HOPE & Wellness Team

Jaylene Siruno

Hi my name is Jaylene Siruno and I go by Jay. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a CSUSM alumni and am currently in the MSW program. I was previously a HOPE intern here and will be working as a graduate assistant in being a peer health advisor this year!

I am so excited to continue working on such an empowering and supportive team to ensure a campus that is surrounded by advocacy, awareness and support for many pressing concerns off and on campus. I hope to become a resource and helping hand for students on campus and create a welcome environment. Some fun facts about me is that i love videogames, i love anime, and my name is a mix of my parents! 

Jasmine Leon

Hi everyone! My name is Jasmine Leon (she/her/hers). I’m a graduate student here at CSUSM pursuing a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Health Education & Health Promotion. I hold a B.S. in Kinesiology: Health Sciences from CSUSM. I’m a previous transfer student and am a student parent!

This year I am a Peer Health Advisor at the HOPE & Wellness center. I’m passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and sharing resources of how to improve one’s mental health. My future career goal is to work in the maternal health field to help improve the postpartum period. Outside of school I enjoy journaling, listening to podcasts, spending time with my family, and baking. In excited to be here and am looking forward to meeting you all! 

Amber Arenas

Heyy I'm Amber, my pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm currently pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology. I hope to eventually pursue a career in our society's prison system where I can advocate for mental health reform for all those who are incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and at-risk youth. 

Here at CSUSM I am involved in a few different campus identities. I have this position as a Hope Lead Intern, I work in the USU building as an AVIT student assistant, and I am the vice president of the Minecraft club. In all my affiliations I strive to create an inclusive welcoming environment on campus. I am passionate about bringing awareness and starting tough conversations through advocacy and education to help break stigmas. 

Some fun facts about me are that, I love listening to music mainly rock and indie, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and trying out new hobbies or random interests I have like climbing. 

Faye Preston

Hi, my name is Faye Preston (she, her, hers), and I am a senior who is double majoring in Sociology and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am a peer lead with the Student Health and Counseling Services and I am looking forward to mentoring the interns and seeing what events they choose to put on. I am very passionate about mental health, educating my fellow peers about sexual violence, and helping teen girls discover their inner power. I am also passionate about creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable seeking mental health services and that are not afraid to ask for help! 

In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, going to the beach, watching tv, and hanging out with friends! I am looking forward to exploring more of the San Diego area this year!

Alyssa Hudkins

Hi, my name is Alyssa Hudkins! My pronouns are she/her/hers and I am currently a third year Psychology major with a Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies minor. In the future, I want to go to graduate school and become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

I am excited to be a HOPE Intern for the 2023-2024 school year as I get to work to reduce stigma and advocate for mental health awareness! Aside from school, I love listening to music and hanging out with my friends!

Anahi Martinez Mendez

Hi my name is Anahi (she/her/hers)! I am a 3rd year and I’m doubling majoring in Child & Adolescent development and Spanish Literature in hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist or a therapist working with children and adolescents.

As a HOPE & Wellness intern I am passionate about learning about health topics such as mental health and sharing the knowledge with the others. Some of my hobbies are reading, watching k-dramas, listening to music and baking.

Ari Brasso

Hi! My name is Ari Brasso. I am a 3rd year social sciences major focusing on psychology, sociology, and communications. I wanted to become a HOPE intern because I am passionate about mental health and I’ve always wanted to help others with their mental health too! Once I am done with school I would like to become a counselor so I can continue to help and educate others!

Some fun facts about me, I am from Sacramento, CA. In my free time you can find me at the ocean. I love to sing and play guitar, hang out with friends and family, reading, and traveling. 

Iliana Martinez 

Hello! My name is Iliana (she/her/hers), and I am a fourth-year majoring in Psychology. In the future, I would like to attend graduate school and earn a master’s and PsyD so that I can become a counseling psychologist. As a HOPE & Wellness intern, I am looking forward to gaining more experience and knowledge related to mental health aside from what I have been learning in my classes.

I always try to help others as much as I can, so I am excited to help and encourage those around me to care for their physical and mental well-being! In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, listening to Kpop music, visiting various churches with friends, and rewatching old cartoons with my siblings.

Jaqueline Lucas  

Hello! My name is Jaqueline Lucas. I go by Jackie; my pronouns are she/her/hers. It will be my second year at CSUSM, and I am majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish. In the future I want to become a nurse and help others. 

I am so happy to be a HOPE Intern, get to learn more about my campus community and to get to meet new people. Helping others has been one of my favorite things to do but I also enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and listening to music. 

Kaylie Culbreath

Hi I’m Kaylie! I’m a 4th year psychology major and aspiring public health educator. I have always valued health and wellness promotion and hope to spread important knowledge to students. I also really value positive environments and hope to be part of an effort to make CSUSM more inclusive and welcoming to all :). 

Ja'Mae Ellison

Hey! My name is Ja'Mae, my pronouns are she/her. I'm a second-year majoring in Psychological science. I aspire to be a psychologist with a specialization in eating disorders in the future. This is my first year working with the Hope & Wellness Center as a Hope intern.

I'm so excited to be able to educate and inform students about mental health and the resources available to them. Outside of school, you can find me painting, at the beach, or with my friends. I enjoy doing things that really keep me grounded. I hope everyone has an amazing semester here at CSUSM! 

Van Dinh

Hello! My name is Van Dinh, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm currently an international student majoring in Sociology with a specialization in Health, Education, and Welfare. My career goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, focusing on the fields of mental health and substance abuse.

Becoming a HOPE intern fills me with immense joy and signifies a significant step towards realizing my career aspirations. This year, as a part of the SHCS team, my primary objective is to positively impact people's lives. I firmly believe that every individual deserves access to compassionate and effective support to overcome the challenges they encounter, and I am unwavering in my dedication to being a part of this solution. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a deep passion for learning different languages, singing, and dancing.