The Peer Guide Program
What is a Peer Guide?
Peer Guides (PGs) are Vanderbilt University undergraduate wellbeing coaches and facilitators. PGs provide support and guidance to fellow undergraduate students through individual wellbeing coaching sessions and group facilitation. One-on-one coaching includes topics such as, emotional wellbeing, time management, stress management, life transitions, and social support. PGs also lead workshops and presentations covering mindfulness, how to ask for help, resilience skills, Student Care Network Overview, and others.
Meet the Peer Guides
Aneesh Batchu:
Hey everyone! I’m a senior from St. Louis, Missouri studying Neuroscience and Communication of Science and Technology on the Pre-Med path. On campus, I am involved in organizations such as SACE, Project CURE, and the Amp as well as working as a research assistant. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends on the lawns and listening to music. I’m excited to work as a Peer Guide this year!
Jennie Li:
Hello!! I’m a sophomore from Nashville, TN, studying Medicine, Health, and Society & Psychology with a minor in German studies. On campus, I’m involved with the MoveMENTAL club and the Mind over mood lab as a mindfulness coach. In my free time, I like running, dancing, climbing, yoga, traveling, reading, hiking and making matcha! Let me know if you ever need any Nashville coffee shop/food/hiking recs!!:) I’m excited to get to know you and walk with you on your lifelong adventure of learning yourself and growing within it all
Jessica Li:
Hi everyone! I am a junior from Shanghai, China. I am studying cognitive studies with a minor in child psychology and mental health. On campus, I am part of the media team for Tennessee Tiered Supports Center. In my spare time, I love reading, filming, writing, and traveling! I am so excited to be a peer guide this year!
Sarah Yun:
Hi everyone! I’m a sophomore from Sunnyvale, California studying Psychology and Medicine, Health, and Society. On campus, I am involved in MoveMENTAL, EmbrACE, and psychology research. In my free time I enjoy hiking, concerts, and spending time with friends. I’m so excited to be a Peer Guide this year!
Isaac Vega (he/him): Hi everyone! I am a sophomore from Salem, Oregon. I am studying psychology and Spanish, with a minor in data science. On campus, I am involved with VSVS (Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science) as an English Language Learning (ELL) Co-Chair and work with the Body, Mind, and Brain Lab to do psychosis research! In my free time, I enjoy running, lifting weights, and volunteering as a medical interpreter off-campus! I am so excited to be a part of the Peer Guide Program this year!
Hours and Scheduling
To schedule a PG coaching appointment, undergraduate students can call 615-322-0480 or email healthydores@vanderbilt.edu.
To schedule a PG workshop or presentation, please fill out the program request form.
Times are in CST and meetings take place at the CSW unless otherwise noted.
If you prefer to meet with a PG virtually, please let us know when scheduling.
FAQs
What is a Peer Guide?
Peer Guides are undergraduate students employed by the Center for Student Wellbeing who have been trained as wellbeing coaches. They have spent a semester learning and practicing their one-on-one coaching skills and becoming experts on campus resources, time management techniques, goal-setting, crisis intervention, and motivational interviewing. Most importantly, they know what it’s like to be a Vanderbilt student and have their own lived experiences that allow them to relate and empathize with whatever challenges you might be facing.
In addition to one-on-one coaching, our Peer Guides also participate in outreach events such as mindfulness and meditation workshops and our annual Wellbeing Fair.
How do I know if meeting with a Peer Guide is right for me?
Peer Guides are trained to help you identify your goals and collaborate with you on a plan to prioritize and achieve them. These goals could be related to stress management, time management, social support, life transitions, and more. Peer Guides are here to listen and learn about your current situation, ask questions to gain understanding about what kinds of changes you hope to make, work with you to develop an accessible plan, and be there to check in with you and your progress along the way.
What if it’s not the right fit?
Not every coach is right for every person, and our Peer Guides are not trained as academic tutors, financial coaches, or mental health therapists. However, they are trained to be knowledgeable about campus resources and can point you in the right direction to help you get the care you deserve. If you meet with a Peer Guide and find that their coaching is not sufficient for your needs, they can help you identify a better option and get connected with the appropriate providers.
How do I make an appointment to meet with a Peer Guide?
To schedule a PG coaching appointment, undergraduate students can call 615-322-0480 or email healthydores@vanderbilt.edu. Peer Guides also hold drop-in coaching hours at the CSW on Fridays from 1 pm-3 pm.
How do I become a Peer Guide?
Peer Guide applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open on March 5th, 2025! Applications will be available on AnchorLink and close on March 25th, with interviews for select applicants taking place in April.
https://anchorlink.vanderbilt.edu/submitter/form/start/577333
What if I have more questions?
For questions, collaboration opportunities, or to request Peer Guide support for your wellness-related event, please reach out to Caitlin.J.Stout@Vanderbilt.edu.
