The Mental Mentors

A LITTLE BLURB ABOUT MY JOURNEY TO WHERE I AM

Imagine being 14 years old, screaming in frustration at the top of your lungs in the bathroom. Feeling alone, misunderstood, and weighed down by emotions you can’t explain – that was me. I remember being tired of everything and because I was the youngest, it felt like nobody cared. And no, it wasn’t just the typical angst of adolescence. Now, you’d never expect the “perfect” student – the one with a 4.0 GPA, always smiling, always involved – to feel like this. It wasn’t until I joined clubs at my high school and found spaces where I could connect with others that I started to feel less isolated. Even though my time with those groups lasted for about 5 months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those 5 months were enough to completely transform me. In 2021, I channeled those experiences as one of the youth podcasters for the 4th Annual School and Community Symposium. There, I shared powerful insights on improving education systems and healing advice on school community wellbeing. Being part of this youth podcast, actively volunteering with inspiring Red Cross members, and the other organizations I was involved in allowed me time to discuss things that were really affecting me… relationships with adults and peers, mental health, understanding my story, and, honestly, just finding a break from the overwhelming responsibilities I faced. Today, I remain dedicated to working with youth and advocacy, striving to create opportunities and provide support for young people to thrive. Empowering youth reinforces my unwavering drive and passion to continue my education towards becoming a physician. It’s the very passion that inspired me to co-create The Mental Mentors website, a platform for youth, by youth. Because at the heart of advocacy, just like medicine, is human connection. And that’s what drives me to move forward.

Jae Canas, MPH - Founder & Community Health Scientist

"I recovered my immense will to live when I realized that the meaning of my life was the one I had chosen for it." -

Paulo Coelho

Driven by pain, fueled by passion, and ignited by an unyielding commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion, Jae co-founded The Mental Mentors as a transformative platform for System Impacted Youth (SIY), Transition Age Youth (TAY), and the professionals who support them. This site is a dynamic hub for evidence-based approaches, innovative best practices, and the latest research & opportunities to meet the evolving needs of SIY and TAY populations.

As a proud former SITAY, Jae understands firsthand the challenges faced by system-impacted youth. This lived experience shapes relentless advocacy for elevating SITAY voices to lead the charge in dismantling and reconstructing mental health and behavioral health systems. By championing the peer movement, Jae envisions a future where youth-centered care is the norm and professionals approach "treatment" with empathy, collaboration, and innovation.

The Mental Mentors is more than a website—it’s a call to action for change-makers, thought leaders, and those who dare to reimagine how we support young people navigating complex systems. Together, we can elevate voices, foster resilience, and design a more inclusive and collaborative future.

Long Beach City College - Puente Project

Puente Project Club President

2010-2013

Puente Project's mission is to increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations. The program is interdisciplinary in approach, with writing, counseling, and mentoring components.

UCLA - Guardian Scholars

Program Assistant & Summer BGSA Youth Coach

2013 -2016

The Guardian Scholars Program is committed to improving the educational outcomes for current and former foster youth by providing services and support to meet their needs through transition, graduation, and post-graduate planning.

National College Attainment Network (NCAN)

2019 & 2020

Advocacy in DC day, where foster youth had the chance to speak directly to their congressional representatives and speak about the issues affecting their communities. Washington, D.C.

Safe Place for Youth

Education and Employment Specialist, 2017

Serving unhoused youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and youth living with mental distress and substance use challenges.

United Friends of the Children

Counselor, Scholars Program, 2018

Serving current and former foster youth students in grades 10th through 12th in all 8 SPAs in Los Angeles County.