Demystifying Mental Health

Stress Free Teens at a Glance
Demystifying Mental Health
Stress Free Teens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization determined to educate communities about the science behind mental health and to provide advocacy so that those affected—anyone and everyone—can lead happier lives. Formed in 2019 by high school student Rohan Tirumala, we are dedicated to our mission, our vision, and our goal. Learn more about each here.
We are a group of middle school, high school, and college students from across the nation who are passionate about giving back to our communities. Join us by applying to be a Stress Free Teens volunteer here.
OFFICER TEAM
Committed to the Cause
Since our founding in 2019, Stress Free Teens has grown exponentially in a positive direction. We are very proud of the diversity of our members and volunteers as well as the unique skills they contribute to our success. Find out more about some of our members below.
Rohan Tirumala
President and Founder
Rohan Tirumala is a senior at Cupertino High School. Rohan expresses an interest in science, research, and psychology. He used his keen interests to conduct a biological research project on a rare neurodegenerative disease and placed 1st in Synopsys Science Fair and qualified for the California Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF). Rohan is both a leader and a team player and is constantly searching for ways to elevate everything he is involved in a higher standard. He was recently appointed as President in the Tino Science Club at Cupertino High . He served as Clubs Commissioner officer in Associated Student Body(ASB). He founded Stress Free Teens in 2019 as a way to give back to his surrounding community to spread awareness on the mysteries behind stress & mental health. He strongly advocates for those that suffer from mental struggles such as depression and anxiety and his goal is to ensure that his fellow teens have a voice.
In his free time, Rohan plays the piano and enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends. Rohan leads all the programs organized by Stress Free Teens

Ria Sethi
Vice President
Ria Sethi is a senior at Cupertino High School. An avid student, she carries special interest in writing, math, psychology, and graphic design. Whether it be through robotics, yearbook journalism, speech & debate, tutoring, app development, or volunteering, Ria is always seeking new ways to learn, take on leadership opportunities, and make a positive impact in her community. She was initially drawn to Stress-Free Teens because of its goal to spread mental health education and resources and aims at being a supporting voice in the fight for mental wellness.
In her free time, Ria enjoys making digital illustrations, watching TV, and baking delicious treats for her friends and family.

Rishi Polepally
Columbus, GA Branch Director
Rishi is a junior at Columbus High School, GA. He has a strong passion for science and math. He has been part of his school Science Olympiad team for 3 years and has won many medals as well as qualifying for the State Science Olympiad competition for two consecutive years. In addition to science, he is part of the school math team and has won many competitions including the Math Counts competition. He qualified for state in this nationwide competition as well. He has helped his school grow through the past few years in the Math and Science team by help bringing many titles to their name. Furthermore, he has taken up Academic Bowl and Wrestling this year showing that he can excel in more than academics. He won second place at the Southland tournament and has placed in many more matches. Moreover, he is an active participant in his school band and has helped them receive superior ratings in LGPE. In Rishi’s spare time, he enjoys watching and playing sports with his peers and family, and plays the piano to improve his musical skills day by day.

Anusha Bhat
Director of Human Resources
Anusha Bhat is a senior at Fremont High School. She is always looking to expand her leadership and communication skills and Stress-Free Teens was the perfect opportunity to do just that. She is involved in Mock Trial and EEY, but also has experience with speech & debate, robotics, and programming. Anusha displays her strong teamwork skills in sports such as water polo, soccer, and swimming. Anusha also actively works with others to make a difference in their lives; she coaches people with disabilities through various sports and also tutors elementary schoolers. She enjoys practicing the piano and going on walks with her family in her free time.
Anusha is focused on positively influencing people’s lives and wants to bring awareness to mental health and the harsh realities of it.

Sonya Surapaneni
Director of Communications
Sonya Surapaneni is a senior at The Athenian School. Although she’s faced prejudice all her life, Sonya pushes her limits and serves as an ally for people who fight for change in the world. When she isn’t volunteering with kids with autism, learning and teaching American Sign Language, or interning with Service associations, she’s running her own non-profit organization - trying to do her part for society. Sonya expresses an interest in Psychology and Neuroscience, taking various relevant classes at prestigious institutions including Beyond The Five, Service Space, and Yale University, learning inspirational lessons along the way. To dive deeper into the human brain, Sonya has taken the job of peer counselor at Athenian to further explore human identities, and give back to her closest community.
In her free time, Sonya blogs about teenage struggles - actively fighting discrimination that many citizens face in the country, including those in her own communities. In hope of making a larger change to society, Sonya joins Stress Free Teens hoping to make a difference to youth all over the world!

Priyanka Supraja Balaji
Director of Workshops/Events
Priyanka is a rising freshman at Lynbrook High School in Cupertino, California. As a Science enthusiast, Priyanka has participated in various STEM events like FLL, Tech Challenge, Science Olympiad, and won medals. She has volunteered to fundraise for nonprofits by teaching Science workshops and organizing reading events in her community. Priyanka is a vocalist and instrumentalist in Indian Carnatic and Western forms of music. She is the winner of U1000 in US Open 2019 in Table Tennis.
Priyanka is part of Stress Free Teens to bring her experiences in Sports, Music, Creative Arts, and STEM activities as helpful tools to manage stress and build a positive mental health in the community. Priyanka's other interests include learning languages, gardening with her family, and exploring business and entrepreneurship.

Anisha Kowdle
Director of Public Relations
Anisha Kowdle is a sophomore at Cupertino High School. She has a strong passion for business and marketing, and takes part in many community projects. She constantly finds ways to participate n various school activites such as Interact and FBLA. Anisha also takes up many leadership positions and was recently re-elected to serve her second year as Social Manager for the sophomore council. She has always had the drive to help others and the community by volunteering and coordinating events. She has volunteered multiple times at Sacred Heart and has held fundraisers to raise money for autism. Anisha has also worked with a committee to educate younger students and bring awareness to her community about autism. In her spare time, she loves to cook, play badminton, and enjoys learning Indian classical music! She is very passionate about Stress Free Teens to educate members of her community and help those who suffer from mental struggles.

Ethan Hsiao
Director of Editing
Ethan Hsiao is a junior at Palo Verde High School. A strong leader both on and off-campus, he regularly engages with his community in the hopes of making a lasting impact. From service organizations like NHS and Best Buddies to competitive academic teams like Varsity Quiz and Science Bowl, Ethan displays his passion for volunteerism, STEM, and advocacy as well as his willingness to grow, persevere, and achieve. In both a team and an individual environment, he strives to pursue greater ambitions, excelling as an accomplished member of Varsity Tennis, Club Lacrosse, Varsity Speech & Debate, and Varsity Chamber Choir. Just this last year, Ethan qualified for NIETOC in Informative Speaking, placed fourth in the State Science Bowl, managed his Choir as a Section leader, and competed for a first-place state title in Varsity Tennis. These keen interests are a major part of why Ethan joined Stress Free Teens; with dreams of working in the medical field, he aspires to improve young lives and bring light to the often misunderstood struggles of mental health.
In his free time, Ethan enjoys reading and listening to music. He has a surprising skill for ping pong and loves to hang out with his friends.

Maheshwari Rajesh
Director of Editing
Maheshwari Rajesh is a rising junior at Belton New Tech High School @Waskow in Texas. She is extremely passionate about mental health, for she intimately understands the feeling of being mentally unhealthy, and wants to help people feel happy and safe. In school, besides in her excellent academics, she serves in many organizations that give students a voice. In the wake of COVID-19, she co-founded a virtual mentorship program for the underclassmen in her school, in which she helps create a curriculum and writes blogs. She enjoys trying new things, making her very well rounded. She has been playing violin and tennis for numerous years, qualified for her state’s National History fair for four years in a row, and debates on her school team. In order to get in touch with her Indian roots, Maheshwari also sings Carnatic Music, an art that she has practiced ever since she was a little girl. She loves creative writing and she’s currently co-authoring her debut YA fantasy novel. Maheshwari lives for connecting with people, and believes everyone has a story to tell–all it needs to be is heard.
In her free time, you will see her reading books, binging Netflix, or hanging out with her friends and family.

Mia Sun
Director of Public Speaking
Mia Sun is a junior at The Knox School. Mia is passionate about theater, music, and reading. Mia’s love for the performing arts has led her to participate in many school plays and musicals and she has taken part in various marching band competitions. She has played the piano for 8 years and the flute for 6 years. In addition, she enjoys spending time with kids and has been a summer camp counselor for many years. Mia hopes that one day she’ll be able to have a career where she can use her voice to advocate for social issues and human rights. She was initially drawn to Stress Free Teens because it was a great opportunity to give back to the community and educate others about mental health and wellness.
In her free time, Mia enjoys listening to show tunes and pop music, reading, swimming, and watching TV.

Corina Cao
Director of Website Management
Corina Cao is a rising senior at Manhattan Hunter Science High School in New York. Passionate about science, technology and mathematics she has participated in a various amount of school activities and summer programs. Including her school's Botany Club, and Anatomy Club she took part in the NYC STEM and Girls Who Code program during the summer. Volunteering her time at the Food Bank to help distribute and package food for those in need she also has experience with babysitting and tutoring young children. Having experience with coding, robotics and computer science, taking part of Stress Free Teens allows her to use her skills to help educate and connect people about mental health.
In her free time, Corina enjoys playing video games, drawing, hanging out with friends and listening to music.

Teacher Team
Our wonderful Teen teachers that have ever taught with us.

Mohit Kolli
Science
My name is Mohit Kolli, I am the instructor for Circuit Lab and Astronomy. I have participated and won many Science competitions including an NSF regional. I have participated in Science Olympiad for the past 2 years and I have won a few medals. I also have prior experience of starting Science Club and teaching Science through hands-on experiments to kids in my neighborhood. I am very enthusiastic about teaching others and I am glad to have this opportunity to teach through Stress Free Teens.

Sahana Gopalan
Science
My name is Sahana Gopalan, a rising freshman at Leland High School in San Jose, California. I have participated in Science Olympiad for the past 2 years and won medals. I enjoy science and robotics and I've participated in FLL tournaments and won many awards in the past 5 years. I have raised money for the organizations CRY and hosted fundraisers. I am an Indian Carnatic music leaner and have performed in concerts regularly in the Bay Area. My favorite hobbies include coding, baking, photography, and making nifty DIYS. I am very excited to be teaching other kids and sharing my knowledge about Science Olympiad events and I’m very glad to be a mentor for Stress Free Teens!