The Peer Guide Program
Apply to become a Peer Guide! The application form will open March 6 – March 24.
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
Michael Bruebach: I am a senior in the special education department hoping to teach and pursue special education policy in the future! Tacking on a child studies major and an AADS minor while I’ve got some the chance. On campus I spend time with Moneythink, a financial literacy and mentoring organization for local students in Nashville, trying to grow a Jason Steinas-esque moustache, or formulating the greatest music playlist known to Spotify. This is my third year at the CSW, and I am excited to get to know students new and old in a relaxed and comfortable way!
Ria Jindal (she/her): I am a senior from the Chicago suburbs, double majoring in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, and Society. On campus, I am also a part of Volunteers Around the World (VAW) and Vanderbilt Emergency Medical Society (VEMS). In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at a local soup kitchen, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with friends. I am super excited to take on the role of being a Peer Guide!
Gakenia Muigai (she/her): I’m a junior from Tucson, Arizona studying Psychology and Data Science! Currently, I am involved with the African Student Union, Black Cultural Center Ambassadores, and I am a part of a Psychology research lab. In my free time, I love hiking, listening to music, watching sitcoms, and hanging out with my friends. I am so excited to be a Peer Guide this semester!
Kate Spears (she/her): I’m a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Medicine, Health, and Society and am a military kid, so it’s difficult to pick one spot to call home though I now claim Boulder, Colorado! In addition to Peer Guides, I enjoy being a part of Tour Guides, the Learning Assistant Program, VUcept, and a genetics lab at VUMC. When I’m not doing one of those things, you can probably find me on a run or spending time with my nine (9!!!) roommates! I’m very excited to continue learning about and talking about wellbeing as a Peer Guide this year!
Eileen Yu (she/her): I am a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, and Society from Fort Worth, TX. On campus, I am involved in Club Tennis, VSVS, and Katie’s Art Project. In my free time, I like finding new coffee shops, spending too much time in bookstores, and trying to learn how to knit. I am extremely excited to work with the Vanderbilt community as a Peer Guide this year and can’t wait to get to know you all.
Rebekah Zenaye: I’m a junior from St. Paul, MN studying Medicine, Health, and Society and Psychology. On campus, I’m part of orgs like MAPS, SMH, and EESA. I’m also doing public health research at Meharry and interning at a mental health awareness company. When I’ve got downtime, I love listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with my friends. I really look forward to being a peer guide this semester!
Hours and Scheduling
To schedule a PG coaching appointment, undergraduate students can call 615-322-0480 or email healthydores@vanderbilt.edu. Spring 2023 coaching hours are below and subject to change:
- Mondays: 12-2:30pm
- Wednesdays: 10am-12:30pm; 4-5pm
- Thursdays: 11am-1pm; 1:30-3:30pm
- Fridays: 9-11am
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.
For more information about the program, please email Dr. Jason E. Steinas.