What is a Peer Wellness Coach?
Peer Wellness Coaches (PWC) are upper-level undergraduate and graduate students who assist students in accomplishing their academic, social, and personal goals. Sponsored by Student Counseling Services and Student Affairs, the primary goal of the program is to provide students who are stressed, unmotivated or worried about their grades or life in general with a personal coach. The role of the PWC is to assist students in their endeavor for college success.
What does a Peer Wellness Coach Do?
Peer Wellness Coaches help Northeastern students one-on-one with coaching/mentoring, linkage to Student Counseling Services when necessary, as well as linkage to University or community resources, and peer advocacy. They also provide some outreach programming to the University community on a variety of mental health-related topics.
What kind of training do Peer Wellness Coaches receive?
Peer Wellness Coaches receive training in basic counseling and leadership skills, Mental Health First Aid, healthy relationships and consent, social justice issues, choosing a major, self-care, information on University resources, and community social service resources. Peer Wellness Coaches receive weekly supervision and seminars for ongoing training in these areas.
Peer Wellness Program Locations AND HOURS
Peer Wellness Coaches can be found on campus in convenient, private locations, including the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs, The Nest, NEIU Libraries and Campus Recreation. Coaches can also meet for remote appointments using a secure Zoom connection.
Hours for FALL 2024
- Monday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Make an Appointment with a Peer Wellness Coach
Peer Wellness Coaches are available throughout the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters! You can schedule an appointment by contacting Student Counseling Services at counsect@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4650. You can also fill out the to be matched with a Peer Wellness Coach!
Meet Our Peer Wellness Coaches (2024-2025)
August Hupp, they/them
August is a senior at NEIU completing their bachelor's in Social Work this year. They love connecting with and supporting people in their community, and have over a decade of experience doing so, from youth work, to mental health crisis support, to community defense and more! They have personal and professional experience navigating a range of challenging systems, including housing and shelter programs, mental healthcare, gender affirming healthcare, legal, and carceral systems. They approach social work with care, honesty, and creativity. Additionally, they are a reliable DJ, and always ready to go jump in the lake.
Patricia Lopez,
Hello, I’m Patricia Lopez, and I enjoy spending time with my family in any setting. I’m currently a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. I was raised in a Latino migrant Spanish monolingual household and understand firsthand the challenges of growing up as a translator, caregiver, and advocate for my family — from my parents to siblings and even my own family — while also trying to navigate higher education. As a first-generation student, I understand the reluctance to communicate concerns and questions to college departments or professors, thinking you’re a bother or won’t have your needs met. This is where I would like to bridge the gap for my peers, listen to their concerns, and empower them to communicate effectively while guiding them to the correct resources.
Sidra Khan,
Hi! I’m Sidra Khan, currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW). I’m known for being fun, bubbly, energetic, and approachable. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and sometimes all we need is someone to listen. I’m here to be that supportive ear for my peers, committed to turning every challenge into an achievable goal. I’m thrilled to begin working one-on-one with my mentees and am looking forward to a wonderful and rewarding year ahead!
Evelyn Mandujano, she/her/hers
Hello, I am Evelyn Mandujano, an undergraduate social work student who balances academics with the responsibilities of being a dedicated mother of three. As a Hispanic first-generation transfer student who dropped out of high school in my senior year, I understand the fear and uncertainty of starting a college journey. I am familiar with the challenges, expectations, and stigma that come from being raised in a Hispanic home and can relate to the stress of navigating college without guidance. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I have become my own advocate in seeking the support I need to succeed. Additionally, I co-founded the Students as Parents (SAP) club, recognizing the unique stress of juggling parenting, school, and life. I am also passionate about mental health awareness. It is real! I believe self-care is crucial and it is important for me to make time for the activities I enjoy, such as listening to audiobooks, going to the gym, and connecting with close friends and family. Understanding that many cultural backgrounds overlook mental health issues, I aim to support and uplift individuals based on my own experiences and understanding of similar challenges. My goal is to help you reach your goals by supporting your voice, finding resources, breaking generational cycles, and providing whatever you need to succeed on this journey.
Margarita Nunez
Margarita is a first-year MSW student who graduated with a degree in psychology this past May. As a first-generation student who transferred from a community college, she has firsthand experience overcoming academic challenges. After years of struggling with her own grades, Margarita successfully turned things around and now aims to support other students facing similar difficulties. She is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. One of her primary goals as a PWC is to empower first-generation students to achieve their goals, regardless of the barriers they may encounter.
