Meet Your Support Squad!
Bilingual Mentors
Dylan Cole
Major: Psychological Sciences and Spanish
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Hey y’all! My name is Dylan, and I like to be goofy. I like sushi bowls, orange juice, and zesty ranch veggie straws. I’m an undergrad at NAU, and I love to talk about interests which include reading, film, and most things under the sun. I love to get out to hike, camp, snowboard, slackline, or even just to hammock and hang,
I initially joined the Mental Health Support Squad to take part in the support of our students’ community and mental health wellness. Since then, I’ve come to love the roles of empathy, compassion, and connection, and being able to talk about those things with such a warm community. I’m glad you’re here, and I’m looking forward to meeting you.
¡Qué show! Soy Dylan. Soy de Arizona pero viví en México el año pasado para estudiar y practicar psicología. Regresé para licenciarme en la NAU y estudiar una maestría en migraciones. Si se siente más cómodo/a al expresarse en español, hay recursos acá en el MHSS.
Emily Cruz
Major: Psychological Sciences / Spanish Minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Hi! My name is Emily, and I am currently studying psychological sciences. I will be graduating in spring 2024. After completing my undergrad, I plan on going to graduate school and pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. When I am not busy with school and work, I enjoy going on road trips and spending time outside hammocking or going stargazing.
I am very passionate about mental health because it is something that I know myself and many others have dealt with throughout our lives. I joined the Mental Health Support Squad so that I can help work toward destigmatizing mental health and the struggles associated with it. I know that navigating college and life, in general, can be difficult, so my goal is to create a safe space where my peers feel comfortable to open up and discuss what they are going through.
Tengo la fortuna de ofrecer servicios bilingües para aquellos estudiantes que se sientan más cómodos expresándose en español. Las barreras lingüísticas nunca deberían impedir que alguien reciba el apoyo que merecen.
Heidy Jurado
Major: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master’s degree)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Hello! I’m Heidy and I’m a graduate student who plans on becoming a therapist one day. I’m a huge nerd and I love storytelling, psychology, and any and all kinds of art. I hope that I can contribute to NAU’s community and start my path toward working within one of the helping professions!
También hablo español. Si necesitas alguien que habla español o que entiende lo que es ser primera generación en los Estados Unidos, aquí hay gente que te puede escuchar. ¡Yo soy una de ellas!
I really enjoy talking about mental health and I hope I can contribute to making it an easier thing to talk about. The things we go through in life can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean that seeking help should be. I think most everyone knows someone who has or has themselves personally gone through having difficult mental health needs and I hope that those who need support will be able to find it with the MHSS.
Mentors
Bryan Augustus
Major: Psychological Sciences
Pronouns: any pronouns
Hometown: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Hey, I’m Bryan and I am a psych major trying to become a therapist one day. I am from Germany and that’s where I grew up before I moved to Texas, so yee-haw. I am also fluent in German. I enjoy movies, tv, games, and reading, but my favorite thing to do is to socialize because, well, I am an extreme extrovert.
I wanted to become part of the Mental Health support Squad not just because it will help with my future career, but also because I want to help people. I want to be there for people to talk to and have someone listen to them; I don’t want people to feel like they have to go through their problems alone. I hope to help or support anyone.
Pierson Beveridge
Major: Psychological Sciences
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hello, my name is Pierson Beveridge, and I am studying psychological sciences here at NAU. In the future, I plan to become a child and teenage psychologist. I was born and raised in Central Phoenix, but don’t miss the heat! I love animals, concerts, movies, dance, and any kind of crafts.
I look forward to offering support to others! I’ve experienced my own mental health struggles, and with that, I look forward to offering advice that has worked for me. I would like to provide a safe space for students to be able to discuss their issues without fear of judgment. I am also excited to advocate for this program and all the mental health support we have on campus.
Victoria Bravo
Major: Psychological Sciences
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Hello! My name is Victoria and while I technically moved to Flagstaff from Prescott, AZ, I lived in Lost Angeles for most of my life and feel more of a connection to that city. My plan after college is to work with children, but I plan to pursue my master’s and doctorate degrees as well to eventually open my own practice. In my free time, I enjoy writing, listening to new music, and hanging out with friends.
It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I discovered my love for psychology. I’ve struggled with mental health concerns from a young age, but was never able to talk about them growing up in a Hispanic household. I joined the Mental Heath Support Squad because I love being able to see others grow as well as meeting new people. I think it is not only essential but amazing that NAU has this program. I’m so excited to be a mentor and get to meet and grow with my mentees!
Rachel Brendle
Major: Psychological Sciences
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Seal Beach, California
Hi, my name is Rachel! I am studying psychological sciences and I plan on graduating in spring 2026. My goal is to someday become a psychologist! I am from a small beach town in SoCal, so as a nature-lover I am really enjoying being up in the mountains and among the trees in Flagstaff. In my free time I like to listen to music, sketch or paint, eat good food, and watch funny tv shows. I also love animals and have a cat named Camille!
I decided to join the Mental Health Support Squad because I really enjoy helping people! College can be a lot sometimes, so I want to be there for others and make sure nobody feels alone here at NAU. Mental health is an incredibly important part of my life, and I would love to help uplift and support those who may be struggling or just looking for someone to talk to. I can’t wait to meet you soon!
Lhanaiya Brown
Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice and Psychological Sciences / Social Science Forensics and Sociology Minors
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Prescott, Arizona
Hello! My name is Lhanaiya Brown, and I was born in Northern California but have lived in Prescott for most of my life. I am studying psychology and social sciences so that hopefully one day I can become a clinical mental health counselor. I love to paint and draw in my free time, and I love all things nature and being outside.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad after I went through some of my own mental health concerns. I think supporting mental health is extremely important and I want to give others the same resources I have received. I love supporting others and showing them that they are heard and seen. I like being able to work with people and give them advice on certain situations. I am also a great listener for those who just want to talk. I think being part of the Mental Health Support Squad is a great way to start a mental health journey!
Kaylee Burgess
Major: Social Work
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
Hello! I am Kaylee and I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. I am studying social work and I plan to work with the elderly after I graduate in 2024. I love all things art and music and I thoroughly enjoy being in nature!
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I love to be able to connect with people on a deeper level to help them. I am a big advocate for spreading mental health awareness and I want to do my best to make some sort of change in the world whether it be in a small or large way. I am so excited to be a mentor as I get to know and grow with my mentees!
El Colombo-Hall
Major: Social Work / Criminology and Criminal Justice Minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Boston area, Massachusetts
Hello! I’m El, and I am a social work major here at NAU! My goal is to get my undergrad degree and then continue on to a master’s degree. I would like to jump around the different professions within social work when I first start out, but ultimately, I’d like for most of my career to be assisting those who are/have been victims of mental and emotional abuse. I am also very interested in working within the legal system to help change current laws and policies that interfere with the quality of service that social workers and other similar professions can provide. I grew up on the east coast, so the weather here in Flagstaff feels a lot more familiar than the heat down in the valley. My main hobbies are anything comic-related (mostly DC) since I was raised on them, and I like to watch shows with my friends.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I think that since we as a society are continuing to become more comfortable receiving help with our mental health, the services the squad provides are increasingly important to have readily available.
Charlie Costopoulos
Major: Psychological Sciences / Criminology and Criminal Justice minor
Hometown: Delta, Colorado
Hi! I am Charlie Costopoulos. I am majoring in psychological sciences with a minor in criminology and criminal justice. I am set to graduate in spring 2026. In enjoy snowboarding, getting coffee, and hanging out with my friends. I am also obsessed with music of all kinds, and I take tons of naps.
I am excited to be part of the Mental Health Support Squad because I love listening to people. I also love trying to give the best advice I can and helping people ?
Grace Diaz
Major: Psychological Sciences / German minor
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hi! I’m Grace, I am a junior here at NAU. I am currently studying to become an art therapist! I had the pleasure of studying abroad last summer and hope to return to Germany to complete my master’s degree. I am passionate about art, LGBTQ+ issues, horror films/books, and alternative fashion/music! I love animals, especially my cat, Rue.
While I am naturally introverted, I really enjoy helping others and utilizing my own experiences to help others overcome their struggles. I have had my own struggles with mental health all my life, and I understand how challenging it can be to access affordable resources. As a mentor, I hope to provide adequate care and support in an informal, nonjudgmental way. I hope to meet you soon!
Emma Federman
Major: Psychology and Biomedical Sciences
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hey there! My name is Emma, and I am a psychology major and biomedical sciences major with the hopes of pursuing a career in genetic counseling or a PhD in psychology. I’ve lived in Flagstaff for several years and I love it here! In my free time I like to explore the town, hike, camp, read, and hang out with friends.
Ever since I was a kid, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do for a career; all I knew was that I wanted to help people in some way. I’m so happy to be part of the Mental Health Support Squad because I know this is a way to hopefully make a positive impact on someone’s life. I am also passionate about making mental health a priority, especially on a college campus! There has been such a stigma surrounding mental health for so long and I am so glad to be part of something that is helping to change that!
Helen Faguy
Major: Psychological Sciences
Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona
Hey y’all! I’m Helen Faguy, and I’m studying psychology. When I don’t have my nose buried in one of my favorite books, I can usually be found in a tea shop downtown, miserably failing at crochet, or pressing my face against the glass in the cat adoption section of PetSmart. I am the proud mother of one fat, orange and white, incredibly spoiled hamster.
To me, becoming a peer mentor means making new friends, getting myself out of my shell, and supporting my NAU community through thick and thin. I decided to join the Mental Health Support Squad for the wonderful people who are in and who facilitate it, but most importantly, for the bragging rights. I can’t wait to meet my future mentees and friends!
Name: Jolie Ford-Meeks
Major: Psychological Sciences
Hey all! My name is Jolie and I’m a 19 y/o psychology major looking to become a clinical psychologist, working with adolescence and family/relationship therapy. I moved to Flagstaff from a tiny desert town in California, and boy do I prefer it here! I spend most of my time at school and work, but when I find free time I’m quick to go home and do arts and crafts, play with my kitten, or just lay in bed, stare at the ceiling, and appreciate the peace and relaxation.
My love for psychology is deeply rooted in my childhood- growing up with a mentally ill family member, and being the oldest child who accumulated some of her own battles, mental health has been a big focal point in my life from a very young age. I’m pursuing my degree in psychology and chose to join MHSS to give people the kind of love, acceptance, and support that I wish I would’ve had while growing up, as well as to show people that, just because they’re hard to find, doesn’t mean that there aren’t resources here to ensure that you don’t have to navigate life alone, and to build connected with others who would like to do the same. Remember, life may be hard at times but, you can do hard things 🙂
Isabela Herckes
Major: Psychological Sciences / Business Management / Theatre minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Gilbert, Arizona
Hello! I’m Isabela (or Bela, whichever you prefer). My parents are Japanese-Brazilian and Luxembourgish, and we love traveling as a family. I have a pet fish named Smaug and my roommate has a cat named Tonx and a hognose snake named Frankie, so we’re never bored at home!
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad in the hopes of making people’s lives just a little bit easier and more enjoyable. I’m excited to meet other people who are working on improving or maintaining their mental health.
Deslie Houston
Major: Psychological Sciences / Sociology minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Mesquite, Nevada
Hello, my name is Deslie, and I am majoring in psychology with hopes of someday becoming a child psychologist. I enjoy all things art-related, but I especially love to dance. Music is a big passion of mine as well.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad so that I could better help and support others. I believe that having a community that advocates for safe, effective, and accessible mental health support is very important, especially in college. My goal as a mentor is to be another resource for those who seek help in college and in other facets of life. I am so excited to participate in this program and contribute to a culture that promotes seeking assistance for and discussing mental health.
Victoria Inman
Major: Social Work
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hello friends! My name is Victoria, and I am majoring in social work here at NAU. I will be graduating in Spring 2025. In the future, I hope to work as a school social worker and then eventually get my master’s degree and go into private practice. In my free time, I love to hang out with my cats, catch up on reality TV drama, and go out for coffee frequently.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad so I could provide a resource to others that has been impactful for me. Mental health services are often pricey, and having someone to talk to about mental health struggles is something I place great value on. I know how difficult managing college coursework and struggling with mental health issues can be, and I hope to offer compassion to others going through stressful times. As a mentor, I want to provide peers with a safe space to work through their challenges and enjoy the NAU community.
Jonah Kaplan
Major: Psychological Sciences / Philosophy minor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Surprise, Arizona
Hi! My name is Jonah, and I am majoring in psychology with a minor in philosophy. I am graduating in spring 2024 and will then begin working my way toward a doctorate in psychology. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, watching youtube, and collecting funko pops.
Ever since I was young, I was fascinated with how the brain works and how it influences our behavior. I’ve wanted to be a psychologist for as long as I can remember because mental health has a massive effect on our day to day lives. The thought of even being a small part of making someone’s life easier is incredibly fulfilling. Joining the Mental Health Support Squad allows me to do what I love and help as many people as possible in the process.
Nicholas Larson
Major: Psychological Sciences / Statistics Minor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Glendale, Arizona
Hello! My name is Nick. I love reading books, writing in my journal, and meditating. I geek out a lot about any kind of philosophy. My goal in life as of now is to finish my undergraduate degree; everything after that is up to future me to decide!
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I hope to help people reach their full potential in life, however they see fit. College should be a time of self-expression and I would like to help you find your own source of expression. College can be a really stressful time and it’s important to have those emotional outlets to let off some steam. I hope to be there for my fellow students and provide a safe space for personal growth.
Morgan Mehrtens
Major: Communication Sciences & Disorders
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Anthem, Arizona
Hi everyone! My name is Morgan and I’m very excited to be taking on the role of peer mentor. I’m currently studying to become a speech pathologist, as I hope to be able to help people of all ages with any issues they may face regarding communication and speaking. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with close friends, practicing guitar, and occasionally painting.
I’ve always had a passion for helping people and making my peers or family feel that they are heard and not alone in their thoughts and feelings. I am excited to meet my mentees and have the ability to talk one-on-one to create a trusting and safe environment for them. Being part of the Mental Health Support Squad is something I am eager to do and I hope to be of great support to other students!
Rhiannon Moser
Major: Psychological Sciences / Social Work Minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Tehachapi, California
Hi everyone! My name is Rhiannon and I’m a psych major with a minor in social work. I hope to one day have my doctorate. My ultimate goal is to become a therapist and help people with their mental health. I want to help people navigate the difficulties of mental health issues and let them know they aren’t alone.
I am so excited to be a peer mentor because I want to help ease the stigma around mental illness and emphasize its importance. My goal as a peer mentor is to help students in college with their mental health journey as well as their journey through college. Life isn’t meant to be done alone and mental health is very important. Mental health issues affect everyone and are a big piece of our lives. I am here to cheer you on with the big and small things!
Lennon Otero-Strong
Major: Psychological Sciences / Social Work and Women and Genders Studies Minors
Pronouns: she/he/they
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hi, my name is Lennon and I’m a psychology major. I plan to graduate in spring 2024 and I want to attend graduate school here at NAU in either the social work or clinical mental health counseling program. The goal is to become a counselor with my own practice, but as long as I am helping others, I will be happy wherever I end up. When I’m not doing schoolwork or at work, I like watching movies or tv shows with my roommate or even playing games on my switch.
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people. The Mental Health Support Squad was exactly what I needed to help me pursue that goal. Being able to get to experience one-on-one with fellow students, helping them with their needs, is something I’ve always wanted to do. In being part of this program, I can start making a difference in the lives of other students.
Sydney Roquemore
Major: Psychological Sciences / Studio Art Minor
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona
Hey! My name is Sydney and I’m a Psychology major and a Studio Art minor studying here at NAU. I love any kind of art – painting and drawing are my two favorites. I also love singing and playing guitar and piano. You can often catch me at the gym lifting weights or on picnics with my friends!
I am so excited to be a peer mentor! I can’t wait to offer support and help my peers out with their challenges so we can all have a great experience at NAU!
Bryce Rynders
Major: Psychological Sciences
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Hey everyone! My name is Bryce, and I’m a psychology major. I plan on doing something in the psychology or law field after college, but I still really haven’t made up my mind. I’m from Tucson, but I’ve lived in many states and one of my favorite things to do is to travel. My favorite things to do are to skate, watch horror movies, box, and play video games.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because mental health wellness has been such an important part of my life. I’ve struggled with my own mental health issues in the past and I joined because I want to help other people with their own mental health. I think this program is a very important part of our community and I’m happy to be a part of it.
Audrey Sing
Major: Psychological Sciences / Criminal Justice Minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Glendale, Arizona
Hi! My name is Audrey, and I’m studying psychology and criminology! I love traveling, reading, dogs, the outdoors, and anything music related. I hope to one day work in a juvenile prison providing counseling to young inmates.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I love to meet new people and help others in any way that I can. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness, and love being a part of something so real and impactful on campus!
Ashley Speers
Major: Psychological Sciences
Hometown: Holbrook, Arizona
Hello! My name is Ashley, and I am a psychology major. I am the daughter of a single mother, I have a little sister, and I am the proud mom of a little American Bulldog named Winnie! I have always been interested in psychology because I love helping people and have always had a knack for listening to others. I love to bake, paint, and train my dog.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I want to help people and gain some experience in the mental health field. Sadly, I believe mental health is not talked about enough in college or everyday life, and I want to help those who are brave enough to come forward to get help. Everyone needs a safe space to go to in order to talk about their feelings and work through the complex pieces of life. I hope that through this program, I can help others get through the hard times that come with being in college and give them support.
Rachel Svetz
Major: Psychological Sciences / Social Work Minor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Hi! My name is Rachel. I am studying psychology and social work! I am graduating in spring 2024 and plan to go to graduate school afterward to earn an MSW! I hope to one day become a social worker for a pediatric behavioral clinic. I love spending every day with my dog, Millie, hiking and being outdoors, playing music, and reading! I also love plants, Taylor Swift, and baking/cooking.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I love advocating for mental health and want to support others as well as to contribute to breaking the stigma associated with mental health. I am excited to meet new people and to spread goodness across campus!
Emily Swavely
Major: Psychological Sciences / Studio Art Minor
Pronouns: she/they
Hometown: Alburtis, Pennsylvania
Hey all! I’m Ems, or Emily. I’m working my way through school to become an art therapist, and particularly want to work with fellow queer/LGBTQIA+ youth and trauma survivors. For now, though, you can find me off campus bartending or leading the occasional paint night. Typically, though, I’m probably at home spoiling my two cats (Loki and Diablo) with treats.
Mental health has always been an extremely important topic to me, as both myself and many close to me have struggled with it throughout our lives. I joined the Mental Health Support Squad not just to get the experience for the future, but also to help students like myself feel less alone. Life is tough, but talking about it definitely helps.
Karli VanderMeersch
Major: Psychological Sciences and Criminology/Criminal Justice
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hey! My name is Karli and I plan to graduate in the spring of 2025 before moving on to graduate school in order to pursue forensic psychology. I am a huge fan of basically any kind of movie; I love watching movies and TV shows. I also love to read (let me know if you have any good recommendations).
I became a part of the Mental Health Support Squad because I know that sometimes, going to a professional can seem daunting. My hope is that because we are your peers, it is easier to come and talk to us about any struggles you may be facing! I think that there has been a lot of progress made in accepting mental health struggles, but we still have a way to go!
Sadie Warden
Major: Psychological Sciences
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: East Moline, Illinois
Hey! My name is Sadie and I am majoring in Psychological Sciences, planning to eventually get my Master’s degree. I’m originally from Illinois, but I’ve lived in Arizona for several years now. As for hobbies, I like to read, write, paint, go on walks, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends. I consider myself to be a mental health advocate and I am getting more involved within the NAU community.
Mental health is very important to me and I am glad to be a part of the Mental Health Support Squad! I joined because I really want to be able to help my fellow peers with any thoughts, feelings, or problems that they may have during their college experience. I hope to create a safe place for my mentees.
Cassandra Williams
Major: Psychological Sciences and Biology
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Hey! My name is Cassie, and I am studying psychology and biology here at NAU. My goal is to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist to pursue my passion for mental health! When I’m not studying, I love to surf and snowboard, read, spend time with friends, or stay in for movie nights!
I am truly devoted to the world of mental health and am excited to be part of the change in advocating for mental health awareness and removing stigma. I joined the Mental Health Support Squad to offer companionship or guidance to those who want it and to simply listen to others, because that is something everyone deserves! I want to make sure students here at NAU have access to the resources they may need in such a unique time in our lives. I can’t wait to meet you! <3
Angelina Yeager
Major: Psychological Sciences (emphasis in clinical) / Arabic, Physical Education, and Philosophy minors
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Hello! My name is Angelina. I’m a psych major. I plan on becoming a clinical psychologist and hope to work with Syrian refugees. My hobbies include snowboarding, longboarding, singing, guitar, reading, and jiu-jitsu. I’m a coffee addict who loves the outdoors and hanging out with people. I’m also a huge nerd, so you might see me studying in various spots around campus or at one of the local coffee shops.
I joined the Mental Health Support Squad because I feel that one of my main purposes in life is to help people. My life experiences have equipped me to do that in a mental health capacity. So, when I heard about the Mental Health Support Squad, it sounded like the perfect way to do that while I pursue my degree.
Reese Yellig
Major: Psychological Sciences / Social Science Forensics and Biology Minors
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hometown: Issaquah, Washington
Hello! My name is Reese. I am majoring in psychology with two minors to either help me pursue graduate, law, or medical school. Through my studies, I hope to connect and provide help for those struggling with their mental health. I am not completely sure what I want to do after college, but I do know my main goal in life is to help others.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Mental Health Support Squad because I want to bring awareness to the struggles people face in everyday life. I also want to make it feel easier and more comfortable to reach out and ask for help. My goal as a mentor is to make help more available and less stressful. I want to provide support and connect with my peers. Mental health is an unspoken global concern, and we as a community need to come to understand it better. I hope I can help you feel comfortable through uncomfortable times.