About us
Kiana Kay - Founder/CEO
Hi, my name is Kiana, and I am a current Grade 11 student and founder of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health. I started Sunday Steps when I was 15, beginning with a simple weekly walk through Edwards Gardens every Sunday at 10 a.m just to get people outside and moving during the cold, winter months.
What began as a simple walk to raise awareness about mental health and support the Canadian Mental Health Association has grown into something so much bigger. To extend our impact, we introduced Sunday Steps Chapters, which have now spread to over 12 schools across Canada. So far, we’ve raised $3820 for various mental health initiatives, donated more than 250 personalized bracelets and nearly 160 cards to young mental health patients, with the help of 100+ volunteers.
And this is just the beginning. I’m so excited to see how much more we can achieve as we continue to break the stigma around youth mental health.
Meet Our Team
Program Development Directors
Lauren Lacalamita
Hey, my name is Tory, and I am in grade 11 at Havergal College. I joined the Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health leadership team because I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health so I wanted to be part of a community that raises awareness and money for this super important cause. My favourite mental health activity is playing board games!
Program Development Director
Chloe Shimlay
Hi my name is Chloe and I am in grade 11 at TFS. I joined the Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health team because I'm passionate about making a difference in mental health, it's also a great way to meet awesome people who are also passionate about the same things as me. My favourite mental health activity is listening to music or going on a walk.
Website Designer
Bella David Adams
Hi, my name is Bella, and I am a junior at Univeristy High School. I joined Sunday Steps because I'm passionate about making a difference and spreading awareness, especially when it comes to mental health. It's something I deeply value and am able to support through my role at Sunday steps. My favorite mental health activity is going out for walks and runs.
Social Media
Tory Vernon
Hey, my name is Tory, and I am in grade 11 at Havergal College. I joined the Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health leadership team because I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health so I wanted to be part of a community that raises awareness and money for this super important cause. My favourite mental health activity is playing board games!
Research director
Pearl Chadha
Hi, my name is Pearl Chadha and I am in grade 12
at Harold M Brathwaite in the IB program. I love to read, especially true crime and non-fiction, as it’s my favorite way to unwind. This passion for learning fuels my desire to study neuroscience. As the Research Director for Sunday Steps for Mental Health, I’m excited to contribute to understanding mental well-being.
TikTok Manager
Ayanna Hemani
Hi! My name is Ayanna. I’m a grade 10 student at Havergal College. I joined the Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health team because I am passionate about bringing awareness and educating others about youth mental health. My favorite self-care activity is listening to music.
Chapter Director
Parmida
Hey! I'm Parmida, and I'm a grade 12 at Alexander Mackenzie High School. Applying to Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health was my small way of doing what I can to help with making a change in the lives of youth struggling with mental health. I love playing music and baking to take care of my own mental health!
Events Director
Harnoor Benipal
Hi, I’m Harnoor, a grade 12 IB student at Harold M. Brathwaite. I’m driven by the goal of creating a stronger, more connected community while raising awareness about mental health. As part of Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health, I’m dedicated to breaking stigmas and leading impactful initiatives that deliver substantial results in both fundraising and advocacy. In my spare time, I prioritize going on runs.
Arts and Crafts Program Director
Manvi Lakhani
Hi! My name is Manvi and I'm a grade 11 in Bayview Secondary School. I joined Sunday Steps 4 Mental Health because I am passionate about raising awareness for mental health! It's such an important cause that affects so many people, and I wanted to make an impact and support those who may be struggling in any manner. My favourite self care activity is listening to music or talking to my friends!
Arts and Crafts Program Director
Mehak Khandekar
Hi! My name is Mehak, and I’m a grade 11 student at Heart Lake Secondary School. I joined the Sunday Steps team because I am passionate about making a difference for youth that struggle with mental health. I love the vision and collaboration of our team; we have an uplifting environment that inspires me every day. My favourite mental health activities are listening to music and reading.
Chapter Director
Sofia Mourinho
Hi, my name is Sofia Mourinho and I attend Branksome Hall. I joined Sunday Steps to help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and contribute to a positive change in how mental health is viewed. It’s a chance for me to connect with others who share similar passions and work toward a cause I care about. My favourite mental health activity: long walks or cooking!