Penn State College of Health and Human Development
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Diverse fields of study that share one

common goal: enriching the lives of others.

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First-Year Peer Assistants

Who are the First-Year Peer Assistants?

First-Year Peer Assistants (PAs), are upper division students who serve as navigation guides throughout your first semester. PAs provide first-hand knowledge of what it means to be an HHD student and are trained to provide you with resources to help you be a successful college student.

PAs will work closely with you in your PSU14 First-Year Seminar course. They serve as co-facilitators in the classroom and also assist with a variety of first-year engagement activities throughout the academic year. Already registered for your PSU14 course? Find your class in the list below and read about all of our First-Year Peer Assistants!

Find

Last Name
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Addison Agnew
Summary Statement

Hi! I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Some of my favorite classes I’ve taken are CSD 311 and HDFS 108N. When I’m not at the Kern Panera, you can usually find me at the IM Building or on the pickleball courts!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Melina Anast
Co-Director
Summary Statement

Hi! I'm from Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C! My favorite class at Penn State has been NUTR 446. Outside of classwork, I enjoy cooking, going on walks, and spending time with my friends.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Ariana Aray
Summary Statement

I was born in Miami but I grew up and live in North Jersey! I love hanging out with my friends, reading, listening to music, the beach, traveling, concerts, skiing, and movies. A fun fact about me is that Spanish is my first language :)

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Zach Auel
Summary Statement

Hi, I'm from the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am an avid golfer and I love to workout. My favorite classes include Nutrition 251 with Dr. Hodges and Bio 161 with Dr. Gilbert. My favorite study spot on campus are the pods in the library.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Emma Campbell
Co-Director
Summary Statement

I'm from Monroe, Connecticut! My favorite classes have been on anatomy & physiology, aging, and morality. When I'm not studying at the Nittany Lion Inn, I love to take long walks, cook for my friends, and go line dancing!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Karena Christenson
Summary Statement

Hey everyone! I am from Moorhead, Minnesota! My favorite class I have taken so far has definitely been Kines 202. In my free time I love to go on walks around campus, bake, and read!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Ella Cypher
Summary Statement

I'm from Bristow, Virginia. Some of my favorite classes were BIO 161, BIO162, and KINES 101. I play on the women's club water polo at Penn State. I love to go on hikes and being active, hang out with my friends, and watching reality tv.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Odessa Dando
Summary Statement

I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area! My favorite classes so far have been PLSC 291, PHIL 119 & KINES 77. I love taking Pilates classes at the IM, studying in the library Starbucks, and going for walks around campus.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Julia Debejian
Summary Statement

Hi everyone!! I'm from upstate NY, Syracuse area. I really enjoy my nutrition classes, specifically focusing on performance nutrition, NUTR 407 was a great course for this!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Avery DeGuzman
Summary Statement

I'm from San Diego, California. Some of my favorite classes are CSD 462, HDFS 413 & 433. I love going for a run, being with my friends, or going to the beach! My favorite study spot on campus is The Stacks!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Naishley Deroneth
Summary Statement

Hi!! I’m from Elkins park, Pa. One my favorite class I’ve taken at PSU would be BBH 316. I love to read, shop and watch 2000’s rom coms.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Kiersten Dunlap
First-Year Peer Assistant
Summary Statement

I am from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania! My favorite classes have been BIOL 161 and BBH 101. I love to hangout with my friends, watch movies, and travel! My favorite study spots are the Nittany Lion Inn and the BBH building.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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John Dunn
Summary Statement

I’m from Armagh, PA (Pittsburgh area), and I love music and travel. I really enjoy taking classes to explore my interests and hobbies even if they aren’t directly about my major, and I love Cafe Laura and strolling the campus in the evenings.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Alyssa Funchess
Summary Statement

Hi! I’m from Montgomery, New York! My favorite class is CSD 230 and ENGL 214! I love the library I love to hide and do work on the 5th floor!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Elaine Green
Summary Statement

I am from a small town right outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I love going for walks around campus/downtown. I really enjoy exploring and trying new things such as coffee spots or food places. I also love exploring different buildings and finding new study spots!!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Emma Hetrick
Summary Statement

Hi! I'm from Boyertown, Pennsylvania! My favorite class so far has been NUTR 251, but I also enjoy all things science! I love to be with my friends, whether that be working out, going on walks, or relaxing indoors.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Charlie-Bea Humphris
Summary Statement

I'm from State College, PA, but I was born in England. My favorite class so far has been HDFS 216. On campus, I'm involved with the club water polo team, baton twirling, and color guard. I also love the outdoors so hiking and camping is my jam!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Casimier "CJ" Korowicki
Summary Statement

I'm from Pittsburgh, PA — die-hard Steelers fan through and through. When I'm not grinding through my football internship, you'll find me at the gym or at Bible studies through PSCA or YoungLife.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Flynn Krause
Summary Statement

I am from Cape May County, New Jersey! My favorite class, so far, has been KINES 101. I love to read, watch movies, bake, and spend time with my roommates. My favorite study spot on campus is the Arboretum or in the stacks with a window view! 

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Christina Martinez
Summary Statement

Hi! I’m from South Jersey! My favorite class I’ve taken so far at Penn State is HDFS 311! I love traveling, going to the gym, hanging out with my friends, and going to the beach! When I’m not doing school work you’ll probably find me at the IM! 

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Thomas Martz
Summary Statement

I'm from Lorton, Virginia. My favorite classes include anatomy and physiology and Psych 212. In my free time, I enjoy lifting and watching sports. My favorite study spot on campus is the library. 

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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John Michaels
Summary Statement

Hailing from Philadelphia, I am a youth baseball instructor that loves everything to do with exercise. My favorite classes have included KINES 440 and 413W.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Aly Nemec
Summary Statement

I'm from Bucks County Pennsylvania. My favorite classes include HDFS 129, PSYCH 100 and CSD 297! I love to workout in the IM building and take walks around the stadium. I love getting super involved and going to sports games!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Madelyn Okolichany
Summary Statement

I’m from Bucks County, Pa. Some of my favorite classes are CSD 269 Deaf culture and community and CSD 433 Aural Rehab! I love going to workout classes at the IM with my friends and walking downtown. My favorite study spot is the ECORE building!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Sam Pellis
Summary Statement

I’m from Pittsburgh, PA. My favorite classes have been NUTR 361 and 372! I love to workout at the White Building, socialize with friends, and go out. A great study spot that I love to go to is the HHD Building Atrium! 

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Gianna Pettinelli
Summary Statement

I'm from Broomall, PA! Some of my favorite classes are KINES 202 and BIOL 230W. Outside of class, I love being active, hanging out with friends, and reading!! When I'm studying, I like to go to the BBH building or the Nittany Lion Inn!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Loren Reeves
Summary Statement

I’m from Maryland. Some of my favorite classes have been HDFS 315 and WMNST 106N. I love yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends. My favorite study spot on campus is the library!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Colleen Sannito
Summary Statement

Hi! I am from East Hanover, NJ. My favorite class I have taken at Penn State would be HM 242, HM 336 and HM 280. If I am not in class you can find me in the Panhellenic Office, or my favorite study spot, Cafe Laura.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Makayla Smith
Summary Statement

Hi! I’m Mak from Allentown , Pa. HDFS 129N and BBH 316 are definitely in my top 5 favorite classes. If you can’t find me, I’m probably at pollock dining hall 🍽️.

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Annabelle Townsend
Summary Statement

I'm from a small town called King William, Virginia! I've loved so much about Penn State so far including my BIO and KINES classes! I love to watch the football games, run around campus, and get Starbucks from the library!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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Julia Waterloo
Summary Statement

Hi! Im from Chester County, PA. Some of my favorite classes so far are HDFS 129 and CSD 269. I love to spend my free time with friends, reading, and playing pickleball. One of my favorite spots on campus is the outside area of the BBH building!

Department
  • First-Year Peer Assistant
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