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MEET OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate team driving global change in youth mental health through empathy, expertise, and action.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michal Tuczapski
Michal Tuczapski is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), the world’s largest youth-led mental health organization. Since founding the organization in 2019, he has led its expansion to every continent, building a powerful global movement rooted in the belief that mental health is a universal human right. Under his leadership, MHR has formed strategic alliances with international institutions including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Big Six Youth Organizations.
Michal’s expertise lies at the intersection of mental health, international relations, and youth diplomacy. He has conducted advanced research at the University of Harvard, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge, focusing on topics such as global governance, youth participation in international policy, and the future of multilateral cooperation.
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Nominated for the UN SDG Action Awards
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Selected for Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe
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Awarded the European Charlemagne Youth Prize by the European Parliament
He has represented youth voices at major international summits and forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, where he has consistently advocated for inclusive, youth-driven solutions to global challenges.
In addition to his work at MHR, Michal serves as the President of the UNESCO Youth Advisory Group, where he leads efforts to embed youth perspectives in global education, science, and culture policies. Combining grassroots activism with international diplomacy, his leadership continues to shape a new generation of mental health advocates and global changemakers.
EXPERTS
Andrzej Kiejna
Tomasz Grzyb
Prof. Andrzej Kiejna is an internationally recognized psychiatrist and epidemiologist, bringing decades of clinical, academic, and public health experience to Mental Health Rescuers (MHR). As former Vice-President of the European Association of Geriatric Psychiatry (EAGP), he has helped shape mental health policy and research across Europe. At MHR, he guides integrated, evidence-based approaches to youth mental health, reinforcing the organization’s global mission with scientific and strategic insight.
Prof. Tomasz Grzyb is a leading social psychologist with deep expertise in the psychology of influence, obedience, and social behavior. As Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at SWPS University in Wroclaw, he has contributed to shaping academic and applied approaches to social dynamics across Europe. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), he advises on behavioral insights, social change strategies, and the psychological foundations of youth mental health advocacy.
Ayorkor Gaba
Samy Egli
Dr. Ayorkor Gaba is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, specializing in health disparities, co-occurring disorders, and the intersections of race, ethnicity, and mental health. Her academic and clinical work addresses the structural factors shaping access to care. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), she contributes expertise on culturally responsive mental health interventions and supports efforts to close equity gaps in youth psychological services.
Dr. Samy Egli is a psychologist and researcher specializing in digital mental health innovation, with a focus on trauma recovery and immersive technologies. Based at the University of Basel, he leads pioneering projects integrating VR and AR into therapeutic models for adolescents. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), he supports the development of tech-enabled mental health tools, including AI-driven interventions and holographic applications for conflict-affected youth.
ADVISORY BOARD
Mykola Kuleba
Odo Tevi
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Mykola Kuleba is a prominent child rights advocate and former Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Ukraine. He currently serves as CEO of Save Ukraine, where he leads emergency response efforts for children and families affected by war. With decades of experience in child protection, humanitarian policy, and government reform, he brings deep strategic insight to Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), advising on youth rights, crisis response, and cross-border mental health support.
Ambassador Odo Tevi is Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a distinguished voice in global diplomacy. With a background in development and finance, he has helped shape key international agendas, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and served as Vice President of the UN General Assembly. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), he advises on multilateral engagement, strategic partnerships, and youth-focused global advocacy.
Jamila Ibrahim
Samy Egli
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Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim is Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development and a medical doctor with expertise in public health and social policy. She has been a strong advocate for youth leadership and women’s empowerment, combining clinical knowledge with a commitment to inclusive governance. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), she advises on youth-centered health strategies, national policy design, and equitable access to mental health support.
Dr. Samy Egli is a psychologist and researcher specializing in digital mental health innovation, with a focus on trauma recovery and immersive technologies. Based at the University of Basel, he leads pioneering projects integrating VR and AR into therapeutic models for adolescents. At Mental Health Rescuers (MHR), he supports the development of tech-enabled mental health tools, including AI-driven interventions and holographic applications for conflict-affected youth.