma associated with these common illnesses.
You’re Not Alone
1 in 5
13–18 year olds experience a serious mental health condition
3 of 5
people with mental illness do not seek help or treatment
50%
of lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14
75%
of lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 24
Helpful Resources
Meet Our Team

In addition to being a part of Leadership Worcester's Class of 2020, Charisse was also a collegiate athlete and still enjoys playing basketball when her knees allow. She considers March Madness one of the best times of the year!
Charisse's motto is "Just ask..."

Prior to joining Shine in 2017, she worked for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and was Chair their Out of the Darkness Walk in Worcester for 10 years.
Jessika believes that mental health should be a part of our everyday conversations with youth as we shift the culture towards awareness and understanding.

Marissa graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and is very passionate about mental health. As someone who has battled with anxiety, her goal is to support others in similar situations, as well as teach family & friends what they can do to help their loved ones.

Julia graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and is passionate about engaging with youth. As someone who has battled anxiety and depression, she advocates for individuals to feel their emotions because there is no shame in not feeling ok at all times. Through her own journey, she has learned to teach family and friends what they can do to support someone in need of extra care.

Tessa will receive her bachelor’s in Spanish from Clark University in May of 2025 and is working to obtain her Master’s in Teaching the following year. She is incredibly passionate about youth work and is finishing her first year of student teaching at an elementary school in Worcester working in a bilingual classroom. As someone who has struggled with OCD and anxiety and who was a high-school student during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tessa highly values mental health education, especially in schools, and the positive effects that it has on the school community as a whole.