Peer Wellness Coach Program

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.

Make an Appointment with a Peer Wellness Coach

Peer Wellness Coaches are available throughout the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 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 Peer Wellness Coach Mentee application to be matched with a Peer Wellness Coach!

Meet Our Peer Wellness Coaches (2026-2027) 

Alannie Cervantes, BSW Candidate, (she/her/hers)

Alannie Cervantes is a Bachelor of Social Work Student in her senior year. Alannie received her Associates in Arts degree from Wilbur Wright College in 2024. Alannie has experience in assistant teaching early childhood and middle school education primarily with low-income and students of color. Her areas of interest include supporting immigrant experiences and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Alannie has overcome obstacles that come with being a first-generation college student and Mexican-American. Her personal interests include watching new films and reading new books. Alannie Cervantes (she/her) is a Bachelor of Social Work Student in her senior year. Alannie received her Associates in Arts degree from Wilbur Wright College in 2024. Alannie has experience in assistant teaching early childhood and middle school education primarily with low-income and students of color. Her areas of interest include supporting immigrant experiences and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Alannie has overcome obstacles that come with being a first-generation college student and Mexican-American.

A.J Morales, BSW Candidate, (she/her/ella)

A.J. Morales (she/her/ella) is pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW). She returned to school Fall 2024 and received her Associates Degree in Arts, with a social work plan. She plans to pursue her Masters of Social Work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about wellness and mental health. Her coursework and her experiences as a first-generation Latina has taught her the importance of approaching people and situations with cultural sensitivity and genuine curiosity. As a non-traditional student with a unique processing style, A.J. had to quickly adapt to a steep learning curve for coursework management. This has taught her innovative ways to approach assignments and various studying techniques. Did you know? Last year, A.J. worked in the Office of International Programs as a student aid. This position exposed her to the unique challenges exchange students face when integrating into the American higher education system.

Anya Bhamani, BSW Candidate, Peer Wellness Coach Intern (she/her)

Anya Bhamani is a senior at Northeastern Illinois University pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work. Prior to attending NEIU, she earned her Human Services degree from the College of DuPage, along with certificates in Human Services Generalist, Domestic and Family Violence Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Mental Health First Aid. Anya’s interest in social work comes from her passion for helping others and giving back to her community. She has experience working with people across the lifespan, including children, young adults, adults, and older adults. Prior to joining the Peer Wellness Coach Program, Anya was a Social Services Intern at People’s Resource Center in Wheaton, where she assisted clients with financial assistance, public benefits, referrals, needs assessments, and case management. She has also spent several years working with children as a nanny and babysitter and previously volunteered as a Montessori Early Childhood Education teacher. Outside of social work and school, Anya enjoys traveling, photography, sports, music, and spending time with friends and family. Anya values creating a supportive and judgment-free environment where individuals feel heard and comfortable seeking help. Her areas of interest include mental health and wellness, domestic and family violence, anxiety, depression, identity development, life transitions, and connecting individuals with helpful resources. As she continues her social work education, she hopes to strengthen her skills in the field and gain meaningful experiences that will prepare her to better support and advocate for others.

Jasmine Bryson, MSW Candidate

I am a graduate social work student and Peer Wellness Coach who is passionate about student wellness, mental health, food security, social justice, and student success. As a student, I have experienced the challenges of balancing academics, work, personal responsibilities, and everyday life, which has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of support and community. My professional interests include working with children, youth, and families and advocating for students and communities. I bring skills in active listening, communication, empathy, organization, problem-solving, and connecting others with resources. My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free safe space where students feel comfortable being themselves, seeking support, and working toward their goals.

Karen Nguyen, MSW Candidate, (she/her)

Karen Nguyen (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University. As a college student during the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen navigated the challenges of completing her first two years of community college online before transferring to and transitioning into a Big Ten university. These experiences strengthened her adaptability, resilience, and understanding of the importance of seeking academic, emotional, and mental health support during significant life transitions. Karen’s professional goal is to earn her Master of Social Work degree and work in a university setting as a mental health counselor. She also plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her experiences as a community college student and transfer student have helped her develop strong skills in flexibility, self-advocacy, resourcefulness, time management, and navigating new academic and social environments. These skills inform her commitment to supporting students as they manage change and pursue their educational and personal goals. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Karen enjoys reading and hopes to read at least one new book each month. She is committed to continued personal and professional growth and looks forward to contributing to a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered university community.

Tamara Gurrola, BSW Candidate

Tamara Gurrola is a Peer Wellness Coach with Student Counseling Services at Northeastern Illinois University. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work. Tamara brings eight years of experience supporting young people through youth development, college and career readiness, mentorship, and social-emotional programming. In her previous role as a College and Career Coach with Chicago Public Schools, she supported students in navigating everything from college applications, scholarships, to career exploration. Providing a supportive space for students to discuss their concerns and goals was her number one priority. Her approach to wellness is grounded in connection, empathy, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable being honest about what they are experiencing. She is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, and access the support and resources they need to thrive. Her social work background has also shaped her commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice.