MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Established in 2015 by Community Access, Changing Minds is a filmmaking and storytelling initiative by and for young people. It has grown to become a festival and stigma challenging community education program that sparks real-life conversations about mental health matters among young people and adults alike. We have received over 5,000 films from young people in 100+ countries around the world—and we are dedicated to keep lifting up young people’s stories and experiences.
On Saturday, May 16th at 7PM, we’ll host our 11th Anniversary Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival! Tickets now available.
Meet Our Team
Mikel Morado
Mikel Morado is the dynamic force behind the Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival, serving as the Festival Organizer and Community Outreach Coordinator since Summer 2024. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, Mikel is also a multifaceted artist—dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and creative visionary.
His professional journey spans international stages and screens. Mikel has toured globally as a professional dancer and choreographer, most recently appearing in a nationwide tour in Summer 2024 with Sapphira Cristál, the first runner-up on RuPaul’s Drag Race. In Philadelphia, Mikel collaborates with his creative partner and Princess Grace Award recipient Mark Caserta on their dance and film project, BIGKIDS, a company known for its emotionally resonant and genre-defying work.
Denise Chan
In January 2024, Denise Chan joined the Changing Minds Film Fridays Festival Series as its charismatic host, bringing warmth, insight, and enthusiasm to filmmaker interviews and audience engagement. Based in the Bay Area and a graduate of San Jose State University, Denise is a passionate artist and storyteller who thrives on connecting with people and uncovering the stories that fuel their creative work.
Denise’s relationship with Changing Minds began in 2019 when her animated short film “Kaeru” won top honors at the Young Filmmaker Festival. Since then, she has remained an active and beloved part of the community, serving as a film festival ambassador and advocate for emerging voices in media.
Talia Zucker
Talia Zucker is a student at University of Rochester studying psychology with a minor in medical anthropology. She is working to gain experience in the mental health field in order to become a therapist. In the past she has worked with children ages 3-14 as an activity specialist at a local NYC summer camp. She has been a film fanatic since the 8th grade.
Tejal Schwartz
A graduate of Dartmouth College, she earned her B.A. with Honors in Film and Media Studies while pursuing a pre-health track, blending her interests in storytelling, medicine, and community care.
Tejal has a dual background in healthcare and media. She has contributed to behavioral neuroscience research, served as an Emergency Medical Technician, and worked in clinical settings in New York City. Alongside her clinical work, she has taught foundational film production, mentored student creators, and developed media projects that focus on emotional storytelling and social impact. Through her role at Changing Minds, Tejal is committed to empowering young creators and expanding discussions of mental health through creative expression.
