Aishani Saha
Co-founder
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(She/Her/Hers)
Aishani is a member of the Duke class of 2023 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia studying Neuroscience and Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics. Firsthand experiences taught her that inequality is a reality you can either adhere to or change. Not only is therapy difficult to find, its cost can make you turn away. That’s why she helped found CONTACT Line, a new avenue of support which is neither short-term crisis intervention nor licensed therapy. Through this organization, Aishani hopes to provide everyone the ability to sit down and reflect with a caring Listener. Listeners know how to help individuals feel better about themselves. To unwind, you can find her dancing or working out.
Ying Yu
Co-founder
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(She/Her/Hers)
Ying is a member of the Duke class of 2023 from Gainesville, FL studying Neuroscience, Music, and Global Health. Through her studies, she became a firm believer in the mantra of “no health without mental health” and the vital role that everyone in a community can have in listening and supporting one another, regardless of where you come from or what you identify as. Outside of academics, Ying is a strong advocate for increasing access to mental health support for all via CONTACT Line. Ying and Aishani’s work has been recognized by Duke by being named Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Fellows. Her favorite ways to relax include spending time surrounded by nature and singing, to the dismay of her roommates, boyfriend, and cat.
Ashley Jones
Director of Operations & Finance
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(She/Her/Hers)
Ashley is a member of the Duke class of 2023 from Northern California pursuing a major in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Mathematics. She is passionate about equity and ensuring that everyone —regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status— is heard and cared for, which drives her work with CONTACT Line. She hopes that this service will help people feel supported, validated, and encouraged. At CONTACT Line, Ashley serves as the Chief Operating Officer, managing logistics, handling finances, and brainstorming ways to better serve the community. To unwind, she likes to cook, play her saxophone, and work out.
Molly Carson
Director of Training & Research
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(She/Her/Hers)
Molly is a member of the Duke class of 2023 from Virginia Beach, VA studying Neuroscience. She is fascinated by the brain’s development and plasticity in early life and passionate about increasing access to mental health support. At CONTACT Line, she is committed to offering a comprehensive training experience for volunteers and to the ongoing development of the training curriculum. In addition to working at CONTACT Line, Molly serves as a co-chair at Duke NeuroCare, bringing neuroscience and mental health education to elementary school students. Some things that Molly does to unwind are cooking and watercoloring.
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Annie Hagood Sheeder
Director of Outreach
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(She/Her/Hers)
Annie is a member of the Duke class of 2023 from Dallas, TX studying Psychology, Spanish, and Child Policy. She has been passionate about mental health advocacy from a young age, and she is excited to be studying what she loves and applying it in meaningful ways within her community. At CONTACT Line, she both serves as a Listener and Director of Outreach, working with local community partners to grow and adapt our services to suit their needs. Some things Annie does to unwind are walking her dog, listening to music, and painting.