Peer-to-Peer Counseling Support

Peer Counselors actively listen, foster empathy, and create spaces for social connections within the campus community. Trained and supported by Counseling and Psychological Services, they aren't a substitute for therapy but offer support, resources, and guidance on everyday student issues. Individuals needing clinical services or facing crises should seek licensed professionals for assistance.

We are located on the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Campus in the Carmichael Student Center, Wellnest, room 261. 

 

Peer Counselor in a session with a student

Peer Counseling FAQs

Peer counselors posing with an art mural that says make yourself a priority

  • Peer counselors are comprised of undergraduate ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ students that provide an active listening space that promotes empathy and connection for the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ community. The peer counselors have been trained in an array of areas pertaining to student support, resources, and emotional wellbeing. Peer counselors are here to assist you in navigating your student experience.  
  • Mental Health First Aid, Kognito, QPR, Safe Space, Naloxone and Recovery Ally, Bystander Intervention, Inclusive Awareness, Mental Health 101 and NASPA Peer Education Certifications.
  • The schedules of availability for the peer counselors will be listed in the Navigate System. Please follow the prompts to schedule your appointment today. In person appointments are in the Well-Nest (room 261) located on the 2nd floor of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ campus Student Center. 
  • Virtual and in person appointments are available.
  • 50 minutes
  • Peer counselors provide support by providing you with resources on campus, academic support, stress management, time management, navigating and adjusting to college, and making meaningful social connections.  
  • Yes. An exception to this would be if you are an imminent risk to yourself or others. The Peer Counselors work under the Counseling Center at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ and adhere to safety policies and procedures of students. 

Disclaimer: In the event it is determined that the peer counseling services is not the best treatment option, you will be referred to the Peer Counseling Coordinator and/or a licensed professional to determine the best plan for you moving forward.  

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Meet the Staff

Interested in becoming a Peer Counselor?

Name
Position

  • Nikki Wendt

    Student Assistant

    Hello everyone! My name is Nikki Wendt, and I am a senior majoring in Psychology with double minors in Biology and Data Science & Analytics. Outside of my coursework, I am passionate about my work in psychology research. To unwind, I enjoy hiking, doing yoga, and spending time with my golden retrievers. As a peer counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for fellow students to discuss a variety of topics, such as managing exam and presentation anxiety, handling classroom conflict, navigating campus resources, and learning how to get involved in on-campus activities.

  • Anna Shoup

    Student Assistant

    Hi y’all! My name is Anna and I am a senior Psychology student born and raised in Atlanta. When I am not in the Well-Nest I enjoy hiking and camping, reading, cooking, photography, and visiting thrift and antique stores. As a peer counselor, I can relate to managing stress, feelings of isolation/loneliness, and self-esteem/confidence, but am here to listen and talk beyond these.

  • MK Martin

    Staff Therapist, Health and Wellbeing & Part-Time Instructor of Social Work

    MK Martin, LCSW, RYT-200


    MK began her career in higher education at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ in January of 2017 in Counseling and Psychological Services, where she served as a therapist assisting students navigating complex mental health concerns. Through her work as a clinical social worker, she developed an interest in student leadership and development. In 2021 she joined the Student Advocacy department where she served students within the Dean of Students. She served as a member of the Behavior Response team (BRT), assisted students in navigating medical withdrawals and re-entry back to campus and developed outreach events for students. MK returned to CPS in August of 2023 to develop and coordinate the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Peer Counseling program. She serves as part time faculty at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ where she provides supervision for MSW students and teaches the Addiction with Individuals and Families course. She also serves as a clinical supervisor for therapists and coordinates the Mental Health Initiative at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. She takes a collaborative approach when working with students and colleagues by identifying their strengths, building trust, using empathy, humor and patience. In utilizing this collaborative approach in working with students, she hopes to assist you in finding your voice, resilience, and empowering you to navigate the collegiate experience successfully. MK worked in an array of capacities in the field of social work before entering higher education. She worked in Pennsylvania and Arizona as an AmeriCorps volunteer, served as a case manager in psychiatric facilities leading groups, facilitating family sessions, and performing discharge planning. She also served as a therapist in a residential facility treating women with complex trauma and substance misuse, served refugees resettling in the Atlanta area and a case manager for older adults. Her clinical areas of specialization include providing clinical supervision, relational trauma, self worth and perfectionism, eating concerns, and how to manage life transitions.
    In her free time MK enjoys eating tamales, reading mystery novels, dancing, arranging flowers, spending time with her cat, hiking, thrift shopping, traveling, musical and cinematic adventures, and spending time with loved ones.

 

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