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About Us
We are fellow students who are passionate about the wellbeing of our peers and are happy to be a resource for you! During Peer Wellness Coaching sessions, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained peer wellness coach talk about issues they are having while at college. We seek to help students feel more comfortable and empowered when asking for help. The idea is that you are the expert on your own life, and your peer coach is there to listen, be non-judgmental and assist you with putting a plan in place to help you reach your goals along with aiding as a form of accountability.
Peer Wellness Coaches are not counselors or therapists but can be a supplemental resource to these services and will always make a referral when needed or appropriate.
Common Reasons to Seek the service of a Peer Wellness Coach
- Stress management
- Time management
- Sleep management
- Loneliness, isolation, homesickness
- Relationship difficulties (romantic, roommate, friends, family).
- Gaining confidence to make a plan about other wellness-related topics
How Peer Wellness Coaches Can Help
The Peer Wellness Coaches are trained to be empathetic, non-judgmental, supportive resources on campus. They will create a safe space to share without judgment and, as peers, they can relate to stresses that many students face. Additionally, the Peer Wellness Coaches are knowledgeable about available resources on campus and can help with setting goals to overcome a variety of challenges as well as refer to other resources.
Our Team
Emmy Mazzacano'25 (she/her)
Hometown:Park Ridge, NJ
Major(s): Biology Major on Pre-Health Track
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?
I became a Peer Wellness Coach because as a member of the17Թ Swim Team I was lucky enough to have teammates who I could turn to in moments of need,and their support made such a positive impact on my well-being that I wanted to pay it forward by helping other students on campus navigate their own challenges during their time here. Sometimes all we need is some guidance and reassurance, so I am hoping to act as an approachable and helpful resource for students.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?Being a student athlete myself, I am very passionate about student athlete wellness and assisting those who are navigating the unique challenges of balancing academics, training, and personal life. The experiences I've had as a student athlete have given me firsthand insight into the pressures and demands that can arise in this dynamic and the importance of overall well being.As a peer Wellness Coach I hope to help students achieve their goals and maintain a happy lifestyle during their time at 17Թ.
Michael Greco'25 (he/him)
Hometown:West Hartford, CT
Major(s):Chinese and Political Science
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?
Since I was younger, I have always had a passion for mental and physical wellness. To have to opportunity to help others improve their wellbeing and enrich their 17Թ experience sounded like an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am passionate about encouraging others and the process of finding self-determination to reach goals. While training to become a Peer Wellness Coach, I have grown fascinated about the distinction between advice and coaching. The idea of having a peer reach a conclusion on their own and becoming motivated to achieve their own aspirations is something that motivates me as a Coach.
How would your closest friends describe you?
I would say my friends describe me as personable, thoughtful, and easygoing.
Kimberley Valenzuela'25 (she/her)
Hometown:Queens, NY
Major(s): Physics Minor: Studio Art
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to become aPeerWellnessCoachbecause I know from personal experience how important it is to have someone you can turn to when you need it, and as a way to pay forward how others have been there for me, I want to be there for you!
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am passionate about helping mypeersnavigate the college experience as a first-generation college student. I understand those struggles quite well. Through my time at 17Թ, I’ve gained a lot of experience which I would be more than happy to share with whoever needs it! I also always emphasize the importance of taking care of oneself mentally, physically, and so on, even with all the responsibilities in our lives. I always say, “If you want to be able to take care of things, you’ve got to take care of yourself first!”
How would your closest friends describe you?My closest friends would probably describe me as someone nice, a bit shy, and very caring of the people that I'm close with!
Julianna Stratton'26
Hometown:Dearborn, MI
Major(s): Neuroscience & Music
At home I own two rabbits and a horse, and compete with them all in 4H and local shows. I’m the youngest of two and have attended Catholic schools my whole life. In my free time, I love reading, organizing things, and anything outdoors.
On campus I am a member of the Society of Sts. Peter and Paul, Students for Life, Orchestra E-board, and Music Department Student Advisory Council (SAC), am an admissions blogger and liturgical minister, and work as a Kimball Captain.
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I chose to be a peer wellness coach because I think the most important thing we can do on campus is create a community where it's ok to ask for help growing into the best people we can be!
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?The aspects of wellness that resonate most closely with me are intellectual and spiritual wellness, because they are both the most important in my life and the easiest for me to neglect!
How would your closest friends describe you?My friends would tell you that I’m a bookworm introvert who can be found with a cup of coffee writing letters in the library on Friday nights, reading novels that will make me cry, and watching old episodes of Dr. Who.
Keira Walsh'25 (she/her)
Hometown:Elkton, Maryland
Major(s):International Studies
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I decided to become a Peer Wellness Coach in order to be a comforting, listening ear to anyone struggling at 17Թ. Reaching out for help can be daunting, and I want to be an easily accessible resource to help guide you through any problem, seemingly big or small.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am excited to be a part of my peers journeys to challenge their mindsets and achieve their goals!
How would your closest friends describe you?I am best known to my friends as a thoughtful, sincere, and friendly.
Tyler Hall'26 (he/him)
Hometown:Newmarket, NH
Major(s):Psychology
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to be a peer wellness coach because I am passionate about helping other people achieve their goals. Similarly, I want to be a psychologist and this is a great experience for me as well. To have the opportunity to help the 17Թ community was an easy choice for me.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am passionate about coaching and wellness in general, however, sports have been a life-long passion for me and I understand how they can affect mental health. Also, as an aspiring motivational speaker, becoming the best version of oneself is an extremely important concept for me.
How would your closest friends describe you?My closest friends would describe me as driven, personable, and caring.
Meghan Hobbs'25 (she/her)
Hometown:Norfolk, MA
Major(s):Psychology Major with a Minor in Philosophy
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to be aPeer Wellness Coach because I have a passion for problem solving and helping others. My role as a Peer Wellness Coach combines these two passions and allows me to guide others in discerning solutions to problems or attaining a goal. I am looking forward to my journey as a Peer Wellness Coach where I can help others improve their wellbeing.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am excited to become fully immersed in theworld of both coaching and wellness. I am particularly passionate about working together with my fellow Peer Wellness Coaches to create a safe and welcoming program!
How would your closest friends describe you?My closet friends would describe me as hard-working, empathetic, and reliable. I work hard in academics and my extracurriculars but also always make time to listen to my friends when they need me. When I make a commitment I stick to it and I believe that my friends value that part of me.
Myra Mayn'25 (she/her)
Hometown:Silver Spring, MD
Major(s):Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Studies
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to become a Peer Wellness Coach because when I was struggling with academic stress and my health, wellness coaching really helped me find a work-life balance and take better care of myself. I hope to provide this support to other 17Թ students who want to prioritize their wellbeing, reach their goals, and live a healthy, well rounded life.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?When it comes to wellness, I am particularly passionate about avoiding burnout. College can be very stressful between classes, studying, and extracurriculars, and this often leads to usoverworking ourselves. An important aspect of wellness is learning to balance all of these responsibilities with self care, fun hobbies, and rest.
How would your closest friends describe you?My friends would describe me as positive, hardworking, and fun!
Kristen Schwarzhoff'24 (she/her)
Hometown:Barnstable, MA
Major(s):Political Science major and Visual Arts minor
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?Becoming a Peer Wellness Coach appealed to me because I want to help other students understand that they are capable of excelling through the hard work at 17Թ, despite any challenges. College can be stressful at all stages, from the freshman-year transition period to assignments in rigorous courses, and even senior-year graduation. I want to help other students realize how resilient they are and feel how rewarding it is to work through these experiences.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I am strong with time management and working through academic, social, or job-related stress. However, I can help students in any area needed!
How would your closest friends describe you?Kind, sincere, creative, and dedicated.
Connor Bankuti '26 (he/him)
Hometown:Pequannock, New Jersey
Major(s):Biology
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to be a Peer Wellness Coach because I care a lot about the mental health and well-being of my peers. During my transition to college, I experienced difficulty with getting acclimated to certain aspects of college life. Realizing that this is true for many other students, I want to help all students at 17Թ find their place and make the most of these four years.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?Some areas of coaching and wellness that I am particularly passionate about are academics and sports. As a biology major and member of the 17Թ Rugby team, I realize that it can be strenuous to excel inside and outside of the classroom at the same time. Balancing sports both in college and high school, I am very excited to help guide students during their journeys as student athletes.
How would your closest friends describe you?My closest friends would describe me as hardworking and personable. They would say that I never give any less than my full effort and attention when faced with a task. Whenever they have a problem or need someone to confide in, they would say that I am approachable and understanding of them and their situation.
Beck Schutte'26 (he/him)
Hometown:Dover, Massachusetts
Major(s):Sociology, Minor: Rhetoric
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?As a freshmen I participated in the summer Passport program where I was exposed to upper class men who helped me exponentially in my transition
to college. They supported me, and reassured me that I was ready for college on an academic and personal level. Being presented with the peer wellness coaching opportunity I felt a desire to
foster similar connections that I had with my passport leaders, and attempt to be a sounding
board for anything big or small a student is experiencing.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I value privacy above everything else. So what you share with me is where it will stay. I value building relationships and connections as well, so our time in coaching sessions can be the only interactions we have on campus, or I can be a resource and a friend beyond coaching sessions as well. I'm also a passionate story teller and listener, so in our sessions no experience, or story is to boring or long I love hearing it all.
My Interests: Playing guitar, fitness and nutrition, reading and listening to podcasts, listening to
good music, and spending time with family and friends
Ashley Pothier'26 (she/her)
Hometown:Leominster, MA
Major(s):Psychology and Deaf Studies
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?The prospect of becoming a Peer Wellness Coach resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with my unwavering commitment to fostering wellness in all aspects of my life. Beyond individual growth, I'm driven by the ambition to cultivate a culture of wellness in our community. I look forward to helping studentsnavigate their unique paths toward well-being, offering not only support but a wealth of knowledge and tools.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?I strive tofoster deep connections and prioritize personal growth. My freshman experience revealedthesignificance of aiding students in finding belonging andembracing new experiences. I lookforward to uplifting and empowering individuals as they seek balance and fulfillmentin various dimensionsof their lives.
How would your closest friends describe you?Described by my closest friends as easy to talk to, an engaged listener, and always giving thoughtful advice, my empathetic nature is a hallmark of my personality. My friends perceiveme as someone who trulyunderstands and cares about their achievements, challenges, and experiences.
Ava Marenna'26 (she/her)
Hometown:Durham, CT
Major(s):English and Psychology double major
Why did you become a peer wellness coach?I wanted to become a Peer Wellness Coach to help create a safespace on campus foranyone who needs it! Being a resource for those who haven't always had similar opportunities to explore wellness was what initially drew me to this program. I wanted to be a part of something that brought peers together in a casual environment whose main focus is on growth and well-being.
Are their areas of coaching and/or wellness that you are particularly passionate about?Helping others find a balance between their academic and social lives is an area of coaching that I am particularly passionate about, especially concerning the variety of emotions that arise from college life.
How would your closest friends describe you?My closest friends would describe me as outgoing, understanding, and supportive.