Meet the Peer Educators!
Professional Staff
Andrea M Marshall (she, her, hers)
Program Director of Wellness and Health Promotions
Lacy Williams (she, her, hers)
Mental Health Grant Coordinator
Wellness Staff
I’m Belinda Zubia! An enrolling Sophomore, majoring in Early Childhood Education. I want to be a kindergarten teacher! A little about myself is that I’m a Northfield High School grad and the oldest of three. I have two brothers! I enjoy traveling, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with family and friends! Wellness to me means feeling good both mentally and physically. Also, having a balanced lifestyle and finding ways to manage stress and anxiety. I’m excited to be part of the Wellness Center team because I want to help others and contribute to their well-being.
Hey, I’m Esperanza! I am a senior Psychology major working through AmeriCorps at the Wellness Center. Wellness to me means being able to attain good physical and mental health outcomes & ensuring that it is available to all members in our community. Outside of school I love reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends & family.
Executive Team
Hi! My name is Meakin (she/her) and I am a senior Political Science and Religion major. This is my 3rd year in the Wellness Center, my last 2 years were spent on the sexual wellbeing team! I am very passionate about wellness and education. I love talking with people and learning about wellness topics, specifically ones that typically are taboo.
To me, wellness is a way of taking time for yourself and learning tools to help yourself and others thrive! I am also a SARN advocate and play on our women’s club hockey team in my free time. I love hanging with my people and spending time in cute places around Northfield <3
Hi, I’m Sophie (she/her) and I’m a Student Coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year! I’m a nursing major and am also pursuing a public health studies concentration. Outside of academics, I spend a lot of time running on the cross country & track/field teams. I also love reading, going on walks, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and family.
To me, wellness means taking care of yourself and others in ways that are sustainable, realistic, and enjoyable. I wanted to become a Peer Educator because I believe that peer-to-peer connections offer a unique and powerful kind of support that other connections might be missing.
Hey! I’m Fernanda (she/her) and I’m the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Wellness Center. I’m a double major in SoAn and Psychology with a management studies concentration. Some of my hobbies are to literally spend hours talking with friends at the Taylor Center, reading a nice true crime or different types of fiction books, and since last year I’ve been trying to perfect my ice skating skills:)
To me, wellness is taking of yourself and others through balance in different areas of your life and having self-care practices that work for you. I love being a Peer Educator because it allows me to connect and support my peers in college. Personally, I think sharing life experiences with others helps us to process them, to understand how we may feel about them, and how we may want to deal with them.
My name is Rachel and I’m a senior Psychology major with concentrations in Public Health and Film and Media Studies. I’m also a soprano in the St. Olaf Choir and I love taking photos and editing videos in my free time (both for my own fun and for my jobs!).
To me, wellness is taking time to intentionally do things throughout your day that make you happy. I like to do this by listening to uplifting music on the way to class and relaxing with a movie or YouTube videos in the evening.
Mental Health Grant Team
TBD
I’m Emily, and I’m one of the Mental Health Team leads this year! I’m very passionate about mental health, love listening to people share their stories, and am always happy to chat about anything, so please feel free to come ask for help, talk, rant, get resources, or just hang out in the office! Outside of classes and work, I am co-chair of Social Work and the Greater Good, so maybe it goes without saying that I am a social work major, but I’m a big fan of learning and engaging with the values of social work with other students from any major. I am also the director of the Bandana Project, so feel free to chat with me about that, and am a SARN Advocate.
To me, wellness is a way of caring for and respecting yourself amid the chaos of daily life. It means coming home and being a safe space to yourself. Wellness is also a critical part of making change in our world, allowing us to recharge and sustain ourselves so that we can keep working towards positive change in our society. Part of this process for me includes doing things that I love and engaging in creativity! So, in my free time, I like to hang out with friends, spend time outdoors (I love anything outside – hiking, camping, canoeing, biking etc.), singing, and trying to teach myself guitar or ukulele.
I’m Victoria! I play the viola in St. Olaf Philharmonia, am involved in theater here, and am a part of a Bible study group called InterVarsity. In my free time, I like to go for walks in the Natural Lands, dance, and play games with my friends.
To me, wellness means feeling balanced and at peace most of the time, while knowing you have the tools and support system needed to bring you back to that peace when something disrupts it. I wanted to become a Peer Educator because I love meeting new people and am passionate about helping others prioritize their wellbeing.
Hi I’m Annie! I’m a senior Psychology major with a concentration in GSS. Outside of school, I love to exercise, read, and doodle. I also love to spend time with friends and family, including my two dogs! I spend most of my day listening to music, and my top picks would be Taylor Swift, Hozier, and Jeff Buckley!
At the Wellness Center, I am a Peer Ed on the Mental Health team. Mental health has been an important part of my life for many years in both personal and academic ways. I wanted to become a Peer Ed as I feel it’s a fantastic way to help provided comfort to my peers. I also think it’s a great first step to becoming a Mental Health therapist in the future! To me, wellness talks about actively making choices and working towards a healthy, maintainable lifestyle. I love to use certain skills (breathing methods, to-do lists, recognizing limits) to help myself reach my goals!
Hi! I’m Lynette, a senior majoring in Psychology and Gender Studies. When I’m not in school, you can find me hunting down the best pistachio ice cream spots while traveling—yes, it’s an ongoing adventure, and I take my pistachio taste tests very seriously!
For me, wellness means living a balanced life and being mindful about taking care of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about making time for what matters, whether it’s setting boundaries, getting enough sleep, or enjoying your favorite hobbies without guilt. I wanted to become a Peer Educator because I’m passionate about helping others prioritize their well-being. Supporting people in their journey to find balance is something I find really meaningful, and I’m excited to be a part of that.
Hey, I’m Lucy! Outside of school, I love taking photos, cooking, reading, and spending as much time as I can outdoors. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in Public Health, which is why I was so drawn to the Peer Educator role.
I am passionate about equitable health access, health advocacy, and the promotion of on-campus wellness. To me, wellness is a concept that encompasses various aspects of our physical, mental, environmental, and social well-being!
My name is Leonor Arrobas, and I am an international student from Portugal majoring in Psychology with a concentration in International Relations and Gender and Sexuality Studies. Outside of school, I love traveling, participating in social impact projects, and meeting new people to learn from their diverse experiences. I also enjoy swimming in open waters, especially in the ocean, as it brings me a sense of freedom and peace.
To me, wellness means achieving balance and finding a path to a fulfilling life. I became a peer educator because of my deep desire to help, learn, and serve others. I believe mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, influencing and being influenced by every other area of life. Being a peer educator allows me to support others in their journeys toward well-being while continuing to grow and learn myself.
My name is Megan Haas and I am a sophomore Psychology and Public Health major from St. Paul, Minnesota. In my spare time, I love to read, play guitar, run, listen to music, and spend time with my two dogs. I have recently taken to learning how to play piano and speak French – I am always eager and grateful for a new hobby!
To me, wellness is a practice and one that we work on for our entire lives. It is truly knowing both yourself and how you exist in that of a larger community. I believe, there is no such thing as perfect health or wellness because it is chronically changing with you, for you. I wanted to be a Peer Educator because health, specifically mental health, means a lot to me and is a huge area of passion and interest. I have worked within a healthcare setting for the majority of my teenage years and hope to have a career focused on mental health research and education. The health and wellness of Ole’s is the foundation of our community, and anything I could do to support that would be a fulfilling and worthwhile commitment.
Sexual Well-Being Team
Gabe is a junior Social Work major with concentrations in Family Studies, GSS, and Public Health. They are incredibly passionate about sexual health and reproductive justice. They serve as one of the VPs for the club Students for Reproductive Rights and Community Outreach Coordinator for SWAGG. This passion is what lead them to become a peer educator last year and as the sexual wellbeing team lead this year, they are dedicated to spreading awareness and resources about important issues.
Outside of St. Olaf they love to play video games, D&D and board games. Currently they are playing a lot of Hades, Terraria, and hopefully BG3. They also love walking in the natural lands and chit chatting with friends about various topics.
Hey! My name is Mona and my favorite combo is watching a horror movie with Buldak 2x spicy ramen.
Wellness means having a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I wanted to become a peer educator because I want to be a supportive resource for St. Olaf students, as well as learn new things.
Hey, I’m Ashley! My interest outside of school is physical activity working out, playing water polo, swimming, and biking. I also love the arts and specifically singing, dancing, acting, and coloring.
The Wellness Center to me is my comfort place when things can get chaotic and loud in life and in Bunt. It’s a place where I can have my moments of silence and collect my thoughts as well as in person support. That’s why I became a Peer Educator. I wanted to be an additional resources for students on campus and be a person that people can be comfortable talking to while continuing making the Wellness Center a safe space.
I’m Lily! And to me, wellness is balancing each aspect of my life in a way that helps me feel safe, fulfilled, and happy! Even though that may look different every day, that is also part of the process of maintaining wellness 🙂
Part of that balance is taking time to do things I love to do. I enjoy spending time outside with friends on walks and in our hammocks. I also enjoy crafting, reading, and listening to podcasts in my free time. On campus, I love being a peer educator because we get to create a culture of care at St. Olaf!
Hi, I’m Zoe! I am on the Sexual Wellbeing Team here at the Wellness Center. I also sing in Chapel Choir and am part of the EMPTY Theater. I love music, theater, board games, card games, video games, movies, shows, and books!
I grew up without wellness education, especially when it came to any sexual topics. Because of this, I am passionate about providing education to everyone regardless of who they are. I believe that health and wellness cannot be achieved without understanding it first.
Physical Well-Being Team
My name is Thanu and I am a psychology major with neuroscience and family studies concentrations. Outside of school I enjoy taking walks, exploring new places, trying new foods, reading, and traveling.
To me, wellness is about creating a harmonious balance between mind, body, and spirit. It means being in tune with your needs, nurturing yourself through healthy habits, and finding joy and purpose in everyday life. I chose to become a peer educator to be able to help others in a time of need, empower others, create a supportive environment and promote overall wellbeing on campus.
Hi I’m Bassaa! Wellness to me is creating a balance in all aspects in your life. By creating a balance you allow your best self to shine through and take on challenges with ease. It is incredibly important to highlight wellness in a college setting which is why I want to be a Peer Educator. I believe through educating my fellow peers on campus I will also help myself in the process. Being a friendly face and a helping hand is what makes a learning and living community healthy.
I am a Physical Wellbeing Peer Educator and have been on the team for two years now and I would say I’ve learned so much on the job. I am also apart of the Exec board for UPRISING; A black org that hosts an exhibit every February highlighting black art from artists all over Northfield. I am also the Secretary for EASA, a club aimed to celebrate East African culture. I love reading, working out and spending time with friends and family!
Hi! I’m Hailey, a senior majoring in chemistry. Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, weightlifting, and occasionally going for runs, which aligns perfectly with my role on the physical wellbeing team.
To me, wellness encompasses both physical and mental health—it’s about finding balance and taking care of ourselves in all aspects of life. I became a Peer Educator because I love connecting with people on campus and sharing knowledge that can help others lead healthier lives.
Hey! My name is Erin. To me, wellness is creating a balance of all of the things I love to help me destress and stay healthy. I love learning, but I also recognize that I need time away from being a student. Growing up, my mom taught me to prioritize my mental and physical health above every stressor in life, and I carry that with me as a Peer Educator.
In college, wellness is having an extra long dinner in Stav laughing with my best friends, or taking a night off from studying after a tiring day of classes. I spend many of my afternoons on the hill creating music in the St. Olaf Band playing the clarinet. When the weather is nice, I try to study outside on the quad and hammock in the natural lands. In the winter, I love cozy movie nights with popcorn and friends in Tomson.
Hello friends! My name is Angela, and I am a Sophomore International Student majoring in Psychology and Social Work from the beautiful Island of the Philippines. I am a very much adventurous person— I love being outside and connecting with nature. I loved solo hiking + backpacking. I am very much involved with volunteering opportunities inside and outside campus, and connecting more with diverse people along the way.
To me, wellness means taking care of yourself and loving yourself— nurturing a harmonious balance within oneself. It is about embracing our individuality, honoring our strengths, and acknowledging our vulnerabilities with kindness and compassion. As a Peer Educator, I believe in continuously learning and growing, and I am excited to work and create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students on the hill. I strive to provide a safe and accepting space where everyone feels understood and accepted.
Hi everyone! I’m Anyi, a sophomore with a passion for art and braiding. Outside of school, you can often find me exploring new creative projects or perfecting my braiding techniques.
To me, wellness means finding peace in every aspect of life. That’s one reason I became a Peer Educator—I love helping others and being a source of support. It truly fulfills my heart to make a positive impact!
Substance Well-being Team
Hello! My name is Ruby. I am an environmental studies major with a public health concentration. Outside of school, I love to spend time outdoors, read, make art, and spend time with my cat, Binx:) I became a peer educator at the end of my sophomore year at the recommendation of a friend, and I am so glad I did. The Wellness Center has been one of the most meaningful St. Olaf experiences for me! I am excited to be a co-lead for the substance team this year, and my favorite part of being a peer educator and substance coach is getting to talk about taboo subjects related to substance health and well-being, as well as getting to interact with the student body and support them on their substance wellbeing journey.
Wellness to me means learning to balance the stressful things in life with the good things, taking time to be present and graceful with yourself. Wellness is not a linear path, and it can change day to day, but the most important thing, I believe, is to never forget that you, alongside everyone else, deserve to feel well!!
Hey! I’m Piper Mans and I am a senior So/An & Environmental Studies double major. Besides school I love to hike, spend time outside, watch movies, spend time in cozy places (home), visit coffee shops, travel and most importantly spend time with those I love.
Wellness to me, is the intersection of contentment in spiritual, mental, physical, sexual, and relational health. Wellness is prioritizing the things that are good for my spirit, mind and body. I wanted to become a Peer Educator for millions of reasons. Healthcare and access to education on wellness is hard to come by, and is often seen as a privilege, when really it is a basic human right. One of my biggest goals as a student, sister, educator, friend, daughter, partner, and general human being is to make sure that people understand that their health matters and it is important to understand how prioritizing your wellbeing can only be a good thing. It is empowering and essential to a content life. I am always happy to help and talk to people about any topics of wellness, even though I focus on substance wellbeing.
I’m Silvia, and I’m a senior social work and Spanish double major with a family studies concentration. As a social work major and peer educator, wellness is a huge part of my life on and off campus.
To me, wellness means understanding yourself and knowing what to do or where to go to best achieve your goals and desired state of being. Being a resource to help my peers understand what wellness is to them is why I wanted to take on this role. Outside of the Wellness Center, I also work in admissions, in the Spanish department, and volunteer as a SARN advocate. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hanging out with my friends 🙂
I’m JDon Sowell and I’m from Gastonia, North Carolina. I am a senior kinesiology major that is interested in sports and anime/manga. I am also apart of St. Olaf’s football team and Trio Support Services.
Wellness means being able to do everything important that one needs to do while also taking care of yourself and others. I wanted to become a Peer Educator to help me and bring awareness to Wellness and how important it is.
Hi! My name is Declan, I’m from Lawrenceville, Ga and am apart of the class of 2027! Outside of school, I love playing sports, DND, working out, listening to music and gaming. I’m also a philosophy major so yapping and reading are some of my specialties even outside of the classroom.
For what wellness means to me, it’s 1 part being content with you as you are but not complacent in your wellness journey continually striding toward your goals 1% at a time! As for why I wanted to become a peer educator, I know the pain substances can afflict on someone and their life and I wanted to be able to help someone through those situations, I love helping out and making sure people feel heard and have a shoulder to cry on!
Hello reader! I’m Usman, and I’m a first year both to St. Olaf and the substance wellbeing team. I joined the WC team because I was a peer educator in highschool and I wanted to get more involved in the wellbeing of students here on campus as well. As a premed, I often think about what it means to get better—an ongoing question I ask myself as I look towards medicine. To me, wellness is the ability to live a full life by your own standards.
Outside school, I do a ton of things to support my own wellness by taking time to do things that I enjoy. I play the violin, swim, and I’m super excited to try a bunch of things out like skating, and water polo.
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