In July 2023, I made a difficult decision: I turned down a graduate offer from Columbia University’s Counseling Psychology program and stepped away from the career I had been striving toward—becoming a counselor.

Helping others grow into better versions of themselves and witnessing their success has always brought me immense joy and comfort. Yet, I couldn’t convince myself that counseling was the best solution to today’s psychological challenges.

After graduation, I worked as a special education teacher in a public school located in the low-income neighborhoods of Silicon Valley—a stark contrast to the towering tech giants nearby. My daily commute was filled with jarring contrasts: passing by beautiful corporate campuses on the way to school, hearing in morning meetings about gang violence nearby, learning about students who lost their lives to preventable tragedies, finding weed ads tucked under my windshield wipers after work, and attending gatherings where people complained about their stock options and compensation packages.

The experience was deeply dissonant—not only for me but also for my students. All of them came from low- or no-income families. Can you imagine sitting down with a parent wearing a basketball jersey, dreadlocks, a face covered in tattoos, and reeking of marijuana to discuss their child’s education?

In many ways, my students were more like caregivers to their families, while their parents often acted like children.

Our school had professional counselors who provided free therapy sessions for both students and parents. However, parents often chose to spend that hour working part-time jobs, while students, eager for more sessions, were limited by the school’s resources. The parents couldn’t afford additional paid therapy.

“Counseling works, but the barriers are too high. Most people either don’t have the time, the money, or both,” one of my counseling colleagues remarked.

It’s hard for anyone to imagine a future beyond the confines of their current environment. My students were no exception. I think they sensed my own confusion and helplessness. When they told me they planned to drop out, join gangs, or follow their older siblings into drug dealing—or when a third grader, with visible scars, asked me about the meaning of life—I can’t even remember how I responded. But I know I avoided the questions.

So, I began searching for new answers. I explored therapy for myself but also ventured into other options: meditation, church, temples, yoga, dance, hiking, drama therapy, music therapy, peer support, support groups, and various nonprofit workshops.

Through this journey, I discovered that everyone’s answers are different, and often, a single answer isn’t enough. But when someone is in a vulnerable state, they often lack the energy or capacity to navigate this overwhelming world of options to find what suits them best.

That’s why we created Heehee: to compile, filter, and match diverse mental wellness resources, offering more effective and timely support for the all communities in North America.

Clinical Psychology— when you hear this, do you picture two chairs or two couches facing each other? One person speaks while the other occasionally nods, sometimes silent, sometimes offering a response.
Years pass — Bachelor’s, Master’s, Psy.D.— and I’ve moved from one couch to the other.

It’s a profession full of unexpected surprises and weird blessings — one that requires deep thought, emotional investment, and constant attention to ethics and humanity. Yet, over time, I’ve come to realize that some of the most meaningful changes occur outside the therapy room:

• When their love of rock climbing is recognized.

• When their music finds a broader audience.

• When they no longer have to call themselves a “holiday orphan” because someone is just a text away.

• When they find a friend or two who share their passion for nail art.

• When, years earlier, they meet someone who shares joy without judgment.

• When they find alternatives to long-term therapy costs as they navigate grief.

• When they discover that healing isn’t limited to therapy alone.

What if all these “ifs” became a reality?

At HeeHee, we offer something different from the traditional mental health platforms. Beyond a therapist directory, we focus on building meaningful connections and expanding opportunities for healing and mental wellness — inside and beyond the therapy room.

Join us in turning these “ifs” into something real. Together, let’s make it happen.

With the utmost respect for the team I worked with and the product I helped design, I reflect on the journey of Heehee.

What began as a simple solution to address the medical challenges faced by expatriates in the U.S. quickly transformed into something far greater when I shared the idea with friends, and we instantly recognized its market potential.

I’ve always loved the name Heehee. It represents a break from the traditional, often serious and mundane experience of healthcare services. My vision has been to ensure professional quality while integrating the fresh, innovative spirit of modern digital services. This philosophy shaped the foundation of every feature I designed for the project.

As the product designer, I can’t claim to have started with extensive expertise, but my heart, mind, and energy grew alongside Heehee. The ability to build a product driven by love, the invaluable friendships within our team, and our user-centered innovation remain the core pillars that set Heehee apart from well-funded, resource-rich competitors. These lessons will stay with me forever.

A bit about me: I’m someone who thrives on connecting with others and sharing life’s stories. I’m a creator with diverse passions and an adventurous lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve distributed flyers, washed dishes, worked at Starbucks, and even done nail art. In Seattle, I hosted a radio show, tutored children, and worked as a video producer. Recently, in Austin, I became certified as a first-aid lifeguard with the American Red Cross.

As a designer, I love capturing moments through photography, skiing, diving, and even creating anime-inspired art. These experiences fuel both my creativity and my dedication to creating products that truly resonate with people.

With unwavering calmness and quiet strength, I move forward.

Love and Being Loved, Healing and Being Healed—Perhaps This Is the True Essence of Mental Well-being.

People often equate mental health with “two chairs in a therapy room.” But to me, the best therapists are not necessarily the professionals sitting across from us. Instead, they are the family members who offer unconditional support, the friends who pull us out of despair time and again, the partners who guide us toward growth, and even the version of ourselves that learns to embrace who we are.

I have always believed in the power of community.

I also believe that our relationship with the world shapes our mental well-being.

While teaching in rural areas, I saw how unequal access to education affected children's confidence. In the African savanna, I witnessed the intricate link between environment and survival instincts. Working in career planning at academic institutions, I guided students through the anxiety of making life-altering decisions.

I've hosted TV programs, written books, and managed digital media, capturing human connections through stories and images. Selling flowers at "pay-what-you-feel" prices, I witnessed kindness among strangers. These experiences reinforced my belief that mental well-being is not just personal—it is shaped by our environment, communities, and self-expression.

Traveling has shown me how different cultures navigate stress and healing. Photography has allowed me to capture emotions that often go unnoticed. Writing has convinced me that stories can serve as a form of psychological support. And creativity itself—can be a force for healing.

All of these experiences have led me to Heehee, because I believe that mental health should not be confined to clinics but should exist in every corner of life—in conversations, in creativity, in community, and in the genuine connections between people. At Heehee, our vision is to make psychological support warmer, more accessible, and more authentic. We don’t just offer mental health resources—we strive to reshape how people perceive mental well-being, helping each person discover their own path to healing and a true sense of belonging.

Expression is not just my personal outlet—it is also how Heehee empowers communities. At Heehee, I hope that outreach is not just about delivering information, but about sparking conversations, fostering resonance, and building a culture where mental support feels natural and human. I want people to see themselves in the messages we share, to feel understood, and to find strength in that connection.

In an era increasingly driven by commercialization and automation, Heehee aspires to create a space where people can rediscover the purest forms of emotional connection.

The future remains uncertain, but in this moment, the distance between hearts can be bridged. We are not just witnesses to change—we are creating it.

Perhaps the world cannot heal us, but we can heal each other.