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Student Health, Counseling, & Wellness Services Division of Student Affairs

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Peer Wellness Advocates

Apply to be a Peer Wellness Advocate

The 2026-2027 applications will open in late March 2026 with a Handshake job posting announcement. Once applications have closed, please complete the Get Involved interest form below to get notification when applications are open to apply again. Applications for the academic year internship open each spring, for the following fall semester. Log into your SHCWS Patient Portal to make an appointment with a Peer Wellness Advocate.

Go to SHCWS Patient Portal

Get Involved

Meet our academic year 2025-2026 Peer Wellness Advocates

Peer Wellness Advocates are not licensed professionals, but they are current students trained in basic counseling skills, suicide prevention and intervention, and sharing information about campus resources. Peer Wellness Advocates are not licensed professionals & cannot offer treatments, diagnosis or assessment. They are mandated reporters for child abuse, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, if you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, sexual misconduct, harassment, stalking & dating violence.

Group Photo

Learn more about our Peer Wellness Advocates

Talking about feelings can be hard. If you need someone to listen, we are here for you! Scroll to read more about each of our AY 2025-2026 PWA student assistants.

Leticia Lopez, Portrait

Leticia Lopez, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Major: Psychology Major; Minor in Counseling
Centers: Serna Center and Dreamer Resource Center (DRC)

A little about me: What I love most about Sacramento State’s campus is the abundance of resources and the strong sense of community, especially through events that celebrate people such as that of Mexican Heritage Month. Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking and exploring nature, as well as weightlifting at the gym for my mental well-being. I also enjoy spending time with friends, having picnics with good food, creating art, watching good shows like A lot, and doing my best at playing tennis. I’m passionate about supporting those around me, so if you’d like to talk about mental health or need additional support, feel free to reach out!

Leila Civil, Portrait

Leila Civil, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Sociology
Center: APIDA

A little about myself: I was born and raised in the Bay Area and although I don’t live there anymore, I still love to visit and explore what’s new. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family, make jewelry, play card games, thrift, go on hikes, and cuddle with my cat. My favorite thing about Sac State is all the trees and nature I get to see throughout campus, and I enjoy the times when I get to sit outside to study when the weather is nice! You can come talk to me about anything mental health related or if you need guidance towards resources for additional support!

Johnny Sandoval, Portrait

Johnny Sandoval, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Psychology and LGBTQ+ Studies
Center: PRIDE and Guardian Scholars (GSP)

A little about me: A favorite aspect of Sac State is how welcoming and diverse the campus and its services are. At first, I used to be very shy, but after transferring here, I love meeting and communicating with new people every day. I desire to help others who are struggling to blossom in a similar way! Outside of academics and work, I love playing video games, listening to alternative music, collecting all sorts of things, reading, designing, and just hanging out. If you want to chat about anything related to mental health or need additional support, let’s connect!

Kaitlyn Marti, Portrait

Kaitlyn Marti, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Health Science; Minor in Gerontology
Center: Guardian Scholar Center (GSP) and APIDA

A little bit about me: I love to try different foods and explore new cafes to study in. I enjoy traveling around the world and capturing the memories; this past summer I went to Portugal! One thing I love about Sac State is the diversity and the wonderful people you meet on campus. If you would like to talk about anything mental health or need additional support, come talk to me!

Jeri Ripoyla, Portrait

Jeri Ripoyla, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: She / Her
Major: Psychology (4th year Senior)
Center: Women’s Resource Center (WRC) & PRIDE

A little about myself: Hi, my name is Jeri, and I am a Psychology major here at Sac State. I love spending time with my family and trying out new restaurants with my partner. My hobbies include crocheting, baking, and collecting mini things! I love Sac State’s holistic approach to health and the inclusive culture that helps students connect with others while also creating space to learn more about themselves.

Alize Barajas- Zamora, Portrait

Alize Barajas- Zamora, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Psychology
Centers: Dreamer Resource Center (DRC), SWANA and Esak'Timá Center

A little about me: After going through my own mental health journey, I have discovered a passion for helping people and sharing the importance of mental health. I also love animals and have 3 pets including a happy and wild husky, a crested gecko, and a fish. I am excited to be a PWA here at Sac State and am happy to be able to provide support and a safe space!

Kira Powers, Portrait

Kira Powers, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: she/her
Major: Psychology
Center: PRIDE

A little about me: One of my favorite things about Sac State is the abundance of health and wellness resources available to support student success and overall well-being. I also love all the opportunities for squirrel-watching between classes. In my free time, I enjoy reading, thrifting, visiting the farmer’s market, and checking out new coffee shops. If you would like to talk about anything mental health or need additional support, come and talk to me!

Kollins Pettaway, Portrait

Kollins Pettaway, Peer Wellness Advocate

Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Psychology
Center: Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)

A little about me: My favorite part of being at Sac State is the connections with students from so many backgrounds & experiences. My role is supporting others and helping students navigate the reality of being in college and everything that comes with it. I enjoy golfing, running, and exploring new ways to grow personally and professionally. If you ever want to be seen or heard, then come by!

How to schedule with a Peer Wellness Advocate

In Academic Year 2024-2025 the Peer Wellness Advocates are spending time in the following cultural resource and identity center locations where students can drop-in, or schedule appointments through their student health portal to meet with one of our PWAs:

CARC and Support Center

Guardian Scholar’s Program

Additional Resources for Support

If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, please seek urgent help by visiting SHCWS Urgent Care on the first floor of The WELL during business hours M-Th 8:00-4:30pm and Fridays 9:30am-4pm.

If you cannot come to the student health center at The WELL during business hours, or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis after business hours, please seek care in a nearby emergency room. You can call 911 (or from campus phones dial 7-911) to request assistance in accessing care. You can also call 988 to speak with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for support or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach a 24/7 hotline for crisis intervention.

TimelyCare

Additional Support Services

Student Health Counseling Wellness Services
Counseling Services | Sacramento State (csus.edu)
Phone: 916-278-6461

Center for Counseling & Diagnostic Services
Counseling & Diagnostic Services | Sacramento State (csus.edu)
Phone: 916-278-6252

WEAVE
Sexual Violence Support | Sacramento State (csus.edu)
Phone: 916-278-5850

Campus Cultural Resource Support Centers & Programs
Support Centers and Programs | Sacramento State (csus.edu)