Healthy Cougar Peer Educators (HCPE)

Anette Parilla

Hi everyone, my name is Anette Parrilla. My pronouns are she/her/ella. I'm a first-generation college student, a third-year majoring in Social Sciences-Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Besides being a Healthy Cougar Peer educator, I also work as a Cultura Educator at the Latinx Center. 

Some things about me are that I enjoy dancing, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with family/friends. I'm excited to start a new role here at CSUSM!

 

Jeanette Burgess

Hi everyone! My name is Jeannette Burgess (she/her/hers). I am a fourth year Psychology major. After achieving my B.A. I plan on attending grad school and becoming a therapist. Along with being an HCPE I am involved with TRIO SSS and am the V.P. of N.T.S.I.S.

Outside of school I like to read, hike, binge watch “reality” t.v. and most importantly spend time with my family. I am excited about becoming a peer educator and getting the opportunity to learn more about the importance of mental health and well-being and sharing it with others.

Johan Rivera

Hey, my name is Johan Rivera. My pronouns are he/him/his/el. I am a psychology major looking forward to better understand how the mind works to lend those in need a helping hand. I am hoping to graduate in Fall 2025 and continue into higher education by obtaining my Master's in Counseling. This is my first year as a Peer Health Educator with the Hope & Wellness Center. 

I am excited to be a part of this team within the Hope & Wellness Center. It feels nice to be in a room with like-minded people who only want to better those in the CSUSM community. 

I love listening to others. I believe everyone has a story. It's healthy to vent and have your voice be heard. I love futbool/soccer. My family and friends are all based around the love for the sport. I also love music and playing the piano. 

Julianne Morales

Hello! I’m Julianne Morales (she/her/hers). I am a first year Biology major at CSUSM. After graduating I hope to attend graduate school and pursue a career in healthcare. 

In my free time I enjoy surfing and playing video games. For me, being a peer educator means to share your passions and knowledge surrounding health with other college students, and I hope that I can improve lives through spreading awareness and compassion.

Megan Braun

Hello students! My name is Megan Braun and I’m a senior at CSUSM, graduating this fall with her B.A. in Psychological Science. I aspire to attend a Master’s program for Clinical Counseling to become a therapist and ultimately obtain my PsyD degree. I eventually want to specialize in therapy for emerging adults and help them to cope with mental health issues as they navigate educational, relational, and personal changes.

I am also interested in many activities beyond education including but not limited to: horseback riding, dance, reading, and baking. She loves spending time at the beach and with family and friends. I am very excited to be a Peer Educator and look forward to hopefully communicating with fellow students about mental health!

 

Shamira Altamirano

Hi everyone! My name is Shamira Altamirano (she/her/ella). I am a first year Child & adolescent Development major. I currently have a job as an applied behavior analyst.  My plans in the future are to get my P.H.D & becoming a clinical adolescent psychologist. Along with being in HCPE I am involved with TRIO SSS. 

Outside of school I love to watch the sunset, dance, and serving at my home church Awaken. I am excited about becoming a peer educator because coming from a first-generation household, I can learn to break stigmas within my culture and advocate for rural communities. You are more than your diagnosis!