Who We Are

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hello, I am a senior Human Development and Family Sciences major with a minor in Educational Psychology. I joined SHARE after attending one of the groups myself, where I experienced firsthand the healing power of peer support. On a campus as big as UT’s, it is so easy for many students to feel isolated and unsure where to turn for genuine support, and professional help can be difficult to access. I joined SHARE because I see an enormous need for students to have a supportive, encouraging place to connect with other students like them about important conversations that often go unspoken about. I want students to feel that they are not alone and that their perspective is worth sharing. Participating in a nonjudgmental community around a topic that matters was a big step towards healing and authentic expression for me, and I want to help facilitate that process for other students.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: French, English
My name is Maya Arredondo, and I study International Relations, Sociology, and French and aspire to study law in the future. I joined SHARE with the aim of creating inclusive spaces that embrace my own lived experiences and the experiences of others. By bridging the gap between professional mental health services and community support, I hope to be a resource for all individuals. One of my goals is to increase awareness of the numerous resources available to students and to equip peers with the necessary tools to take care of themselves and others. Additionally, I aspire to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering open and honest conversations. Through my empathetic approach, I want to empower those around me to engage in discussions and form genuine connections! I am an empathetic, encouraging, and motivated person for anyone seeking mental health support. I believe that together, we will make a positive impact on the well-being for our community and be agents of positive change in Texas and beyond.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hi, my name is Gabriella Bailey, and I am majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I joined SHARE because I believe taking care of your mental health is very important in shaping your life as well as your physical health. I am also very passionate about offering support and helping others so I wanted to be involved in an organization geared toward teaching us, facilitators, how to be a good peer supporters. I want to help peers feel listened to and to help them navigate difficult situations and derive strategies to go about them.

(she/they)
Spoken languages: Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), English
Hi there! My name is Amina. I am in my fourth year at UT studying English and Comparative Literature. I joined SHARE after hosting a digital storytelling workshop on campus through the non-profit initiative I lead called Art Without a Frame. It’s been such a blessing to be a part of spaces that prioritize mental health and self-compassion and I hope to give other longhorns the chance to get in touch with themselves and their community through meaningful dialogue and art. I love to facilitate peer led photography and writing workshops as those spaces allow us as students to connect with one another on a deeper level and recognize how each and everyone of us has a unique story to tell!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hello! My name is Shayla Beatty, and I’m a Sociology major with a Social Work minor. I joined SHARE because I wanted to get more involved in different UT communities. I heard about SHARE and I thought that it would be a great fit for me! I think peer support is so important for everybody, and I hope I can help people who want new connections or may even just want to talk to someone. I wouldn’t ever want anyone to feel as bad as I have at my lowest.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hi, I’m Chandni, a junior pre-medical student from Sugar Land, Texas. I’m majoring in Public Health and I'm also in the Health Science Scholars Program. I joined SHARE because I wanted to further the efforts of the university to foster a safe space for discussions about mental health using peer-based support. I hope to make my fellow Longhorns feel less alone in whatever they’re experiencing and increase awareness about the resources that are available to them. I recognize the value of simply having someone to talk to, and I intend to lend an ear whenever possible.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Mandarin/Chinese, English
Hello, I’m a senior undergraduate international student studying Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology, expecting to graduate this December 2023. I joined the Longhorn SHARE Project in hopes of creating a more supportive environment for peers to share their experiences and to facilitate the de-stigmatization of mental health diagnoses. Moreover, I believe that a peer-led support space is very helpful to have peer-to-peer discussions and make students connect together.

(she/her/ella)
Spoken languages: English
I’m a fourth-year Journalism major pursuing a Bridging Disciplines certificate in Public Policy. I joined SHARE to become part of a community of students that are welcoming and supportive. I hope to impact my peers through SHARE by offering a non-judgmental ear to talk to and helping foster conversations concerning mental health. Outside of SHARE, I'm the social director of Texas Belles and a participant in a number of environmental groups and projects around campus and Austin.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Tamil, English
Hi! I’m Shreya and my pronouns are she/her. I’m a junior Public Health student on the pre-med track. I love reading, watching movies/TV shows, cooking different cuisines, and I’m huge soccer fan! I joined SHARE to be a part of a supportive community that promotes mental health, especially in the stressful setting of a university. I hope to create a safe space at UT for my peers that can allow them to navigate their mental health journey in a comfortable and supportive environment!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Hindi, English
Hi, my name Isha! I am a rising sophomore from Houston, TX studying Business in McCombs. I joined SHARE to help build a safe and supportive community for students on campus. In my free time, I love to try new Austin restaurants and thrift!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Lindley and I'm a Psychology major with a Government minor! I joined SHARE because I think having a space to connect and heal with fellow students is so important to one's mental health in college, and I wanted to be able to help create that space. I also want to help dismantle the stigma around mental health and be able to have open and honest conversations about it. I hope that my vulnerability and empathetic approach to conversations empower those around me to engage in discussions and lead to genuine connections. As someone who has had an uphill battle with mental health for most of my life, I think that this program is so beneficial and necessary on a campus as competitive as UT's.

(she/they)
Spoken languages: English
Hello! My name is Sydney and I am a second-year Psychology student. I joined SHARE to create welcoming spaces on campus that prioritize the mental well-being of fellow students. The various stressors and traumas that we face can be difficult to cope with, especially in unsupportive, stigmatizing environments. By providing compassionate support to my peers, I hope that I can help make coping with difficulties a little bit easier. My goal as a SHARE Support Specialist is to encourage experiences that foster safety and connection through authenticity and vulnerability. When connecting with my peers, I hope to reduce shame and amplify compassion toward oneself and others. As a queer woman who has struggled with my mental health, community care is and has been essential to my healing journey, and it brings me so much joy to be a part of a program committed to cultivating such care.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
I am a fourth-year Human Development and Family Sciences Major with a Minor in Educational Psychology. I joined SHARE to find a community that advocates for mental health and learn how to better support and uplift others in my life. In addition, I joined SHARE to help validate peers who have lived similar experiences as me. I hope to help impact my peers by providing a safe space to discuss mental health-related matters and learn from everyone as we grow to be the best versions of ourselves!!

(he/him)
Spoken languages: English
Hey! My name is Grant and I’m majoring in Radio-Television-Film. I joined SHARE my freshman year because I really resonated with the idea of promoting connectivity and establishing support networks through communities of shared experiences. I’ve always loved getting to meet people and finding ways to connect with them, and SHARE seemed like the best place to apply that desire to a mission that is for the betterment of my community. I hope that through this program I am able to help people take on new perspectives of the world around them, then use those perspectives to better connect with others. Coming from my own experience, I know how scary it is to watch things change around me, and I hope that through SHARE I can help facilitate that process for others and help them find support in situations where they may feel alone. Back home I’m in a band with my sister and some friends, so if you ever wanna talk music, I’m always happy to lend an ear!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Elyse and I’m a Public Relations major! I decided to join SHARE to become a Support Specialist because of how crucial human connections are to our lives. I have always wanted and needed a space full of people who I can relate to and grow with… and here it is! I hope to make known to my peers that I am that someone who is waiting to understand them. Some facts about me are that I love fashion, I’m queer, I write fiction, I love TV shows, I have ADHD, I’m extroverted, and I’ve been into dance for over a decade.

(she/they)
Spoken languages: English
I’m Sandra Isiguzo, a fourth-year Neuroscience major pursuing a Health Communcation certificate. I’m from Houston, TX, and was raised in a Nigerian immigrant household. Growing up, I didn’t have the tools or space to openly express my emotions. I thought bottling them up was the best thing that I could do. At UT I quickly learned that was actually very detrimental to my wellbeing. SHARE allowed me to realize the importance of embracing vulnerability. I was given resources, tools, and a nonjudgmental space to talk about my feelings with my peers. There is something very empowering about having your feelings validated by others who have gone or are going through the same experiences. My goal is for everyone to have access to these little safe havens and to cultivate a space full of healing and growth.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Hindi, English
Hi, I’m Nimisha, a Psychology student in the College of Liberal Arts pursuing a certificate in LGBTQ Studies where I’m on the executive team for SAGE (Students' Association of Gender Studies Engagement). I am also a student intern with the Longhorn Wellness Center and an intern with Equality Texas (the largest social and political advocacy organization for LGBTQIA+ rights in Texas), as well as the Mental Health Ambassador for Women in Gaming and the President of Voices Against Violence. I joined the original Peer Support Student Advisory Group in 2021 to help build a program that would increase peer support and connection on campus by dismantling power dynamics that exist between students and decrease shame through vulnerability and authenticity. In SHARE I hope to create a welcoming and safe environment where people can share their concerns, worries, joys, and more with a community of peers who empathize with them.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Riley, and I am double majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Sciences. I am also in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. I joined SHARE because I wanted to join and help foster a community that makes me feel supported. Support and reciprocity have been crucial to my mental health journey, so I wanted to join a program that would allow me to share these values with others. My goal is to contribute my experiences to help support others in their journey. I am excited to meet new people, support my peers, and learn from their experiences as well. When I’m not in SHARE or school, I like to bake, read, watch movies, and listen to Taylor Swift or Harry Styles..

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English, Telegu
My name is Harsha and I'm a Psychology major with a Journalism minor! I joined the SHARE Project because of my passion to connect with my peers and to create a more inclusive, uplifting campus environment. Throughout the program, I hope to encourage open-minded conversations about mental health and support my peers by reminding them that they're not alone. I believe that SHARE offers a unique opportunity for all of us to truly empower, learn, and grow from each other. For that reason, I am hoping that I can help foster community and provide a safe space for my peers to freely express their stories and identities.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Telugu, English
Hello, I’m a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Human Development & Family Sciences with a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I am a part of the Health Science Scholars Program and expect to graduate in Spring 2024. I joined the Longhorn SHARE Project hoping to help foster connections between students at UT and encourage discussions and support surrounding mental health and stigma. I’m also a peer mentor at the Biodiversity Discovery FRI lab and a research assistant at the Legare Lab in the Center for Applied Cognitive Science. I believe that peer support can be very important and I’m excited to utilize my own experiences to provide support for other students.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
I’m a fourth-year Psychology major pursuing a Pre-Health Professions minor and certificates in Forensic Science and Health Communication. My own struggles with mental health made me want to support as many people as possible. I know how validating and comforting someone’s presence can be, and I’m hoping I can be that presence for my fellow UT students, especially those in the pre-health and/or STEM community. I joined a support group in Spring 2022 and it was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had since coming to college. It was a constant in my week when I could listen to others, be heard, and be accepted. This led me to join the Longhorn SHARE Project, and I'm incredibly excited to continue talking about mental health and increase our connections across campus.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hello! My name is Erin Lamas and I am a third year Sociology major here at UT. I joined SHARE looking for a safe, inviting space to have open and meaningful conversations about mental health with other students, and I have absolutely found those aspects in SHARE. My goal is to create spaces for my peers to feel seen, heard, validated, and completely comfortable in sharing their experiences and struggles. I really prioritize inclusion and want to make sure no one is left feeling unheard. I'm a big people person, so I'm very excited to meet more students in the UT community and have healing, fulfilling conversations :).

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hi! My name is Catherine (she/her), and I’m a third-year Psychology major pursuing the Elements of Computing Certificate. I joined SHARE because I wanted to help create a space where fellow students could find connection, community, and support. I want to encourage open conversations about mental health and well-being, and I hope to positively impact other people’s lives the way that SHARE did for me. Outside of SHARE, I’m a research assistant at the Austin Thought Lab and the Clinical Neuroendocrinology Lab, and I’m the Creative Director of Silk Club. In my free time, I like to draw and crochet!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
I'm a fourth-year Journalism major with an Entrepreneurship minor. I was born and raised in Texas, originally from San Antonio. I was inspired to join SHARE because of my personal experience with mental health combined with a desire to meet my community and help continue UT's prioritization on mental health support. Not to mention, the peer-to-peer aspect that adds a newness to it all. I’m excited to really help my peers and hold meaningful conversations and connections!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hello! I’m a third-year undergraduate Psychology student currently pursuing a Certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling. I joined the Longhorn SHARE Project with the goal of facilitating a space to uplift and support the conversation of the various voices that make up UT Austin's diverse student body. Through discussion and peer support, I aim to help Longhorns not feel alone in their mental health journey and life experiences, as well as help foster a strong sense of community. I also look forward to the opportunity to work towards the de-stigmatization of mental health on campus!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Rebecca Oladejo (she/her), and I am a second year soon-to-be Advertising and Music double major. I joined SHARE because I wanted to advocate and create inclusive, supportive communities for students of underrepresented groups at UT Austin. Through SHARE, I hope to contribute towards a safe space where my peers can freely express themselves and feel heard in a world that may not always be open ears. Outside of SHARE, I love finding different ways to be creative through music and self-expression!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Mandarin/Chinese, English
Hi, I'm Nixin Pang, a senior majoring in Psychology all the way from China. In addition to SHARE, I’m also part of the Longhorn Wellness Peer Educator program. I've always been a firm believer in the power of sharing and attentive listening, and it is exactly the reason why I chose to be in a part of SHARE. Its inclusive and safe environment really resonates with me, and I'm hoping to get more people involved in this amazing project. I love to connect with people and I’m looking forward to embarking on this journey!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hi there! My name is Dona, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm majoring in Nursing, English Honors, and Public Health, and I'm so happy that you visited the SHARE website. I joined SHARE as a sophomore, looking for a community where I could help foster an inclusive environment for students to share (no pun intended) their experiences, learn from one another, and make lasting friendships. By increasing accessibility to these safe spaces, especially regarding our amazing SHARE Communities, I hope to positively impact my fellow Longhorns through this program!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Hope and I'm a 4th year Social Work major! I joined SHARE because I've found that some of the most impactful moments of support I've felt have come from conversations with peers, and I want to create spaces where others can find similar support and community. Outside of SHARE, I love playing videogames and TTRPGS (like Dungeons and Dragons!), scrapbooking, and volunteering with the Gender and Sexuality Center.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Bengali, English
Hey! I’m a third-year Public Health major pursuing certificates in both Children & Society (Bridging Disciplines) and Pre-Health Professions. I have always been interested in how people behave and respond to the environment around them, which is what led me to the Longhorn SHARE Project. I joined SHARE to help foster a more supportive community that is receptive to the mental health needs of students at UT Austin. I hope to both make my peers aware of the numerous resources available to them and to equip them with the necessary tools to take care of themselves and others. I know what it feels like to bottle up your emotions and feel alone, which is why I would like to facilitate safe spaces for students to just have someone to talk to and find a community.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Spanish, English
Hi, I’m Jennifer, a junior pre-PA student from Richmond, Texas! I’m majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Sociology. I became a part of SHARE with the intention of nurturing a secure space to discuss mental health and advocating for the necessary resources to facilitate such conversations. My goal is to establish a welcoming haven where my fellow peers can openly share their challenges and concerns without fear of judgment. Outside of SHARE, I am the Vice President of the Latinx Health Professionals Organization (LHPO) and an undergraduate research assistant for Project JUNTOS, which focuses on the well-being of Latinx/Hispanic students.

(he/him)
Spoken languages: Turkish, English
Hi, I’m Kaya (pronounced KIE-uh), a Psychology B.S. major in my Senior year pursuing a minor in Business. I joined SHARE to assist my fellow Longhorns in learning how to manage academic stress and overall mental health in a post-pandemic world. I’m planning to pursue a career in multicultural psychotherapy and hope to bring a multicultural understanding to peers in the program. In addition to SHARE I’m also a research assistant for Project SEED and Dr. Echols’ Accent Study in the Language Development Lab. When I'm not in school I love hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring the local music scene so feel free to ask me anything about the Austin life!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Hindi, Kannada
Hello! My name is Deepa Sunkad. I am a Sophomore Biology major on the Pre-Med track. I enjoy reading , music and volunteering! I am I joined the SHARE Projects with the goal of learning more about the fundamentals of mental health and help my friends and peers on their mental health journeys. As a part of the SHARE Project I want to help cultivate a sense of community among students and create a safe and inclusive space for everyone to navigate their own mental health journeys. I look forward to meeting everyone!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Hello, my name is Tavia (tay-vee-uh) Wilson and I’m from Abilene, TX. I will be a senior this fall, majoring in Sociology and Government. I joined SHARE because I aspire to bring mental health awareness to our campus, as mental health is often overlooked. Additionally, I am passionate about creating a space for other students to navigate all things mental health by establishing community/support groups amongst other things. Navigating your mental health can be challenging and even scary, so I aspire to create a space of comfort, understanding, and openness as we process our own struggles.

(he/him)
Spoken languages: English
My name is Elijah Woodson and I am a Sophomore Psychology B.A. major from Leander, (basically Austin) Texas! I joined SHARE because I was eager to find a space on campus where I could learn more about mental health and how to help my peers with their struggles. I love being part of SHARE because you are able to be your authentic self, and you can use that authenticity to relate to and help other members of the community! Outside of SHARE I am one of the Tuba Section Leaders of the Longhorn Marching Band, the Historian of LHBlacks, a member of the HOPE Lab, a lover of (almost) all music, avid sunrise/sunset enjoyer, and die-hard fan of In n Out!!

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Farsi, English
I’m Donya, a senior Nutrition major on the pre-med track. I grew up in Austin and enjoy concerts, sports, and being outdoors. I’m interested in metabolism, culture, as well as the development of relationships. I joined SHARE to practice interpersonal skills and become an advocate for mental health access. SHARE has been my avenue for connection and self-care. Through SHARE, I hope to cultivate a community of love through diversity, collaboration, and empowerment.

(he/they)
Greetings! I’m Adrian, the founder and Coordinator of the Longhorn SHARE Project. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and earned an M. Ed. in Human Relations and a B.S. in Sociology. I’ve been working at UT Austin since 2015 prior to joining the Longhorn Wellness Center in May 2021. As a transgender person with lived experience managing anxiety and ADHD, it’s been a joy to build this program and mentor our amazing SHARE Support Specialists as they co-create inclusive, nonjudgmental spaces for Longhorns across campus to support each other through shared challenges. My other interests include storytelling, community-building, interpersonal communication, program planning, career guidance, and finding new ways to inspire exploration, growth, self-efficacy, and meaning-making in students so they graduate knowing their own worth.

(she/her)
Spoken languages: Hebrew, English
Shalom (Hebrew: hi/peace), I’m Maya, an MSSW student in the clinical concentration. I grew up in a small town in Israel, where I studied clinical criminology. After moving to Austin, TX, I decided to become a social worker and to empower marginalized populations. Mental health advocacy is my passion, and my core values are promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I joined the Longhorn SHARE Project as I firmly believe peer support groups can enhance students' quality of life by facilitating a safe space and inclusivity. My personal journey is a testimony that nurturing a sense of community and social connections can improve well-being. My goal is to inspire and be inspired by fellow students as we share experiences and offer one another the support, empowerment, and growth we deserve.

(she/her)
Hi, my name is Elina! I’m a senior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I am ecstatic to be part of the Longhorn SHARE Project because I am passionate about advocating for the diverse needs of the UT community and expanding student access to mental health support. I aspire to help my fellow peers feel less alone in every step of their life journey, while also reciprocally learning from my peers! As part of the SHARE team, I hope to create a space for others to feel empowered and understood. Outside of school, my long time passions include painting and illustration. I’m currently pursing a career in medicine and am hoping to apply my creative background to further bridge the gap between the arts and healing.