Who we are

आँगन (Aangan) means courtyard. In many South Asian countries, a courtyard is a place of gathering. Neighbors can come and go as they please, a space to share stories and moments together. It is a space where plants grow and people heal.

Civilization and community thrives because of our aangan. When working at the suicide hotline, Reshika noticed that many people lacked their community. Their aangan.

Especially within the South Asian diaspora, it can be difficult to find community where we feel seen and heard for our unique experiences. Preserving the culture of our homeland, while adapting to a completely new one.

And the cherry on top, no one talks about it!

So, Reshika wanted to create a space, an aangan, where we address mental health stigma through storytelling, art expression, and education. Launched in April 2025, Aangan has held various workshops covering various topics such as movement & mental health, and bridging intergenerational gaps.

  • Reshika Balayan

    FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

    Reshika Balayan, MPH, CHES, (she/her) is a dedicated public health professional with expertise in mental health, crisis intervention, and health education. Passionate about mental health awareness, Reshika is dedicated to implementing evidence-based interventions that address stigma and improve well-being in the South Asian Population.

  • Ritika Merai

    Ritika is a PhD student studying clinical psychology. As an Indian woman and immigrant in mental health research, she has often felt the lack of South Asian representation. She joined Aangan to help change that - to raise awareness and give back to the community that has shaped her. Outside of school and work, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, and trying to be a plant mom!

  • Mariam Farook

    Mariam is currently a senior at Rutgers University studying Cognitive Science. Mental Health is something she takes very seriously, and wants to help bridge the gap between mental health awareness and south asian communities. 

  • Mytreyi Sureshkumar

    Mytreyi Sureshkumar (she/her) graduated from Northeastern University with a major International Affairs and Economics and a minor in Global Asian Studies and is currently serving as a Massachusetts Promise Fellow. Her commitment to social justice is reflected through her experience in building community both locally and globally. Mytreyi believes storytelling can be an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to increasing mental health awareness and she is looking forward to supporting the work being done to destigmatize mental health in South Asian communities.

  • Anjali Badrinath

    Anjali is currently in a PhD program at Montclair State University for counseling. She hopes to one day start a private practice specifically focused on supporting South Asian families in managing communications patterns, connection, and developing stronger relationships. She's really excited to bridge the gap between academia and practical application of the research base focused on exploring and understanding South Asian immigrant experiences.

  • Mahathi Sompallae

    Mahathi Sompallae, is a sophomore in high school passionate about Carnatic Music, Kathak, and science. She hopes to connect individuals with shared interests through Samyoga and Aangan helping create a community where people can share, and listen to other’s experiences and stories and interact freely without fear of judgment.