Peer Counseling
What Is Peer Counseling?
Peer Counselors (PCs) provide empathic, active listening to fellow students who want to talk about everyday aspects of the student experience (e.g. stress, anxiety, sadness, relationship concerns, academic struggles, etc.). PCs also provide outreach on campus to promote a culture of mental wellness at Drexel.
The PC team is trained by the Counseling Center, but peer counseling is not a substitute for therapy. If you are in crisis, please contact the on-call counselor at 215.416.3337. If you need to speak to a professional counselor about a non-urgent matter, please contact the Counseling Center at counsel@drexel.edu or 215.895.1415.
How Do I Schedule a Time to Meet with a Peer Counselor?
Students have the option to schedule in person or via a video platform, and various times are available throughout the week. Starting fall term 2025, we will be offering limited walk-in hours as well — stay tuned for timing! You can see our team members below and schedule a conversation.
Meet the Peer Counselors
Abby Swaney
My name is Abby Swaney (she/her), and I am a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in neuroscience. Some of my hobbies include singing, playing piano, reading, finding new coffee shops, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets! As a Peer Counselor, I hope to encourage my peers to reach out when they need a listening ear. I want other students to know that they always have support from our community.
Alli Dickerson
Hi everyone! My name is Alli Dickerson (she/her), and I'm a fourth-year Psychology major. I've had the opportunity to gain experience in both research and clinical settings, on and off campus. I'm also involved in student life through serving on the board of several clubs. Outside of academics, I'm a huge animal lover and have two pets of my own. As a neurodivergent self-advocate, I'm passionate about mental health, inclusion, and creating safe spaces for everyone. In my free time, I enjoy getting out in nature, reading, or playing piano. I'm proud to be a Peer Counselor because I believe every student deserves a safe and supportive place to talk about their feelings and experiences.
Anaya Watkis
Hi! My name is Anaya Watkis (she/her). I'm a third-year health services administration major with a focus on maternal health. I love to travel and find new food spots; I'm a big history buff and an even bigger anime nerd. I'm excited to be a part of a program that's able to help other students.
Arushi Thakur
Hi everyone! My name is Arushi Thakur (she/her), and I am a third-year psychology major. In my free time, I love to read, write, and try new foods. As a Peer Counselor, I hope to create an open environment for my peers to reach out about anything. I’m here to listen and support in any way I can!
Emily Ellis
Hello! My name is Emily Ellis, and I am a fifth-year student. I am in the BS/MS Civil and Structural Engineering program. I was a four-year member on the Women's Rowing team at Drexel, which is one of the places where my passion for mental health advocacy and listening to others stems from. This passion has also grown through experiencing the rigor of Drexel and adjusting to college life. As a peer counselor, I strongly feel that opening the door to a conversation is the first step in navigating life, and my door is always open.
Helen Truong
Hi! My name is Helen Truong, and I’m a second-year student majoring in biology. I like hanging out with friends, trying new restaurants in Philly in my free time! I love taking photos with my film camera! As an international student, I can relate to others who feel homesick or overwhelmed when adjusting to a new environment. And as a Peer Counselor, I believe there’s nothing important than listening to everyone's struggles and creating a place where they feel safe here.
Ian Mayers
Hi! My name is Ian Mayers, and I’m a fourth-year student majoring in sociology. In my free time, I like to write, read, hang out with friends, and make music. I also love to explore and see different parts of the city as well (if you see me outside, say hi!). I’m aiming to create a comfortable and open environment for people to be heard, and I’m excited to use this opportunity as a peer counselor to do so.
Jasmyn Rolison
Hey, y'all! My name is Jasmyn Rolison (she/her), and I'm a third-year Custom-Designed Major student, with my major being called "Neuropsychosocial Studies!" Besides English, I am also a native Spanish speaker. I'm a huge nature lover, so I spend a lot of my free time outdoors. If not doing that, then I'm likely at the gym, thrifting, or playing the guitar. As a Peer Counselor, I deeply value warmth and encouragement, and I strive to create a comforting space where every peer feels heard, supported, and truly valued.
Kait Forrester
Hi there! My name is Kait Forrester, I use she/her pronouns, and I’m a junior majoring in human development and counseling with minors in psychology and fine arts. I’m a proud local community college graduate and transfer student here at Drexel. I’m originally from South Carolina but have been happy to call Philly my home for the past four years! In my free time, I love hiking, art-making, reading, baking cakes, and watching movies. I identify as someone who has lifelong lived experience with mental health, and I hope to utilize this to help others in my role as a Peer Counselor by fostering a therapeutic environment for fellow students, from all walks of life, that makes them feel supported and heard!
London Gracey
Hey there! My name is London Gracey (she/her) and I am a fifth-year psychology major! I’m originally from Washington D.C. and in my free time I love to cook, try new foods, collage, go to museums, and watch trashy reality shows! I also enjoy spending time outdoors with my foster working dog Jeff and have recently taken up yoga! Coming to college, living in a new city, and building a community here was not easy and even still today can be a struggle. I want to provide a safe and comfortable space for anyone who wants to talk. I promise you are not alone in your struggles, and hopefully we can talk through whatever is on your mind!
Macie Perry
Hi! My name is Macie Perry (she/her), and I’m so excited to be returning to my second year of Peer Counseling. I’m a fourth-year psychology major planning to declare a minor in theatre. I love dogs, nature, the arts, and exploring the city (ESPECIALLY the museums and the food!). I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community as well as a self-advocate for my own mental health journey. I value authenticity and warmness above everything in my conversations. Every peer deserves a place where they feel comfortable being vulnerable and true to themselves, and I hope I can provide that!
Mariel Pallante
My name is Mariel Pallante, and I’m a fourth-year psychology major. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading, as well as listening to and playing music. I’m also a barista part-time, so I’m a huge fan of coffee and love trying out new spots around Philadelphia. I believe it’s critical that every individual is treated with empathy, respect, and has access to a safe space. I hope to bring those values into Peer Counseling and my conversations with peers. I’m hoping to become a licensed social worker specializing in counseling one day.
Mili Trivedi
Hi, my name is Mili! I am entering my third year as a human development and counseling major with a minor in sociology! I am originally from Dallas, but I moved to Philly for school, and I love the city! I also love to cook, play tennis, travel, and spend time with family and friends. I am incredibly excited to be a Peer Counselor as mental health is my biggest passion, and I want to help build a safe and inclusive environment for my peers at Drexel.
Molly Roe
Hi! I'm Molly Roe (she/her), a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in business administration. I love reading, music, yoga, nature, and animals. In my free time, I'm usually meditating, outside, or crocheting. As a Peer Counselor, I hope to help create a safe and welcoming environment for my peers to feel supported, seen, and heard. Everyone deserves to feel cared for, especially when it comes to their mental health.
Noelle Lilan
Hey! I'm Noelle Lilan (she/her), a fourth-year student majoring in environmental engineering. My pronouns are she/her. I am an international student from Kenya. I speak English and Kiswahili. I am really interested in nature and the environment in general. I enjoy taking long walks, mostly along the Schuylkill River. I am a coffee and tea enthusiast. I became a Peer Counselor mostly to just offer support anyone who might need someone to just listen to them.
Shaniya Golden-Riddle
Hi everyone! My name is Shaniya (she/her), and I am a third-year majoring in communications with a concentration in media studies and a double minor in psychology and sociology. I am from North Jersey and love trying new restaurants, binge-watching shows, listening to music, and watching basketball. I value the importance of mental health, and as a Peer Counselor, I hope to be able to assist, listen, and make you feel heard and validated in a warm, welcoming environment!
Taherim Kabir
Hi! My name is Taherim Kabir (preferred: Tehreem), and I'm a fourth-year biology major in the pre-med track, with a minor in psychology. I grew up in Bangladesh and I speak English, Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu. I love poetry, indie music, journalling, and hunting for the best cafes around the city. Being a Peer Counselor is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me because there is nothing that can attach more meaning and fulfillment to my time at Drexel than truly being there for the people around me. I want to do my best in creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds and identities feel heard and understood.
Timothy Lao
Hi! I’m Timothy Lao (he/him), most people call me Tim. I’m a third-year psychology major. My hobbies include cooking, baking, writing poetry, listening to music, and watching YouTube! I firmly believe that life is beautiful, and feeling different emotions throughout the way is a requirement! I became a Peer Counselor to lend an ear to those wanting someone to listen.
Zoya Rizvi
Hi! I’m Zoya (she/her), a pre-junior majoring in psychology with minors in marketing and criminal justice. I’m driven to create an environment where people can be themselves and share things without judgment. As a Peer Counselor, I’m here to support you whether you’re going through something tough or just want to share something exciting. Outside of class, I love writing, drawing, singing, and binge-watching Friends or Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I’m really looking forward to connecting with you!