Ruth is a parent to three children and passionate advocate for youth mental health and substance use. Her lived experience journey began with the challenges of supporting her own child through anxiety, an experience that opened her eyes to the fragmented and often overwhelming mental health system. Determined to make a difference, Ruth now works tirelessly to ensure that other parents know they are not alone, that hope exists, and that their voices can create meaningful change. Ruth is a valued member of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee for Healthy Minds at BC Children’s Hospital, where she helps shape better mental health services for young people.

Sarah is an Occupational Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital who has worked in youth mental health and substance use in both Canada and New Zealand. In her current role, she supports teams across BC in improving care for the “missing middle” - young people aged 16-24 and their families who are navigating transitions and challenges in the mental health and substance use system. Sarah is passionate about family-centred care, neurodiversity and trauma-informed care, and supporting smoother transitions to adulthood.

Dr. Andrea Wallace is an adolescent medicine pediatrician at BC Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Wallace works in the Adolescent Health Clinic and the BC Children's Hospital Provincial Eating Disorders Program, and is the Adolescent Health and Medicine’s Division Lead on transition to adult health. She enjoys working with youth and their families to use their own unique strengths and resources to address chronic stressors, and physical and mental health conditions. She has a special interest in supporting youth with chronic illnesses and disabilities to navigate the transition from pediatric to adult health care.‎