Teen Board | www.grit2.org

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)

TAB is comprised of local teens representing five area high schools. We are looking for enthusiastic students to join our team for the 2024/2025 school year. The board meets monthly to plan and execute community and school events to support teen mental wellness.

We are currently accepting TAB applications. If you know of a teen (or are a teen!) that would be interested, contact us @ info@grit2.org. Not sure? Join us at our next meeting Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 10am at Enclave in Downers Grove. Bring a friend and find out what TAB is all about!

Upcoming TAB Events:

Teen Table Talk
This group is a teen lead discussion, TAB assisted and overseen by an inhouse Social Worker Intern. The group meets at Downers Grove Public Library, monthly, the third Tuesday at 7pm.
October 15th is our next teen talk! Drop ins are welcome!

Self Defense class offered by True Balance Karate
This is a free class for High School aged students to empower teens to boost self-confidence and strength!
Friday, October 25th 5pm-5:45 pm @ TBK.
Click HERE to register

Nature RX- Free Teen Forest Therapy Session
Saturday, November 2 @ 2pm-4pm
Patriots Park in Downers Grove
This Teen walk is sponsored by the Conservation Foundation of

DuPage County
Sign up here

Meet some of our teen board members below!

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Ellie Mazzeffi, Junior, DGS

One of my hobbies is going horseback riding. I’ve been doing it since I was about 5 and haven’t stopped since. I ride 3 times a week and I even have my own horse. I’ve had her for almost two years, and her names Chica. This is a photo of us at a horse show from last summer!

Madelyn Allen, Junior, DGN

I think mental health awareness is important because I have seen so many of my friends and people around me struggle with mental health, including myself. I want everyone who struggles to have access to help, as not all people have equal support systems.

Jadyn Wood, Junior, DGN

Hey friends! I joined grit2 because I struggle with my own mental health….and I want to end the stigma behind it! It’s an important topic that not enough people open up about. I also love reading and writing, and try to bring that passion into this program, by organizing our organizations social media.

Mahogany Jasmine Petties, Sophomore, DGN

I believe it's in everyone's best interest to know the importance of mental health, as it affects many aspects of life. When you take care of your mental health, you not only improve your physical health but also your overall performance and motivation, leading to a better future.

Jordan Reynolds, Junior, DGS

I got involved in the grit2 Teen Advisory Board after going through my own mental health struggles. I want to help others receive information and support them the same way my family and friends helped me.

Josephine Carlson, Freshman, DGN

I was interested in joining grit2 because I have always wanted to pursue a career in this field and this organization would grant me many opportunities to learn more.

Kiki Sobkowiak, Junior, Benet Academy

Today's high schoolers are the first generation to grow up openly discussing mental health in schools. Mental health awareness is important to teach because not everyone knows how or when to get help and we need to make sure that changes. Everyone has mental health- whether good or bad or both- so everyone should be well equipped to handle it.

Valeria Gonzalez

Senior, DGN

Hola! I joined grit2 because I struggled with my own mental health for many years and want to advocate for others. I want to be the positive change teens need. My main goal is to end the stigma surrounding mental health in Hispanic culture and make people feel heard. Some of my favorite hobbies are journaling, Muay Thai, and reading. I’ve come a long way in my own journey and hope to inspire others.