Volunteers
Zhiye Ding
Zhiye Ding (he/him) is an educator and researcher from China with a deep commitment to language, equity, and community. He holds a dual B.A. in Sociology from Duke University and Duke Kunshan University, and an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. Over the past several years, Zhiye has cultivated extensive teaching and mentoring experience in China, and more recently, in diverse educational settings across Chicago—including the University of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Catholic schools, and charter schools—where he has taught both Mandarin Chinese and English Language Arts (ELA).
As an incoming Ph.D. student in Applied Linguistics, Zhiye’s research interests span sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, language and ideology, and the role of language in constructing gender and sexuality. He is particularly invested in exploring how linguistic practices shape experiences of identity and power, especially within Asian LGBTQ+ communities. By bridging his academic research and professional teaching practice, Zhiye is committed to promoting gender equity and empowering marginalized voices. In his free time, he enjoys playing musical instruments and learning new languages.
Charles Li
I got my B.S. in Psychology from Emory University and am completing my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Boston College, graduating this summer.
I joined Clear Harbor because I’m deeply committed to supporting clients from Chinese cultural backgrounds. When I first came to the U.S. for school, I faced major challenges adjusting—academically, socially, and emotionally—which shaped my interest in helping others navigate acculturation stress, identity, and mental health in a culturally responsive way.
Since joining Clear Harbor, I’ve been interviewing our target population—Chinese-speaking international students who recently arrived in English-speaking countries—to better understand their needs and experiences. I’m also writing articles for Clear Harbor’s public social media account to share accessible mental health content, and working on building connections between Clear Harbor and Boston College.
Currently, I’m a counseling intern at the Emmanuel College Counseling Center in Fenway, MA. I’m also doing research. My short-term goal is to secure a post-graduation clinical position so I can obtain my master’s-level licensure, clarify my preferred modalities and populations, and continue developing my personal counseling style. Long-term, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. so I can integrate neuropsychological assessment, therapy, and research—especially work focused on food, culture, and innovative, scalable mental health interventions, including responsible uses of AI.
Mengxin Liu
Studying Translation at Beijing Foreign Studies University — the campus with the highest concentration of international students in China — I joined Clear Harbor out of my commitment to supporting the mental health of overseas Chinese students. Immersed in this multicultural environment, I deeply understand the psychological challenges that come with cross-cultural adaptation.
Currently, I manage our WeChat public account, curating articles on mental health and self-care, and I create daily content for our Mindfulness Workshop, offering warm companionship to those who may feel alone.
Looking ahead, I aspire to work in international organizations or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, building bridges of cross-cultural understanding on a broader stage.
Cui Weining
Cui Weining, 19, a freshman at Capital Normal University, pursuing a double degree in French and History. When I was ten years old, I spent a year studying in Canada. That experience helped me understand how difficult it can be to be alone—living and existing as an outsider within an unfamiliar country. However, whether because the field is still underdeveloped or because these needs are overlooked, the demands of people have not been met, which makes me want to do something to support them.
At ClearHarbor, I am mainly responsible for writing official account articles. In the future, I hope to use what I learn to support more people around the world and to contribute to improving and advancing related industries in China.
Wentao Sheng
Wentao is a senior undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), majoring in Psychology and Language Education (TESOL Certificate). His academic interests focus on developmental and cultural psychology, particularly the cross-cultural mechanisms shaping adolescent socialization and resilience.
Wentao joined Clear Harbor because he deeply resonates with the organization’s mission of supporting Asian and LGBTQ+ communities through culturally responsive mental health initiatives. Through his academic training and community work, he has become increasingly aware of the structural and cultural barriers that many marginalized groups face in accessing mental health resources.
At Clear Harbor, Wentao contributes to community outreach and content development for mental health education. He is involved in research, writing, and user insight analysis that helps the organization better understand and serve the needs of international students, Asian communities, and sexual minority groups.
Looking ahead, Wentao hopes to pursue a research career in cultural and developmental psychology. His long-term goal is to bridge academic research and real-world interventions, developing culturally grounded mental health programs that empower diverse communities across different cultural contexts.
Zhiyi (Yolanda) Li
My name is Zhiyi Li, and I go by Yolanda, using she/ her pronouns. I am from Shanghai, China and I have been in the US since college. I am currently a first-year student in the Master’s in Social Work program at University of Chicago. I hold a B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Quantitative Sciences concentrating in Sociology from Emory University. Having navigated cross-cultural values and systems of mental health, I am passionate about promoting mental health and well-being for Asian, other BIPOC and immigrant communities through accessible services and equitable healthcare system. As an international student myself, I understand the challenges in transitioning between different cultures, finding your voice, and building your community in places that might not design for you. By joining Clear Harbor, I hope to support people who are experiencing similar challenges and turn those challenges into a collective, empowering experience of growth. I have worked on several projects at Clear Harbor, including running the mindfulness WeChat group, managing WeChat official account, organizing workshops for caregivers, and writing blog articles. As I continue my work in mental health, I hope to become a clinical social worker after graduation of the program, providing trauma-informed and culturally-responsive therapy and promoting mental health education programming in marginalized communities. Most importantly, I hope to continue learning and growing through my services.
Yunlong (Albert) Zhang
Yunlong earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Finance from University of Miami and completed his graduate training in School Counseling at George Washington University.
He joined 澈心, a women-led organization serving predominantly Chinese immigrant communities, because he is committed to increasing access to culturally sensitive mental health services and promoting well-being across underrepresented populations.
Looking ahead, Yunlong aims to continue growing professionally while contributing to initiatives that translate psychological research into effective, culturally responsive interventions that support resilience, personal growth, and long-term development.