Hej Caroline Dekany!

You are new at LIME/NASP. What made you interested in pursuing a career with us?

I became interested in pursuing a career at LIME/NASP because I want to work with evidence‑based methods and contribute to health‑promoting and preventive public health efforts. With my background in public health and young people’s mental health, this role feels like a fantastic next step.

I’m also very excited to continue working with the YAM program and to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference within this field.

What do you do?

At NASP, I work with the YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) program. YAM is a school‑based, evidence‑based mental health promotion program designed to strengthen young people’s knowledge, skills, and ability to talk about mental health, support each other, and seek help when needed.

In my role, I support the implementation of YAM in municipalities, ensuring that the program is delivered with high quality and in line with evidence‑based guidelines. I collaborate with coordinators, provide guidance throughout the process, and help maintain fidelity to the program’s core components. I also provide training for new YAM instructors. 

Have you always been interested in mental health questions?

My interest in health, and mental health in particular, really began when I volunteered several years ago in a role where I supported young people who needed someone to talk to — being available to listen and have meaningful conversations made a strong impression on me. It gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges many young people face and sparked my motivation to learn more. That experience ultimately led me toward public health and strengthened my commitment to working with mental health in a more structured and evidence‑based way.

What is the best part of your workday?

The best part of my workday is getting to connect with all the dedicated people across the country who are working toward the same goal: improving health and well-being for both young people and adults. It’s truly inspiring to collaborate with so many committed professionals. I also feel genuinely honoured to work with a program that we all believe in and value.

What do you do in your free time? 

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me with friends or family, reading something new, or fixing up our townhouse — sometimes because it’s fun, sometimes because something broke again. 

Thank you Caroline!