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
Courtney Cagnolatti (she/her): I’m a junior from Mokena, IL studying Medicine, Health and Society and Biological Sciences! On campus, I am actively a part of Tour Guides, the BlackCultural Center AmbassaDores, and the SyBBure Searle Undergraduate Research Program. I also am doing research at a VUMC lab! In my free time, I enjoy running, finding new shows to watch, and journaling. I can’t wait to be a Peer Guide this semester!
Elizabeth Ebhogiaye (she/her): I’m a junior from Atlanta, GA majoring in Human and Organizational Development and minoring in African American and Diaspora Studies. On campus, I am involved with the African Student Union, Every Nation Campus ministries, WRVU radio, and the Vanderbilt Prison Project. In my free time, I enjoy internet surfing, singing karaoke, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I am ecstatic to be joining the Peer Guide family!
Gakenia Muigai (she/her): I’m a senior 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!
Kendal Seymour (she/her): Hello everyone! I am a junior from Fort Myers, Florida and Frederick, Maryland. I am studying Neuroscience on the premedical track. On campus, I am an undergraduate researcher in Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Neuropharmacology. In my spare time, I love to rock climb with Vanderbilt’s Climbing Club, hike new trails with friends, and get lost in a good book. I am thrilled to be a part of the Peer Guide project this year!
Soumya Vytla: Hi everyone! I’m a senior from Mason, Ohio. I am studying Neuroscience and Medicine, Health, & Society. I have been working on Alzheimer’s research at the Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center for the past 3 years, motivated by my time as a Vanderbilt Alzheimer’s Buddies volunteer at Abe’s Garden where I get to hang out with senior residents. In my free time, I love making music, going to the gym, and spending time with my family and friends. I really look forward to being a PG this year!
Rebekah Zenaye: I’m a senior from St. Paul, MN studying Medicine, Health, and Society and Psychology. On campus, I’m part of organizations like the Minority Association of Pre-Med Students, African Student Union, and EESA. I’m also doing public health research at Meharry. 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.
Fall 2023 coaching hours:
- Mondays: 9-10am; 3-5pm
- Thursdays: 2-5pm
- Fridays: 10am-12pm; 2-4pm
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 healthydores@vanderbilt.edu.