Our Team

Dr. Candice Powell, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Candice Powell joined Mind HK as Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. She is trained as a clinical psychologist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Mind HK, she worked at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, one of Hong Kong’s largest community mental health NGOs, for 13 years. She is an honorary lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and a fellow of The Hong Kong Psychological Society, vice-chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of HKPS, and a training officer of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Science (Hong Kong Chapter). She is an awardee of Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection 2022.

Candice is diversely trained in evidence-based psychological intervention. Apart from being a practitioner, she is also a rigorous researcher and widely published in academic journals and presented her study findings at local and international conferences. She has developed innovative intervention programmes for improving people’s mental health and well-being. She introduced Mindful Parenting, digitised Unified Protocol for emotional disorders, and established a stepped-care psychological service in Hong Kong. She hopes everyone with emotional distress can easily access quality psychological services.

Carol Liang, Deputy CEO

Carol has been at Mind HK since 2017, where she has led the organisation’s communications strategy, campaigns, digital content, and external relations, prior to stepping into the role of Deputy CEO.
Carol previously supported public health development and communication programmes for the UN and a number of health-focused NGOs and digital health start-ups in Boston, New York, and Geneva. She holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Medical Humanities, a Masters of Public Health, and a Masters of Counselling. Outside of Mind HK, she is a mental health counsellor, working primarily with adolescents. Carol is a member of the Laureus Model City Hong Kong Steering Committee, a mentor for Resolve’s 2022-2023 Fellowship, and a member of the Global Shapers Hong Kong hub. She is passionate about everything public health, storytelling, and changing attitudes toward mental health.

Min Huang, Chief Operations Officer

Min joined Mind HK in January 2022. She holds a MBA degree, and over 14 years professional experience including extensive work within the operations field.

She started to work in the HK charity sector from 2020, and is proud to be able to apply her experience and knowledge on helping start up to build a solid foundation for further development.

Charlotte Tottenham, Acting CDO

Charlotte joined Mind HK as Acting Chief Development Officer in September 2023.

At Mind HK she looks after all things related to development, fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders interested in the mental health conversation. Charlotte brings international experience in journalism, social enterprise, and the nonprofit sector, in a variety of roles including communications, fundraising, marketing and volunteer management.

As an English Literature graduate, she has a strong belief that real life stories and lived experience leadership are the most effective way to create change. She is a former Fellow of Year Here, a pioneering UK based social innovation and leadership programme.

She would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Ella Chan, Training Coordinator

Passionate about transforming society through quality mental health education and services, Ella brings her unique journey into her role as Training Coordinator at Mind HK in 2023. Her mission began in technology corporations and evolved in the Higher Education and NGO sectors, where she developed business and education insights. She then joined mental health organisations, conducting research and writing articles to promote mental health destigmatisation. Alongside her professional growth, her academic background with a degree in Bioengineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has offered a unique lens in her advocacy work. Today, she uses her experience to develop and facilitate mental health training programs across a myriad of sectors. Dedicated to her personal mission, she continues to foster mental health destigmatisation, improve social awareness, and cultivate meaningful connections every day.

Henry Chan, Training and Partnership Manager

Henry learned about Mind HK during the Mental Health Conference 2017, and joined the Mind HK team, as he wishes to improve the mental health condition in Hong Kong through education and awareness works.

Henry obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Bath and worked as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist at a local hospital in the United Kingdom before coming back to his hometown. His previous work focused on conducting assessments and light intensity rehabilitations for individuals with various backgrounds. During work, he realised that there are huge differences in mental health attitudes and knowledge between the HK and UK community. The stigma has a significant impact on a person’s experience and recovery.

Therefore, Henry joined Mind HK aiming to improve the current situation and contribute through education and awareness work. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and delivers mental health training and workshops.. He believes that reducing stigma and improving awareness are the first steps to improve support in Hong Kong, and he also wishes to collaborate and work with different like-minded parties to facilitate such change.

Michelle Cheng, iACT Programme Manager

Michelle joined Mind HK in April 2022. She attained a degree in Media Arts and an advanced certificate in Psychology in Hong Kong, with a special interest in community arts, psychotherapy and mindfulness. Prior to joining Mind HK, Michelle worked for various corporates and NGOs, and she brings over 8 years of experience in delivering local and overseas project management, development and fundraising campaigns.
Michelle previously worked for a local NGO as a Programme Manager to design and deliver a wide range of social inclusion programmes with people with different disabilities. Outside of Hong Kong, she also provided volunteer services in Germany, Cambodia and Thailand. She is committed to giving back to society, and excited to support Mind HK for mental health development in Hong Kong.

Jacky Chow, iACT Research & Project Coordinator

Jacky began his journey with Mind HK as a Youth Wellbeing Practitioner (YWP) to provide low-intensity Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for university students struggling with mild to moderate mental distress. His interest in the development of “Improving Access to Community Therapies” (iACT) project led him to officially join the team in June 2023, contributing to iACT by facilitating the research process and providing a unique perspective as an ex-practitioner.

With a BSc Psychology from the UK and a professional diploma in general counselling from Hong Kong, Jacky is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychological Medicine (psychosis studies) at The Hong Kong University. He is also practising 1:1 progressive Applied Behavioural Analysis therapy to aid the learning of children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, Jacky is an active volunteer of the Hong Kong Mental Health Association, leading monthly activities during hospital visits to support in-patients recovering from substance misuse.

Yan Chow, iACT Project Assistant

Yan joined Mind HK as a Project Assistant in November 2023. She has been working in the front line as an iACT Practitioner (Youth) and is devoted to bringing her experiences of localising mental health care to the development and success of the iACT programme.

Michelle Chung (Winglam), iACT Programme Coordinator

Michelle joined Mind HK in April 2022. After graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor degree in Psychology, she aspired to contribute to the mental health field in Hong Kong as a team member of the Youth Wellbeing Practitioner and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Programme.

During her previous work and internship experiences in local NGOs, she has coordinated mental health promotion programmes and peer support groups for local secondary students under the supervision of counselling and educational psychologists. Remarking the impact of mental health promotions and services on younger people, she is passionate to connect schools, professionals and students through the YWP programme and enhance mental health support resources as a member of Mind HK.

Dr Jeffy Ho, Acting iACT Lead Clinical Advisor

Dr. Jeffy C. Y. Ho, a seasoned clinical psychologist (HCPC & HKPC Reg), serves as the Clinical Advisor for the Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner(PWP) programme at Mind HK since May 2023. His career began in Hong Kong as a counsellor before expanding his knowledge at the esteemed Anna Freud Centre earning MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology, followed by His Doctor in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL). Deepening his professional expertise, he underwent psychoanalysis at the renowned Institute of Psychoanalysis, London.

Jeffy’s primary focus lies in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and child development, integrating third wave CBT therapies such as ACT, and Systemic & Existential thinking into his practice. Despite mainly working with adults, his deep understanding of child development and mental health makes him a strong advocate for early intervention and a stepped care model.

Working trans-diagnostically, Jeffy specialises in addressing relational issues and complex psychological difficulties. His broad clinical experience encompasses institutions like the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, Tavistock and Portman Clinic, Royal London Hospital Renal Department, Community Mental Health Team, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, reflecting his diverse clinical and research backgrounds.

Offering services in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, Jeffy provides culturally sensitive care to his diverse clientele. His comprehensive offerings range from individual therapy to family interventions and collaborative healthcare, underscoring his dedication to holistic patient care. In essence, Jeffy is committed to applying psychological theories and practices to improve his clients’ lives and foster emotional health and personal growth.

Melissa Kong, Head of Campaigns and Partnerships

Melissa joined Mind HK in November 2020 leading the development, partnerships and fundraising strategy working closely with a variety of stakeholders, and now heads up Mind HK’s key campaigns and partnerships.
Born and raised in Scotland, Melissa brings over 12 years’ experience managing international creative projects in the public, private and NGO sector in Hong Kong. Having seen first hand the impact of mental health personally and professionally; Melissa is committed to destigmatising and raising awareness of mental health issues especially in the workplace as well as in the wider community. She is also currently an External Advisory Board Member for the British Council’s SPARK Festival of Creativity.
Melissa is a great believer in the benefits of physical exercise for mental wellbeing. Outside of work, she enjoys being in nature, exploring Hong Kong’s trails and is also a passionate salsa dancer.

Eva Kwok, Project Manager - Digital Projects

Eva joined Mind HK in 2022 and serves as the Digital Project Manager. She was born and raised in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Mind HK, she worked in various corporations and quasi-government organisations across different industries. She has over 10 years of experience in digital project management specialising in websites, eShop and mobile app development. Eva firmly believes user experience is one of the important factors leading to the success of a digital application. She plans and designs the application enhancements from user perspective, aiming at creating intuitive user experience and seamless user flow. She is excited to apply her knowledge and experience in assisting NGOs to improve internal and external digital applications.

Ady Lai, Fundraising and Campaigns Assistant Manager

Ady starts her journey in Mind HK in Dec 2023. She is a journalism graduate and believes storytelling is the key to drive changes. As a Hongkonger, she understands how difficult the people here are living their lives and really wants to give back to her hometown. She is excited to bring her experience and knowledge in journalism, NGO communication and fundraising to Mind HK and help foster general awareness of mental health issues here in this city.

She is a bookworm and loves writing – as words do heal!

Kitty Lam, iACT Programme Assistant

Kitty joined Mind HK in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Hong Kong. With a bachelor degree of politics and public administration, she understands the detrimental impact of stigmatisation towards one’s mental health. Therefore, she has joined Mind HK for contributing in this field and reaching out to people in need.

With her past internship experiences, she is capable of illustrating new ideas and coordinating among various stakeholders. She is always passionate in organising community programmes so as to raise public awareness in social issues.

Other than being a team member in Mind HK, Kitty is also an enthusiastic nature explorer, and she believes that it heals one’s mental health.

Agnes Lau, Project Assistant (Research)

Agnes joined Mind HK in November 2022. She currently assists in the research projects running alongside the PWP pilot programme as well as the implementation of the PWP and YWP programmes. She is now also pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Prior to her engagement in the field of mental health, Agnes had been working as a solicitor in Hong Kong, advising on employment law. Her experiences in handling legal cases, in particular those concerning clients who had been victims of various types of discrimination and harassment in their workplace, have made her realise how vulnerable individuals’ mental wellbeing could be. She hopes that, despite the potentially high level of stress that may come with living in a fast paced society like Hong Kong, everyone can manage to find their unique solutions to their mental health issues and live their lives to the fullest.

Nicole Lee, Training and Operations Manager

Nicole grew up in Hong Kong and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work (part-time) at HKU. Having experienced first-hand how mental health problems have impacted both patients and carers, Nicole is driven to dedicate herself in the field aiming to combat stigma and raise awareness of mental health in the local community. Nicole joined Mind HK in late 2020 and is currently leading youth mental health programmes. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor (Standard and Youth version). Prior to joining Mind HK, she has experience working with vulnerable families and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mental health challenges.

Opal Li, iACT Clinical Advisor

Opal joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in September 2023. She is a locally trained counselling psychologist who has rich experience and insight in the challenges that young adults in Hong Kong face nowadays, for example, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, traumas, helplessness and hopelessness, interpersonal issues and personal growth.
She mainly uses ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), in combination of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-focused Brief Therapy) in a client centered approach, to facilitate emotionally challenged individuals to regain psychological flexibility and resilience, at the same time clarify their values to can make meaningful changes in life to change one’s own conditions. In addition, she also had solid experience in supporting parents to process and gain clarity in parenting related stress, identify ineffective parenting styles and make adjustments accordingly, in order to support children’s healthy development.
In addition, Opal is also a qualified mindfulness facilitator in curriculums including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Paws B and .b programs.

Rose Siu, Wellbeing Planner

Rose joined Mind HK in July 2023. She graduated from Hong Kong Shue Yan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Rose, a trained Wellbeing Planner through the JC PROcruit C program, promotes individuals wellbeing awareness. With valuable experience from OpenUp, she understands the power of words and the importance of adjusting our verbal expression in fostering positive conversations. Through her journey, She consistently reflects on the genuine needs of service users and identified that many individuals were unaware of available services and afraid of seeking help owing to social stigma. She deeply appreciates the contribution of Mind HK’s community directory and Antistigma Campaign, which provide users with direction and encouragement for seeking help. Therefore, Rose is dedicated to positive changes and Mind HK’s vision in the communications team.

Chung Ping Sit, iACT Wellbeing Practitioner (Youth)

Chung Ping has experienced the power of counselling and psychotherapy and developed an interest in it since being diagnosed depression in secondary school. While he adopts Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the position of iACT Wellbeing Practitioner, he is also greatly inspired by attachment theory and Satir Model. He hopes to facilitate the self-understanding, growth and changes of people he meets.
Believing in “inspirations through dialogues”, Chung Ping develops his career in mental health, cultural education, historical tours, mediation and interview research. His living experience in Hong Kong and Japan, and multi-disciplinary study and work experience nurtured a unique worldview and an inclusive attitude accepting diversity of people and cultures. Currently he is a master student of social work in the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Odile Thiang, Lead Clinical Advisor (Training and Anti-stigma)

Odile has been involved with Mind HK since 2016, and was on the team that officially launched the charity at the 2017 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference. Odile is the lead clinical advisor for the Anti-Stigma Project, and a trainer. She was involved in the planning of the 2017 and 2020 Hong Kong Mental Health Conferences.
Odile is a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in child and adolescent care. Her commitment to serving marginalised communities lead her to work on the improvement of mental health care, and working with survivours of sexual assualt and domenstic violence as well as vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. In Hong Kong she has focused her efforts on mental health and nursing education. Odile is currently also a Child & Adolescent Teaching Fellow at the HK Polytechnic University School of Nursing, as well as an Honorary Nurse Consultant at the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital. Her extensive experience has allowed her to cultivate a strong focus in paediatric care, with a unique exposure to child and adolescent mental health.

Vicki Tsang, Assistant Manager - Anti-stigma Project

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Vicki graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a strong background and passion in mental health and psychology stemming from her Bachelors in Psychology.

With over five years of experience in mental health initiatives and supporting people with their mental health in both Vancouver and Edinburgh, Vicki hopes to bring her experience to Mind HK and help destigmatize mental health in Hong Kong. She hopes to normalize the conversation around mental health and the need for mental health support in the bustling city of Hong Kong where the conversation surrounding mental health can be a taboo topic. Prior to joining Mind HK, Vicki worked to support UNHCR and refugees as they are another one of Hong Kong’s most stigmatized population groups.

Vicki is an outdoor enthusiast and an advocate for spending quality time in nature. In her personal time, she is a keen marathoner, occasionally ultramarathoner, hiker and an avid climber.

Grace Tse, Coordinator - Anti-stigma Project

Grace joined Mind HK in October 2022. She graduated from City University of Hong Kong with a bachelor’s degree in creative media and a master’s degree in psychology.
Grace has gained personal insight about mental health from personal experience and observation, and wishes to help others feel seen. Growing up in Hong Kong, she is keen to make society a more friendly and open-minded place. Grace believes in expression through writing, stories and the arts, which explore different domains of realistic mental health and human experience.

Mia Tse, Acting Office Manager

Mia brings her versatile expertise to the role of Acting Office Manager at Mind HK, having joined the team in 2024. With four years of comprehensive experience spanning HR, administration, and office operations, Mia is poised to enhance the organisation’s efficiency and daily functioning. She is committed to contributing to the mental health landscape in Hong Kong, leveraging her skills to support Mind HK’s mission and amplify its impact within the community. Eager to grow alongside the organisation, Mia looks forward to playing a vital role in fostering positive change and well-being for all.

Dr Pinky Tso, Advisor

Pinky joined Mind HK as a volunteer in 2019 and moved from volunteer to Content Advisor and Advisor in 2021 and 2023 respectively. As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, Pinky understands why so many people in Hong Kong have high stress. Long term stress puts our health, both physical and mental, at risk. It is essential that we know how to take good care of our mind and body. She is passionate about helping people to improve their life quality and happiness with her experience as a business executive and a health educator, especially those who are draining with mental health challenges.
Pinky is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Mind HK team. She is a qualified mental health first aid instructor and has provided online and in person training on various issues relating to mental health to schools, corporations and the public. She is also a part-time lecturer teaching master’s degree courses relating to sport and health at Hong Kong Baptist University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Pinky got a PhD (Department of Sports, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University), MPsyMed (Psychosis Studies) (Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong), MSc (Exercise Science) (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), MBA (Brunel University, UK) and BA (Political Science) (University of South Florida, US).

Cherry Wan, Wellbeing Planner

Cherry joined Mind HK in July 2023. Born and raised in Hong Kong, and completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology in Taiwan and later interned at different nonprofit organisations. She hopes everyone can feel safe to speak out about mental health issues and embrace each other’s feelings.

Cherry is also a trained Wellbeing Planner through the JC PROcruit C program, responsible for providing group and one-to-one services to improve the mental health of participants.

Chloe Wong, HR and Admin Officer

Chloe joined Mind HK in April 2021 in the capacity of HR and Admin Officer. She was born and raised in Hong Kong and previously worked in a moving logistics company and over 10 years’ experience in HR administration and office administration.

Dr Esther Wong, iACT Clinical Advisor

Dr Esther Wong is a Clinical Psychologist who works in private clinical practice, providing psychotherapy to teenagers and adults who are experiencing mental health problems. She has a special interest in working with individuals who struggle with maintaining healthy relationships with others, and helping them build healthier attachments and relationships to themselves and to others. Prior to private clinical practice, Esther worked as a School Psychologist where she gained much experience in breaking stigma towards Mental health and normalizing seeking help.

Esther started at Mind HK In June 2021 where she is working on the YWP project as a clinical advisor. Esther strongly believes that mental health support, just like physical health support, should be accessible to everyone. She is also passionate about promoting mental health support as a preventive strategy, rather than solely from an intervention or a crisis approach.

Esther is very proud to be part of such a wonderful charity that shares the same vision and goals as her own!

Florence Wong, Finance Manager

Florence joined Mind HK in Dec 2021 as the Finance Manager. She worked as an Accountant in a multi-national moving company over 20 years before joining Mind HK. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to let Mind HK’s accounting policy become more perfect and systematic.

Issac Wong, Communications Coordinator

Issac graduated from the Chinese university of Hong Kong majoring in psychology (minor in communications and journalism), and joined mind HK in July 2022. Due to past experience, he deeply realised the impact of mental health to others and self. Therefore, he decided to devote himself to advocating and destigmatising mental health. As an enthusiastic writer, Issac contributed a number of psychoeducation articles for local mental health platforms, and also has experience in script writing, poem creation, zine publication, journal sharing, exhibition planning and book co-authoring. He is currently pursuing his advanced studies in expressive arts therapy. He wishes to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health, and support individuals who encounter mental health problems seeking help through his content creation at Mind HK.

Matthew Wong, Acting Head of Training

Matthew has been with Mind HK since September 2021. Growing up in Australia, his passion and interest has always been within the realms of mental health and disability. From attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science as well as Masters in Autism Studies to working in various NGOs, he has always dedicated his time and effort to supporting individuals with varying capabilities.

Matthew has officially moved back to Hong Kong over three years ago and has since completed an International and Public NGO Management course. Noticing the difference in mental health attitudes and available support of both places, Matthew is now committed to raising awareness of mental health issues in Hong Kong as well as advocating for equal opportunities.

Rachel Wong, iACT Assistant Programme Manager

Rachel joined Mind HK in March 2021 and serves as the Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Programme Service Coordinator, where she assists with stakeholder engagement, budgeting and overall project management. Rachel brings over four years of experience managing international and local projects in both the private and public sector in Hong Kong, with her previous job as an Assistant Program Manager at a local NGO. Having seen the impact that untreated mental health issues can have on friends and family, Rachel is committed to raising awareness of mental health issues and creating more conversation to help destigmatize mental health issues.