About me
Growing up, I struggled to fit in, and often felt like I didn’t belong anywhere.
I was born in Hong Kong, but spent the first 5 years of my life moving between different cities in Australia and Hong Kong. When I was 6 years old, my father relocated our family to Ghana, West Africa. I was 14 when my parents separated, and I moved back to Australia with my mum.
There was always a deep knot in my stomach and a sense of dread that followed me everywhere. My default response to any challenging situation was to try to avoid it, ignore it, or push it away. I couldn’t cope, and by high school, I was struggling with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder.
I pretended that everything was fine, but underneath my dislike for myself grew. I thought that if I were a different person, I'd be happier. But wanting to be someone else just kept me miserable, and I frequently thought of ending my life.
These experiences set me on my path to become a clinical psychologist, as I wanted to be able to offer other young people the support that I wish I had.
I want young people to grow up feeling confident in who they are, and hopeful for their bright futures.
As a clinical psychologist, I've helped hundreds of teens struggling with depression and anxiety overcome their self-doubt and regain their confidence, and grow into resilient and resourceful young adults.
I spent my doctorate years researching the factors of youth depression and suicide, and investigating the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs.
I've been invited to share my work at TEDx and at education and mental health conferences across Asia. In 2016, I was honoured to be chosen as one of Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. I have also been named one of Hong Kong’s most influential young leaders in by Tatler’s Generation T, and was featured in the Real Leaders 100 Young Visionaries list. I have also been selected by Channel NewsAsia as one of their Champions for Change, a series celebrating 20 individuals whose imagination, talents, and efforts have uplifted their communities here in Asia.
My goal is to continue helping young people overcome their challenges, know that they belong, and feel hopeful for their future.
