HOPE & Wellness Team

HOPE Peer Health Specialist

Anahi Martinez Mendez

Hi! My name is Anahi Martinez Mendez (she/her/ella), and I am a graduate student assistant at the HOPE & Wellness Center. I am a first-generation college student and a second-year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at CSUSM. My lived experiences have empowered me to pursue a career in social work, and I aspire to work with youth and families affected by cultural stigma around mental health, as well as with Spanish-speaking communities.

I am passionate about mental health awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health. During my time at the HOPE & Wellness Center, I’m excited to help with outreach events, share resources with students, and continue to connect with the campus community!

Some ways I like to recharge myself are taking evening walks, spending time with loved ones, listening to music, and dancing!

Hazel Soriano

Hello, my name is Hazel Soriano. My pronouns are she/her/ella. I am a first-generation Chicana in the last year of my Master of Social Work program!! Throughout my experience working as a mental health peer educator, I have valued delivering resources to students, increasing access for Spanish speaking members, and building community. I am currently doing my practicum at True Care and looking forward to growing as a Behavioral Health Intern. I am excited to share my perspective and learn from everyone’s stories.

If you see me around campus, don’t hesitate to say hi! I love meeting new people and being part of what makes our community strong and supportive!

HOPE Lead Peer Educator

Candelaria Cortes

Hi everyone! My name is Candelaria Cortes, but I go by Candy for short (she/her). As a first-generation student, I recognize that when I enter new spaces, I am not only representing myself but also carrying the hopes & sacrifices of those who came before me. Now as a HOPE lead peer educator, I strive to honor that through my passion for mental health education and my commitment to make an impact on our campus community.

After earning my B.A. in Psychology, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to expand my understanding and ability to address systemic barriers that impact overall well-being. I am driven by the desire to support communities who are disproportionately underserved and create spaces where individuals feel seen and uplifted.

Some of my personal interests include painting and writing poetry. Which I believe to be great creative outlets to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences!

Ariana Jorden

Hi! My name is Ariana Jorden and I am excited to be starting my second year with the HOPE & Wellness Center at SHCS as a Lead Peer Health Educator. I’m a proud first-generation transfer student, Palomar College alumna, and a current medical assistant trainee. My major is public health with a minor in media studies. In the years that I have been doing peer education and health promotion work, it has been a fulfilling experience to put on fun programs for students, advocate for their wellness, and get them connected to crucial resources that can make a big difference in their college journey.

Upon completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend nursing school. I also hope to
incorporate health education in some capacity in my career as well, as I am passionate about the work I do and believe peer education can be a game-changer and lifeline for students. One way that I practice self-care is by going on walks or hikes. Some of my other hobbies/interests include crafting and making art, journaling, doing makeup, fashion, watching movies, drinking a nice cup of coffee, spending time with family, reading, animals (dogs and cats especially), and the color pink.

As a lead, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to continue growing as a student, in my
leadership skills, and as a person in general. I’m excited to see what this year has in store as our team develops programs on various health topics for students! I also look forward to increasing awareness about SHCS services that students can utilize for their health and wellness needs!

Julie Morales

Hello everyone! I’m Julie, a lead peer health educator here at HOPE. I am looking forward to connecting with students and sharing resources on campus! Some of my program interests include substance use disorders and sexual health, so if you have any questions feel free to reach out or attend my programs.

I am a biology major and a chemistry minor here at CSUSM originally from Redlands, California. In my free time I like to surf and play video games, and my favorite spot to hang out on campus is the library balcony! If you see me around say hello! I always love to chat or inform people more about the SHCS resources on campus.

Evan Rangel

My name is Evan Rangel and this is my second year apart of the HOPE team! I’m a 4th year Public Health major. Outside of school I like music, fashion, movies, working out, and overall having a good time. I focus mainly on sexual health education and general wellness.

Amy Ojeda

Hello! My name is Amy Vanessa Ojeda, and this year I’m excited to serve as a HOPE Lead Peer Educator! As a Psychology major, I understand the importance of having a strong sense of community and support. Being part of the HOPE team gives me the opportunity to be a friendly and welcoming face on campus while helping create a space where students feel supported, connected, and heard. I love that HOPE gives me the chance to combine my interest in psychology with my love for connecting with people and creating meaningful experiences on campus.

Outside of HOPE, I enjoy spending my time at the beach, working out at the gym, and cooking. I also love listening to music, watching music videos, and enjoying a good cup of tea. Swimming is one of my favorite ways to practice self-care because it gives me a chance to relax, clear my mind, and recharge. I’m looking forward to another year with HOPE and getting to connect with more of our campus community!

HOPE Peer Health Educators

Kaitlyn Ferron

Hi my name is Kaitlyn Ferron! I am a second year majoring in Public Health with a minor in Literature and Writing Studies. I spent my first year of undergrad at University of Arizona, so I am very excited for this new chapter at CSUSM. I greatly look forward to being a HOPE Peer Health Educator to not only broaden my own knowledge on mental health and wellbeing, but to also provide resources and outlets for my peers to reach their highest potentials.

I am hoping to use my skills and understanding to help me pursue a career in Public Health Law. Outside of school I was a part of the Zeta Beta chapter of Chi Omega, I love going to the beach, hiking, reading, and finding new coffee shops!

Lily Fortin

Hi! My name is Lily Fortin, and I am a 4th-year psychology major with a minor in nutrition. This is my first year in the program, and I am so excited to be a part of it and work with SHCS! I transferred here last year, and although I had never been to San Diego before moving here, I quickly fell in love with the area. I am originally from Half Moon Bay, CA, so being close to the ocean and surrounded by nature has always been a big part of my life. After graduation, I hope to work in a school or hospital setting and am also considering becoming an LMFT.

I have a deep passion for mental health, especially mental health among college students. I feel like this topic is not talked about enough, even though college can be one of the hardest and most transformative times in a young adult’s life. Balancing academics, work, social life, and making time for yourself can be challenging, and I hope to help create a campus environment where students feel supported and encouraged to prioritize their well-being.

Outside of school, I love being outdoors, going on runs and hikes, and baking. I am so excited for this opportunity to connect with students and my campus community, share my passion for mental health, and hopefully make a positive impact through this program!

Jayla Rogers

Hello! My name is Jayla Rogers (pronouns she/her/hers) and I am a fourth year student, graduating this December! I am a Kinesiology major, but I plan to go into nursing school once I graduate, and eventually become a NICU nurse.

I am excited to work as a HOPE Intern, and I can't wait to connect with and empower my peers on campus. I love educating my peers, just as much as I love learning new information myself. In my free time I love to do yoga, make crafts, bake, or try a new coffee spot with friends!

Healthy Cougar Peer Educators

Alianna Acosta

Hi everyone! My name is Ali, and I’m a transfer student majoring in Kinesiology and Public Health. I’m also a pre-med student, and I plan to pursue a Master of Public Health before attending medical school. Ultimately, I hope to become a pediatrician working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), while also being involved in health advocacy.

I have been an EMT for the past three years and recently spent a little over a year working in a pediatric trauma center, where my passion for health education and advocacy grew.

In my free time, I love going to the beach, baking, and taking my Goldendoodle, Dallas, on walks. I also love traveling with my family and going to Dodgers games.

I’m so excited to be a part of the HOPE Team as a Healthy Cougar Peer Educator and to have the opportunity to connect with and support my peers on campus!

Yatana De La Cruz

Hi! My name is Yatana De La Cruz, and my pronouns are she/her. I am majoring in Psychological Science and plan to attend graduate school to earn my master’s degree. I’m excited to have the opportunity to support my community in different meaningful ways as a Peer Educator!

I love going to concerts, journaling, watching the sunset, listening to music, and trying different crafts and hobbies. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all!

Cassie Pacheco

Hello everyone, I’m Cassie! A fun fact about me is that my full name isn’t Cassandra, just Cassie! I graduated from Palomar College with an Associates in Business Administration, and now I’m working towards my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I have a strong passion of promoting overall wellness to all, so stepping into the role of a Peer Educator is very exciting for me.

When I’m not working or studying, my favorite form of exercise is dancing. Whether that be contemporary, jazz funk, hip hop, Zumba- I love it all! Living a balanced life filled with laughter, movement, healthy eating, entertainment, and joy is always on the forefront of my mind! I’m looking forward to meeting new faces this semester!

Annette Saavedra

Hello, my name is Annette! I am a 4th year student majoring in Psychological Science. My end goal is to earn my PsyD in Clinical Psychology and open up my own practice. The ability to create connections and impact people’s lives for the better is truly something I believe in. Mental health and overall well-being is something that is also very important to me so being able to help educate those around me is something I look forward to doing.

In my free time I enjoy baking sweet treats, going on walks when the sun is setting, and diamond painting. I am very open to learning, trying new things, and making new connections!