HOPE & Wellness Interns

Kylie Kutina

Kylie, a graduate student in the MPH program, was raised on an avocado orchard in Ramona, CA. She attended Ramona High School where she participated in cheerleading, NJROTC and was a competitive gymnast. Upon graduation she was accepted into CSUSM where she became a member of Delta Zeta and now holds the “Pink goes green” chair, helping her sorority be more sustainable and environmentally conscious. Kylie graduated as a member of the Gamma Sigma Alpha honor society past May with a degree in Human Development-Health Sciences, and is continuing her education here at CSUSM in a masters in public health program. Kylie is a kind young lady with positive outlook on life and a great sense of humor. She has an open mind and is willing to help anyone in need.

Amalia Aadland

 Amalie Aadland is a foreign student from Norway, and she is working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with a concentration in Health Science. This is her last semester at Cal State University San Marcos, and she wanted to become a peer educator to raise awareness of Mental Health, Self-Care, Stress Management, Nutrition and Fitness, Healthy Relationships, Sexual Health, and further information regarding wellness and support to students at the university.

As a college student who has been struggling in the past with eating disorder, lack of exercise and mental illness, she believes it is important to educate others on these areas that are related to health, illness and wellness. She is now well educated in nutrition, certified as a personal trainer, and has a lot of experience with mental health. She is ready, and qualified, to help encourage and educate students to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Anthony Toro

 

Caitline Castillo

My name is Caitline Castillo and I am your friendly neighborhood college student! I love bubble tea, Netflix, and bullet journaling. Currently finishing my fourth year at Cal State and plan to graduate with a B.A. in Psychological Science this December. After graduation I plan on attending graduate school for School Psychology. I currently work as a Behavioral Therapist, and my passion of working with children has only grown stronger. I am also a research assistant in a Social Psychology Lab where I study stereotype in social settings. I became a Peer Educator to promote and help others understand and navigate issues related to overall well-being and mental health. I hope to be a friendly face that you can come to for support, resources, or just someone to talk to. If you ever want to chat over boba milk tea I’m your girl!

Christina Perez

 My name is Christina Perez, I am a Psychology major and Global Studies minor with a geographical emphasis on Europe and global issue emphasis on International Law and Human Rights. I am completing my last year at Cal state and plan to go on to graduate school (hopefully internationally). My ultimate career goal is to work for a non-profit promoting mental health and possibly continue minority-based research. 

Karina Franco Ibarra

Hello my name is Karina Franco Ibarra, I am a proud Latina obtaining my Bachelors in Kinesiology Health Science here at CSUSM.I plan to apply to Nursing school this Spring and become a family Nurse Practitioner. Helping others is my passion. I also Volunteer at the Loma Linda University hospital of Murrieta one of my favorite things to do. 

My life struggles have shown me the importance that emotional support can have on a person. Spanish was my first language therefore learning the English language was the biggest struggle I had to overcome in my early elementary school years. Emotional support was the key to my success therefore I hope to be able to help my fellow cougars in any aspects that they need support in and guide them to the correct resources that can help them lead a successful and health path to being Awsome!

Michael Jones

 

Mike is a senior student who will graduate in Spring with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a concentration in Health, Education, and Welfare. He hopes to enter into our Master’s of Public Health program after graduation to further his commitment to help promote healthy behaviors and practices. His dedication to help others stems from both internal and external experiences while serving as a Marine in the military, as well as his personal endeavors with family, friends, and communities.

As a first-generation college student, Mike does not underestimate the power of education and loves to learn about anyone or anything! He enjoys that consistent pursuit to grow more wise in the the process and the self-reflection that results. Mike is currently studying to also be certified as an accredited American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer and dreams to one day work in law for health research and policy. In his free time, you can find him either working out at the gyms nearby, hanging out with his brothers of Sigma Chi, reading comics such as Sandman or Dark Knights: Metal, or trying new, delicious foods around San Diego.

Megan Young

My name is Megan Young. I am a working toward a baccalaureate in Psychology with an emphasis towards mental and physical health. I have had epilepsy since I was 3 years of age, which is the underlying reason I am interested in the well-being of others as well as myself. Due to many hardships in my life, ranging from sexual violence to mental and physical health issues, I feel I could be a great advocate for both; although I feel I could be an advocate for both, my primary interest is in mental health.

Mental health has been my primary interest because of my trials and tribulations with epilepsy in tandem with depression and anxiety, which can be emotionally and physically debilitating. I believe being a peer educator would provide a voice for fellow students who have experienced some form of mental and physical health difficulties that feel they cannot share, as well as information on how to cope with what they feel, and helping students understand that they are not alone.

Nicole Bliss

My name is Nicole Bliss and I am a 4th year Psychology major. I wanted to become a peer educator because I have a passion for helping people and I wanted the opportunity to be a resource for my peers. I think this opportunity will give me the chance to become familiar with mental health topics and allow me to support and educate my peers, which will be helpful for my career path. After graduation this Spring I am looking to go into a graduate program for a Masters in Social Work! 

Nicolette Tuscany

 My name is Nicolette Tuscany and I am a Human Development major with an emphasis in health services here at Cal state. I am studying and hoping to become a  social worker. I really enjoy going on hikes, going to the beach, and always staying busy. I am excited to become a peer educator and all that it has to offer for not only myself, but to everyone else on our campus. 

Rachel Kowren

My name is Rachel Kowren, I was born and raised in North County. I have worked in the healthcare field for the past seven years while completing my education.  I am a part of the 2019 graduating Cougars! This has been a long road for me but I am excited to share my personal healthcare knowledge, tools and experiences with fellow students while also encouraging and helping all cougars to live their best, healthy successful life!

Rebecca Conrad

Hello, my name is Rebecca Conrad! This is my last year at CSUSM, I transferred in from MiraCosta Community college in Fall 2017. I enjoy reading, Netflix, and hanging out with friends and family. I wish to become an academic advisor and eventually teach at the college or university level. I want to help guide students, to improve their journey as they continue into higher education. I feel through my coursework I have seen the diverse aspects of life application and experience through my fellow classmate and my own. I want to obtain a masters in Sociology, to enhance my learning and help create change in my community.