HOPE & Wellness Team

Cayden Ramirez

Hi everyone! My name is Cayden Ramirez (she/her/hers) and I am currently a grad student here at CSUSM, pursuing a Masters of Public Health. I completed my undergrad studies at UCSB where I double-majored in Psychological Brain Sciences and Sociology.

I am excited to be serving as a HOPE Peer Health Specialist here at CSUSM. I’m passionate about educating and supporting our community, and in this role I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable seeking help.

When I’m not studying or working, I love hanging out with my friends and family (which includes my two cats, Rocky and Eevee!). I also love to read and cook, although I'm still improving on the
latter!

Rosario Mendoza

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. 

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 4^th year social sciences major focusing on psychology, sociology, and communications. I am a Lead Intern this year and I could not be more excited! I wanted to be involved with SHCS because I am extremely passionate about mental health, and I’ve always wanted to help others with their mental health too! Once I graduate, I am planning on attending graduate school to get my master's so I can eventually become a therapist!

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 fifth-year majoring in Psychology. In the future, I would like to attend graduate school to earn a master’s and PsyD so that I can become a counseling psychologist. As a HOPE Lead Peer Educator, I am excited to continue spreading awareness on important mental health topics, sharing resources, and applying what I have been learning in my classes to our outreach events and workshops.  

 I am very passionate about helping others, sharing information/fun facts on new things I learn, and discussing mental health-related topics. I am excited to help and encourage my peers care for their physical and mental well-being. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, listening to Kpop music, watching movies and old cartoons with my family, and exploring the San Diego area with my friends!

Jaqueline Lucas  

Ja'Mae Ellison

Hey! My name is Ja'Mae, pronouns she/her/hers. I'm a third-year majoring in Psychological science. I aspire to be a Psychologist. This is my second year working with the Hope & Wellness Center and my first year as a Hope lead peer educator.

I'm so excited to be able to educate and inform students about health and the resources available to them. Outside of school, you can find me painting, learning a new hobby, or at the beach. 

Xandra  Martinez

Hi y’all. My name is Xandra, and my pronouns are she/her. I am recent transfer student majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Physical Education. Things on campus that I am involved in are TRIO SSS, the active minds club and an on-campus job.

What being a peer educator means to me is getting educated on all dimensions of health and wellness and spreading that information to create awareness and to destigmatize.

Karina Olivares

Hi my name is Karina Olivares, my pronouns are she/her/ella. This is my last year as a Sociology major!! I’m excited to be starting as a Peer Health Educator. I have seen the SHCS grow immensely throughout the years and I am happy to help others and advocate for health amongst college students my last year here. I would love to pursue a master's after I graduate and work with first generation students. 

Some fun facts about me outside of school are that I love flowers. I love gifting flowers, receiving flowers, and I am now making bouquets for those around me. I love trying new coffee shops, local businesses, and I am currently growing my vinyl collection!

Luna Canham

Hi everyone! My name is Luna, and my pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I am a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major in my senior year at CSUSM! My passion lies in advocating for human rights and fostering open, educational discussions about gender, sex, sexuality, mental health, and well-being.

I wanted to learn and grow as much as I could while at CSUSM, which has led me to be involved in many different campus environments. I am a communications department photography student assistant, and the president of the Feminists Unite Club, along with being here as a HOPE peer health educator! I am dedicated to understanding how I can better serve others by breaking down the barriers surrounding social constructions of sexual wellness and mental health. I am excited to be a part of more open conversations surrounding sex, sexuality, intersectionality, and mental health and wellbeing and continually learn about how I can help educate and inspire others.

Some ways I practice self-care are listening to music, playing my guitar and drums, going to the beach, spending time with loved ones, and collecting cute little stickers and pieces of art to collage onto my wall!

Madison Di Palermo

Hey everyone! My name is Madison Di Palermo and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a transfer student at CSUSM, and this is my last semester of my junior year (I can't wait for the final stretch!). I major in psychological science, and I hope to one day earn my PsyD and have my own practice where we specialize in trauma. This will be my first year as a HOPE Peer Health Educator and I am so excited to connect with the CSUSM community and promote health and kindness among each other! As a HOPE Peer Health Educator, I aspire to learn more about mental health and hopefully be the kind and helpful person for others that I didn't have when I needed it.

Some fun facts about me are that I'm from Hemet, CA and I commute to campus from my hometown, I'm the oldest of three sisters, and I enjoy reading, cooking/baking, playing video games, and visiting farmers markets in my free time. I wish everyone an amazing year here at CSUSM!

Miyah Walker

Hey! My name is Miyah Walker (she/her/hers) and I am a 4th year Psychology Major and Spanish Minor and will be graduating in the Spring! I have a strong passion for reducing the stigma around mental health and sexual violence awareness. I am so excited to be working as a HOPE Peer Health Educator this year and work with the HOPE & Wellness Center on such an important cause.

I am from Los Angeles County, and I plan to earn my PsyD to work as a pediatric psychologist in LA or other underserved communities. I feel very strongly about paying close attention to the mental health of children, adolescents, and emerging adults because of how often they are dismissed as being “too young to experience stress.” This mindset is highly damaging, especially considering that some of the most stressed people I know are members of thee groups!

Some of my interests include taking care of my plants, listening to and discovering all kinds of music, and reading! My favorite kinds of books are when I’ve fully convinced myself that I know the plot twist, and I end up being completely wrong!

Taylor Huerta

Hi! My name is Taylor Huerta, and I am a third-year Social Sciences major at CSUSM with a focus on Psychology. I'm originally from the Bay Area and am passionate about mental health, sexual violence, and substance misuse. I am very thrilled to be a HOPE Peer Health Educator and to collaborate with HOPE & Wellness to make differences in our community.

After finishing my degree here at CSUSM, I intend to start higher education with the end goal of assisting those dealing with mental health issues. in different communities. When I'm not studying, I'm generally at the beach, listening to music, thrifting, or spending time with friends. I'm excited for the future and the impact I can make in the field of mental health!

Tim Baxter

Hi, my name is Tim Baxter. My pronouns are he/him/his. I am a Senior in the Social Sciences program hoping to graduate this Fall 2024. I plan to continue my higher education path by going for my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. This is my first year working with the Hope & Wellness Center as a Peer Health Educator.

I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the center and with anyone within the CSUSM community. Things I enjoy include sports, video games, music, and animals.