Meet The Team

Via Vladil is originally from Vladivostok, but currently operates Connect Archive out of Boston. She has always believed in advocating for mental health awareness and sharing her passion of psychology. Outside of Connect she loves avant garde fashion and being on the ice, as skating was always an important part of her life. She is truly grateful to have this opportunity to share what she loves whilst advocating for a better outlook on mental health.

Audrina is currently a 10th grader who is passionate about cognitive science and sociology. She hopes to write about her third culture background, the psychology behind reoccurring feelings and experiences in our daily lives, and anything she finds interesting in an effort to help people feel less alone and comforted in a busy and fast-paced world.

Priya Bakshi is an Indian-American teen passionate about writing, literature, and the violin. She enjoys exploring philosophy, mental health, and the complexities of human behavior. Through her creative and intellectual pursuits, she aims to connect with others and gain a deeper understanding of the world around her.

Joy is a sophomore at FHS. In her free time she enjoys dance, and is on her school team. She performs at football games, basketball games, and competitions. Joy is interested in the medical field, involving herself in clubs like HOSA and the medical club. Through Connect Archive she hopes to gain more knowledge on psychology, and become involved with medical science.

Chloe is a 10th grader attending RHS , she lives with her parents and twin brother. Chloe enjoys learning about psychology and sociology, she loves fashion, singing , and reading. Chloe hopes to pursue a career that will help people with mental health issues feel seen and supported.

Zendaya grew up as an empathetic person who always cared for others, she loves music, architecture, dance, and quality time with friends and family. As a girl who struggled at a young age, she joined the team to spread positivity and to help others like her.

Laya is a hardworking and creative student with a passion for learning and self-growth. She enjoys dancing, studying psychology, and exploring new languages like. With a strong academic record and a curious mindset, she balances school, work, and personal interests while always striving to do her best.

Kyle Loyd, also known as Kyle is a senior in high school that works with Connect as an editor. He's Filipino and is from Maryland, USA. He likes video games, especially Minecraft.

Mari is a junior at SWHS, who is driven by curiosity and empathy— passionate about psychology and adolescent mental health. Mari enjoys learning a lot about psychology and philosophy, and in her free time loves video games, music, literature, and writing poetry. As the editor director of Connect, her goal is to help create a safe space where teens feel safe, seen, supported, and encouraged to care for their mental well-being.

Sumayyah is a senior in high school, heavily involved in extracurriculars including her school newspaper, Auto Club, NHS and Mathletes. She plans to study Journalism in college and loves writing, doing puzzles, playing card games and watching movies!

Mikhalis Ferrier is a highly motivated high school student from Southern Maryland with interests in city planning, environmental engineering, and sustainable urban design. With experience in student leadership, digital media, and design, Mikhalis has led marketing initiatives for student government and is passionate about community and innovation. Mikhalis strives to combine creativity with problem-solving to make a positive impact in both academic and professional settings.