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PAWS (Prevention, Advocacy, Wellness and Safety) Peer Educators are a group of CSUSM undergraduate and graduate students who provide education to the CSUSM community related to healthy relationships, sexual assault, relationship violence, healthy masculinity, bystander intervention, stalking, and resources. PAWS are trained student assistants who work closely with the Violence Prevention Educator and HOPE & Wellness team and plan programs, workshops and co-facilitate presentations to various communities on campus (fraternities, sororities, classrooms, etc.).
PAWS -Peer Health Specialist

Taylor Huerta
I am from the Bay Area, and I love going to the beach, going thrifting, and spending time with the people I love. I also have two cats: Charlie and Juno! My favorite movies are Inside Out & Perks of Being a Wallflower. Can’t wait to connect with everyone!
PAWS Peer Educators

Kallie Cervantes
Hi, my name is Kallie Cervantes, I am a third year psychology major with a criminology minor. I joined the HOPE & Wellness team under PAWS as a peer educator from my passion in sexual assault prevention awareness. I love being a part of the HOPE & Wellness team as it gives me and other students on campus a sense of belonging and support.
I am originally from Palm Springs, California and in my free time I love hanging out with friends, house music, going to festivals, going shopping or running errands, and going to the beach. Although, I really enjoy school, my studies, and classes. I am very passionate about psychology and its impact on my community which motivates me everyday to continue pursuing a career in counseling and wellness.

Vanessa Arizaga Macias
Hi! My name is Vanessa, and I'm a fourth-year student at CSUSM in my final semester, majoring in Criminology and Justice Studies. This is my first year working with SHCS as a PAWS Student Assistant, and I'm excited to be part of a team that supports and promotes student well-being.
I enjoy connecting with others, exploring new activities, and trying things that are outside of my comfort zone. A fun fact about me is that I'm originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico! One of my biggest goals this year is to complete as many things on my bucket list as possible, and something I'm hoping to check off before the end of the year is skydiving. I'm excited to make the most of my final semester and my first year with PAWS!

Sonia Ramos
Hi! My name is Sonia (she/her/ella). I am a First Generation college student with
family roots from Oaxaca, Mexico. I will be graduating Spring 2027 with my B.A in
Human Development with a Counseling Concentration and a current Certified Wellness
Coach participant.
This is my first year as a PAWS Peer Educator as I plan to focus and advocate for all areas of Well-Being even after graduation. The best advise I can give is to take advantage of all campus resources, get involved and be mindful that everyone's path is unique, take it day by day and enjoy your experience!

Ariana Torres
Hi everyone! My name is Ariana Torres and I’m super excited to finish my last semester as a HOPE Intern working alongside PAWS here at CSUSM! I’m majoring in Human Development with a concentration in Counseling Services and a minor in Psychology. My goal after graduation is to pursue a master’s in School Counseling and eventually become a high school counselor. That’s a big part of why I was so drawn to this internship, I’m really passionate about advocating for students, spreading awareness, and guiding people who might feel unsure about these topics.
I can’t wait to build new connections and expand my knowledge this semester.
When I’m not busy with school or interning, you can usually find me walking on the
beach with my headphones in. Looking forward to a great semester with all of you!
Apply to be a PAWS Peer Educator
To be considered for a PAWS position, you must:
- have completed at least a second year or greater standing student at CSUSM
- have no prior criminal convictions or Title IX findings of sexual misconduct
- complete a Zoom interview
If selected for a position, you must agree to:
- participate in a mandatory introductory training on August 25-28, 2026
- co-facilitate at least two in-person or virtual presentations throughout the semester
- participate in additional training/preparation (as needed) prior to presentations
The time commitment is 8 hours per week (on average) for one year.
Questions? Please email cnguyen@csusm.edu or moliva@csusm.edu






