UNIV Peer Coaches

UNIV/ARC Peer coaches are "ARC graduates" students who were once on academic notice (or even disqualified) but returned to CSUSM despite these setbacks in pursuit of their personal and academic goals. They each experienced academic struggle for different reasons, but what they have in common is overcoming and working through their challenges towards their overall personal development.  

Our UNIV-affiliated peer mentoring program is here to help you bounce back. Meet our awesome Peer Coaches – they’ve been in your shoes, faced academic challenges, and came out stronger. They’re here to support you, guide you, and remind you that you’re more than just your grades.

Why?

• Real Support: Your Peer Coach is like a built-in friend who gets it. They’ll challenge you, support you, and listen.
• Personal Growth: It’s not just about grades. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
• Interactive Sessions: Meet with your Peer Coach twice a semester for some real talk and guidance.

Join us and let’s turn those setbacks into comebacks! 💪

Meet Our Spring 2026 Peer Coaches! 

Meet our awesome Peer Coaches – they’ve been in your shoes, faced academic challenges, and came out stronger. They’re here to support you, guide you, and remind you that you’re more than just your grades.

🌟Meet Daisy Ponce (she/her/ella)🫧

Hi, I'm Daisy! A few semesters ago, I found myself on academic notice—not once, but twice. It felt overwhelming at first, but I didn’t give up. I pushed through, and today, I’m proud to say that I’ve made the Dean’s List. The challenges I faced have shaped who I am, and that’s why I’m here as a Peer Coach—because I’ve been where you are, and I want to help you succeed, too. I’m passionate about supporting UNIV students and beyond. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I believe in your ability to succeed, and together, we can work through whatever you’re facing.

🌟Meet Nyauni Davis (she/her)🏀

Hi, I’m Nyauni. I am an experienced 4th year credited 3rd year. My major is Kinesiology (health science), and I minor in Biology. I love spending time with family and friends. I buy shoes, look at them, and binge-watch shows in my free time. I want my career to take place in the medical field. My nice personality and my constant pursuit of life lessons set me apart from the others. One thing I took away from my UNIV course was time management. I also learned to take pauses and not put too much pressure on myself to do my work at once. I Peer, coach because I want to give back the knowledge and advice I got when I was on notice. Also, I enjoy this tool because helping people succeed is a wonderful thing, and it warms my heart knowing that I was able to help others accomplish their goals.

🌟Meet Trista Hartman (she/her)📚

My name is Trista and I am Liberal Studies major! I am also graduating in May of 2026. After graduation, my next step will be to become an elementary school teacher. I enjoy going to the beach, playing soccer, and finding new coffee shops. I took UNIV 100A after failing my first semester of college, and I truly believe that being in that class was my second chance at having a successful academic journey here at CSUSM. I love to talk about my experiences, and my favorite part of peer coaching is being able to get to know students on a more personal level and learn about their stories. I chose to become a peer coach because I want to create the same encouraging and safe environment that I had while on academic notice.

🌟Meet Ashley De Johghe (she/her)👩‍🍳

Hi everyone! I’m Ashley De Jonghe and I’ll be your Peer Coach this Spring semester! I’m currently a second-year student and I’m majoring in Communications. I’ve been through both UNIV 100A and 200A, and I’m currently taking 280 this semester. Some fun facts about me are that I’m a big Stephen King reader, I love Big Brother and have seen all the seasons (twice), and I’m a huge fan of cooking! If there’s a recipe, I’ve most likely made it. For this semester, I’m here to help you all succeed! I’ve been in your spot (more than once and still am) and I understand the struggles and challenges college and personal life can bring you. But I’m here as a helping hand and to be someone you all can talk to freely with. I’m excited to get to know all of you and to be able to share such a supportive and meaningful class with you. 

🌟Meet Avery Martinez (she/her)🧸

Hi I’m Avery! I am a Criminal Justice major with a minor is Sociology and a second year student here at Cal State! Some hobbies and activities I enjoy are going on runs, hikes, going to the beach, the gym, and I love to shop. And a fun fact about me is that I’m allergic to sunscreen! While I was in this class for 2 semesters I learned that this class is meant to help you and your peer coach (MEE) will always help you and answer any questions you have about anything! I am so excited to be y’all’s peer coach this semester!

🌟Meet Markella Souris (she/her/ella)🎒

Hi! My name is Markella, and I’m an out-of-state student from Illinois currently in my sophomore year at CSUSM. I’m a Liberal Studies major with a minor in Spanish. I was also part of the UNIV program, which helped me develop important academic and personal skills that I still use today—so much so that I’m proud to be on the Dean’s List. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, binge-watching TV shows, staying active at the gym, and going on walks.

🌟Meet Catherine Dahm (she/he)❤️‍🩹

Hello! My name is Catherine, and I am your peer coach for UNIV 100A. I am a second-year Human Development major with a minor in Public Health, and I also serve as the president of the Human Development Club here on campus. One thing I’ve learned from my time in UNIV is how to stay resilient and overcome challenges, both academic and personal. I am so excited to meet you all and to be your peer coach!

🌟Meet Marcelo Hernandez Lopez (he/him/el) ⚽

Hello my name is Marcelo Hernandez. I am from San Marcos CA i’m in my 3rd year here at CSUSM and my major is Kinesiology My Hobbies are Soccer,Listening to music, Some fun facts about me:  I played soccer for 10 years. I saw John Cena wrestle in his very last championship match in WWE live before he retired and also met WWE superstar “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and many more the same week. Something I gained from UNIV helped me become more focused in my classes and I got new study habits because I knew if I didn't change anything I would've been disqualified from CSUSM. Overall I'm excited to be working with all of you guys.

🌟Meet Noelle Crittendon (she/her)🎥

Hi! I’m Noelle and I’m so excited to be your peer coach for this spring semester! A little about me is that I’m a second year and I major in psychology. I was placed UNIV200A in Fall 2025 with James Garcia after being put on academic notice. I decided to take it as a learning period instead of dwelling in distress and from this course I learned a lot about communication and perseverance through my academic work and social interactions with my peers and faculty! I love anything related to art & film, there’s almost no genre I don’t enjoy. I’m here to motivate and encourage you all to meet and exceed your goals!

🌟Meet Natalia McDonnell (she/her)📿

Hi, I'm Natalia. I am a fourth-year Psychology major as well as a first-generation student. I am originally from the San Fernando Valley, and I transferred here to CSUSM after graduating with my AA in Psychology from Moorpark College in 2022. My transition to a 4-year university came with many challenges, and I was placed on Academic Notice for multiple semesters until I got disqualified in Spring 2025. This was a major wake-up call for me, and I decided it was time to finish what I started here. In Fall 2025, I made an academic comeback, and my grades changed for the better. I'm here to tell you it is absolutely possible to turn things around and to never give up on your goals! Please don't hesitate to reach out for advice or help. I'm here for you. 

🌟Meet Nicole Govea (she/her/ella)💃🏻

I am a third year business major and a first generation student. During my transfer semester in spring I ended in UNIV 300B after struggling with balance and organization. What felt like a setback became one of the most impactful and meaningful experiences in my academic journey. With the support of my professor and peer coach, I learned how to prioritize my education and set boundaries to improve my learning. Because of this experience I am very passionate about being a peer coach and supporting students through similar challenges, reminding them that setbacks are temporary and success is very much achievable. I am proud to be on track for graduation and excited to help others reach their goals !