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 NEIU 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 Pedroso Center, The Nest, the Library, or Campus Recreation. Coaches can also meet for remote appointments using a secure Zoom connection.
Hours for FALL 2022
- 12-3:30 p.m. Monday
- 12-7 p.m. Tuesday
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday
- 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday
Make an Appointment with a Peer Wellness Coach
Peer Wellness Coaches are available throughout the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters! You can schedule an appointment by contacting Student Counseling Services at counsect@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4650. You can also fill out Peer Wellness Coach Mentee application to schedule an appointment.
Meet Our Peer Wellness Coaches (2022-2023)
Sarah Lee
Sarah Lee is an undergraduate student and will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in Social Work in spring of 2023. She plans on furthering her education by pursuing a dual master’s in Social Work and Human Sexuality Studies. Sarah came to NEIU directly after high school but struggled to find direction. After choosing a Gender Studies major she eventually dropped out of school due to mental health and financial issues. During the beginning of the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020, Sarah found a calling for mutual aid and helping marginalized communities. She re-enrolled at NEIU and diligently focused on working towards a career helping others. She hopes to help students who have mental health concerns, anxiety about school or personal life, those who struggle with time management and productivity issues, self esteem issues and anyone who needs empowerment. Overall Sarah would love to provide support to her peers in order to make their time at NEIU enriching and fulfilling.
Jared Scovill
Jared is working toward a Master's degree in Social Work at NEIU. Jared has a Bachelor's in Psychology, and his work experience includes working with special education programs teaching students social skills and best behaviors. In addition, Jared's interests include LGBTQIA issues with a focus on gender identity development and the educational needs of minority students.
