Who We Are

Hi, I’m Alyssa Medrano (she/her), and I’m a 14-year-old student at Brighton High School. I’ve been working with EYE For Prevention for the past few months, and this work means more to me than I can put into words.

In 2024, I went through one of the darkest moments of my life when I struggled deeply with my mental health and survived an overdose. At the time, I felt scared, overwhelmed, and completely alone. I didn’t always feel understood, and not having the right support system made everything even harder. That experience changed me, but it also gave me purpose. I realized that if I could make it through that, I could use my voice to help someone else feel less isolated.

I do this work because I want young people to know they are not alone in their struggles. I want to be the kind of support and survival guide that I needed at 13 years old. I believe the conversations we start today about overdose prevention, mental health, and harm reduction will shape the future for my generation. Being able to share my story and educate others through EYE has helped me turn pain into purpose.

Outside of advocacy, writing is my biggest passion. It’s how I process my emotions and express myself in ways I sometimes can’t out loud. I also love flowers because they remind me that growth is possible even after hard seasons. Most importantly, my faith in God keeps me grounded and gives me strength to continue this work.

If sharing my story helps even one person feel seen or understood, then everything I’ve been through has meaning.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

My name is Crystal Win and I’m a sophomore at DSST: Montview High School. I am motivated to create an impact on my community due to my experiences growing up in this world. I joined because I enjoy seeing and creating positive changes externally and internally in my community.

My name is Danielle ‘Dani’ Barton. I am an indigenous Hispanic teen mom and have had the privilege of working with EYE for Prevention for the past three years. Born on the Oneida reservation in Wisconsin, I’ve called Denver home for the last five years. I am a proud DC21 alumni and truly couldn’t be where I am today without them.

Helping people is my true passion. I’m grateful to my parents for educating me on protesting, volunteering, and advocating for policy changes—ensuring I was part of the vital conversations youth are often left out of. I am deeply passionate about our work at EYE because I’ve seen many in my family and community struggle with substance misuse. Now, I bring my unique lived experiences and knowledge to the table to implement change, directly impacting those facing similar struggles.

Having navigated my own challenges with mental health, vaping, and a society that wasn’t always ready for me, I know too many youth with similar stories. By being part of the EYE team, I finally get to do something about it

Hey! My name is D’mitri. I am a 20 year old proud dad and I work with EYE for Prevention as a side job because I have my own personal experiences from friends overdosing, to family being addicted to substances and overdosing as-well. The overall goal is to be able to spread awareness to more youth, even younger or older adults who suffer from drug misuse or that have families experiencing it because everyone deserves to be happy and to be able to live drug free. Also EYE for Prevention helps youth learn about Narcan and fentanyl test strips, when and where to use them if it ever comes to it.

I am 17 and a senior at Westminster high school. I love to hangout with friends and be with family. I really enjoy going out and exploring all the beautiful things in Colorado and other states! I play club volleyball and I also play for my school’s team!

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

My name is Shaquana but I prefer to go by Janae. I’m 22 years old and graduated from 5280 High School in 2022. I care about making Denver a better place for my community. I have experience working in teams to accomplish projects and I enjoy working with others. Currently I’m a youth leader on the Engaging Youth Expertise ‘EYE’ team. In the future I hope to stop substance abuse and help young adults with mental health.

Kayda (any pronouns) is a 22 year old traditional artist who cares deeply about other people and their well being. Having struggled with depression and chronic pain for many years, they are specifically passionate about teaching people how to use art to cope with hard times.

In 2023 Kayda entered and won their first art competition, hosted by teenagers at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, the goal of which was to raise mental health awareness for teens and youth. Kayda saw just how powerful it was for people to see someone visually describe the experiences that they didn’t have words for. The reactions to their work that night made them realize that their art could make a real impact, and they continue to strive to make people feel seen with their art.

Growing up homeschooled, Kayda was quite sheltered despite their parents’ efforts to expose them to many types of people and experiences. They intend to broaden their scope as they work with EYE For Prevention by trying new and scary things, meeting new people, and by raising the voices of youth.

Kayda strongly believes that all people, especially their fellow youth, should know just how powerful our voices are.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

I’m LijahKing. I’m a junior at Endeavor High School in Denver Colorado and I’m dedicated to making a difference in the community. Living here I’ve seen how important it is for people to feel supported and know that there’s always hope for change.

My name is Mutasem (Muty) Masoud, I’m 18 years old, and I use he/him/his pronouns. I’m currently a Senior at Golden High School in Colorado and I have a passion for empowering youth all around me. I love staying active with Wrestling and MMA.

Hi! I’m Reina, a 16-year-old Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention who is passionate about helping others and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people. I care deeply about advocating for youth mental health through my work as a Youth Leader, including helping with overdose prevention, harm reduction, and youth vaping awareness trainings, as well as being involved in community events that bring people together and promote support, education, and connection. This work means so much to me because I know how powerful having support, resources, and someone who truly listens can be in a person’s life.

As someone who has faced my own challenges, as well as seen people in my family, friends, and community struggle, I understand the importance of compassion, education, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

I love connecting with people, uplifting others, and using my voice to make a positive impact in my community. I’m outgoing, compassionate, and always looking for new ways to support and inspire the people around me.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

Sedona is a Mother and multidimensional leader who weaves her passions together to cultivate collective healing. She specializes in authentic youth engagement. She has 10+ years of experience in public health, community organizing, and creatively addressing systemic inequities.

Sedona is nationally renowned for her public speaking, facilitation, and performance skills. Sedona is a Senior Health Programs Specialist at the Public Health Institute at Denver Health and facilitates EYE for Prevention. She is also a Peer Recovery Specialist with Blazing Cloud Consulting and Promotores de Esperanza.

Sedona graduated from Naropa University in 2021 with her Bachelors degree in Environmental Science with minors in Peace Studies and Yoga. She is passionate about holistic healing and holds certificates in: Permaculture Design, AcuDetox (AAT), Yoga (RYT-500), and Peer Recovery Coaching (CPFS). Sedona believes we all hold unique strengths and when we come together we are truly powerful.

If I were one of the four elements I would be Earth because I am grounded and steady. I strive to do my best and help as many as I can. I take my education seriously and hope to enter the medical field later on in the future.

Hi, my name is Sybil! I use they/them pronouns and I am 22 years old. I have been a Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention since 2024. In this role I help facilitate overdose prevention trainings for fellow youth, disseminate harm reduction materials like Naloxone and test strips, and share my lived experiences as a young person in recovery with public health leaders.

My work with EYE inspired me to pursue a career in public health, so in the fall of 2025 I began pursuing a B.S. in Public Health from CU Denver. In my free time I like to rock climb, sew, tinker with electronics, and read.

Hi! I’m Tay. I’m from Golden Colorado and go to Denver Academy. I am a senior and am currently 18 years old. My preferred pronouns are she/they. I decided to be part of EYE for Prevention because I’m a big advocate for mental health and think it’s important to talk about.

Hi, I’m Alyssa Medrano (she/her), and I’m a 14-year-old student at Brighton High School. I’ve been working with EYE For Prevention for the past few months, and this work means more to me than I can put into words.

In 2024, I went through one of the darkest moments of my life when I struggled deeply with my mental health and survived an overdose. At the time, I felt scared, overwhelmed, and completely alone. I didn’t always feel understood, and not having the right support system made everything even harder. That experience changed me, but it also gave me purpose. I realized that if I could make it through that, I could use my voice to help someone else feel less isolated.

I do this work because I want young people to know they are not alone in their struggles. I want to be the kind of support and survival guide that I needed at 13 years old. I believe the conversations we start today about overdose prevention, mental health, and harm reduction will shape the future for my generation. Being able to share my story and educate others through EYE has helped me turn pain into purpose.

Outside of advocacy, writing is my biggest passion. It’s how I process my emotions and express myself in ways I sometimes can’t out loud. I also love flowers because they remind me that growth is possible even after hard seasons. Most importantly, my faith in God keeps me grounded and gives me strength to continue this work.

If sharing my story helps even one person feel seen or understood, then everything I’ve been through has meaning.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

My name is Crystal Win and I’m a sophomore at DSST: Montview High School. I am motivated to create an impact on my community due to my experiences growing up in this world. I joined because I enjoy seeing and creating positive changes externally and internally in my community.

My name is Danielle ‘Dani’ Barton. I am an indigenous Hispanic teen mom and have had the privilege of working with EYE For Prevention for the past three years. Born on the Oneida reservation in Wisconsin, I’ve called Denver home for the last five years. I am a proud DC21 alumni and truly couldn’t be where I am today without them.

Helping people is my true passion. I’m grateful to my parents for educating me on protesting, volunteering, and advocating for policy changes—ensuring I was part of the vital conversations youth are often left out of. I am deeply passionate about our work at EYE because I’ve seen many in my family and community struggle with substance misuse. Now, I bring my unique lived experiences and knowledge to the table to implement change, directly impacting those facing similar struggles.

Having navigated my own challenges with mental health, vaping, and a society that wasn’t always ready for me, I know too many youth with similar stories. By being part of the EYE team, I finally get to do something about it

Hey! My name is D’mitri. I am a 20 year old proud dad and I work with EYE for Prevention as a side job because I have my own personal experiences from friends overdosing, to family being addicted to substances and overdosing as-well. The overall goal is to be able to spread awareness to more youth, even younger or older adults who suffer from drug misuse or that have families experiencing it because everyone deserves to be happy and to be able to live drug free. Also EYE for Prevention helps youth learn about Narcan and fentanyl test strips, when and where to use them if it ever comes to it.

I am 17 and a senior at Westminster high school. I love to hangout with friends and be with family. I really enjoy going out and exploring all the beautiful things in Colorado and other states! I play club volleyball and I also play for my school’s team!

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

My name is Shaquana but I prefer to go by Janae. I’m 22 years old and graduated from 5280 High School in 2022. I care about making Denver a better place for my community. I have experience working in teams to accomplish projects and I enjoy working with others. Currently I’m a youth leader on the Engaging Youth Expertise ‘EYE’ team. In the future I hope to stop substance abuse and help young adults with mental health.

Kayda (any pronouns) is a 22 year old traditional artist who cares deeply about other people and their well being. Having struggled with depression and chronic pain for many years, they are specifically passionate about teaching people how to use art to cope with hard times.

In 2023 Kayda entered and won their first art competition, hosted by teenagers at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, the goal of which was to raise mental health awareness for teens and youth. Kayda saw just how powerful it was for people to see someone visually describe the experiences that they didn’t have words for. The reactions to their work that night made them realize that their art could make a real impact, and they continue to strive to make people feel seen with their art.

Growing up homeschooled, Kayda was quite sheltered despite their parents’ efforts to expose them to many types of people and experiences. They intend to broaden their scope as they work with EYE For Prevention by trying new and scary things, meeting new people, and by raising the voices of youth.

Kayda strongly believes that all people, especially their fellow youth, should know just how powerful our voices are.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

I’m LijahKing. I’m a junior at Endeavor High School in Denver Colorado and I’m dedicated to making a difference in the community. Living here I’ve seen how important it is for people to feel supported and know that there’s always hope for change.

My name is Mutasem (Muty) Masoud, I’m 18 years old, and I use he/him/his pronouns. I’m currently a Senior at Golden High School in Colorado and I have a passion for empowering youth all around me. I love staying active with Wrestling and MMA.

Hi! I’m Reina, a 16-year-old Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention who is passionate about helping others and creating safe, supportive spaces for young people. I care deeply about advocating for youth mental health through my work as a Youth Leader, including helping with overdose prevention, harm reduction, and youth vaping awareness trainings, as well as being involved in community events that bring people together and promote support, education, and connection. This work means so much to me because I know how powerful having support, resources, and someone who truly listens can be in a person’s life.

As someone who has faced my own challenges, as well as seen people in my family, friends, and community struggle, I understand the importance of compassion, education, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

I love connecting with people, uplifting others, and using my voice to make a positive impact in my community. I’m outgoing, compassionate, and always looking for new ways to support and inspire the people around me.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

Sedona is a Mother and multidimensional leader who weaves her passions together to cultivate collective healing. She specializes in authentic youth engagement. She has 10+ years of experience in public health, community organizing, and creatively addressing systemic inequities.

Sedona is nationally renowned for her public speaking, facilitation, and performance skills. Sedona is a Senior Health Programs Specialist at the Public Health Institute at Denver Health and facilitates EYE for Prevention. She is also a Peer Recovery Specialist with Blazing Cloud Consulting and Promotores de Esperanza.

Sedona graduated from Naropa University in 2021 with her Bachelors degree in Environmental Science with minors in Peace Studies and Yoga. She is passionate about holistic healing and holds certificates in: Permaculture Design, AcuDetox (AAT), Yoga (RYT-500), and Peer Recovery Coaching (CPFS). Sedona believes we all hold unique strengths and when we come together we are truly powerful.

If I were one of the four elements I would be Earth because I am grounded and steady. I strive to do my best and help as many as I can. I take my education seriously and hope to enter the medical field later on in the future.

Hi, my name is Sybil! I use they/them pronouns and I am 22 years old. I have been a Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention since 2024. In this role I help facilitate overdose prevention trainings for fellow youth, disseminate harm reduction materials like Naloxone and test strips, and share my lived experiences as a young person in recovery with public health leaders.

My work with EYE inspired me to pursue a career in public health, so in the fall of 2025 I began pursuing a B.S. in Public Health from CU Denver. In my free time I like to rock climb, sew, tinker with electronics, and read.

Hi! I’m Tay. I’m from Golden Colorado and go to Denver Academy. I am a senior and am currently 18 years old. My preferred pronouns are she/they. I decided to be part of EYE for Prevention because I’m a big advocate for mental health and think it’s important to talk about.